Voices of Our Future is fostering a new generation of empowered grassroots women leaders with the skills they need to share their stories and innovative solutions with the world.
Over 1,700 women from nearly 130 countries have applied for program over the past three years. Read about the 2012 Correspondents by clicking on their biographies below. From Barbados to Palestine, these women have demonstrated the voice, vision and solutions-oriented writing that World Pulse seeks to nurture.
Kashmir
Mentor: Carol Adams
Editorial Midwife: Karoline Kemp
Surrounded by fear, militarism and violence in war-torn Kashmir, Aliya embraces her role as a journalist to seek out solutions, and the often hidden, small ways that women are making a difference. She believes women have a crucial role to play in peace and reconciliation, government decision making and all efforts to build a sustainable future for her homeland.
“More women should feel empowered and break all the shackles of marginalization to be a part of peace negotiations and political processes to resolve the long-pending Kashmir conflict.”
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Gambia
Mentor: Virginia Williams
Editorial Midwife: Jan Askin
An activist journalist, amiesissoho is a bridge between rural and urban, literate and illiterate women in Gambia. Having overcome her own fear of technology to become a loudspeaker for women’s rights, she seeks to empower women using alternative media. She is creating a local platform where women can speak in their own language, tell their stories, and share their solutions. Amiesissoho believes that when women realize the power in their voices, they can change the world.
“My personal vision is women at grassroots level have access to alternative media to speak out against their oppression and marginalization.”
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Nigeria
Mentor: Christie Hardwick
Editorial Midwife: Kristin Miller
Celine was born in a poor eastern Nigerian suburb during the civil war and developed a physical disability during childhood. As a woman growing up in a patriarchal society and living with a physical disability, Celine faced malnutrition, marginalization, stigmatization, and discrimination, and now bears the weight of severe trauma. However, Celine refuses to let these obstacles get in the way of her dream: to transform the lives of women with disabilities. She is realizing her dream by creating empowerment and public sensitization programs focused on equality, dignity, and respect for women with disabilities.
“I am on a journey of faith to fulfill a vision to use web 2.0 to free women from oppression, suppression, and discrimination.”
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Zambia
Mentor: Eileen Page
Editorial Midwife: Jinx Faulkner
Growing up in Zambia, Chinemu found a way out of poverty through education. Currently she is working on a project to equip youth with a range of income-earing skills, so that they too can avoid a life of struggle. Chinemu also works as a journalist, using the power of the pen to confront the problems young girls face in a patriarchal society. She sees the potential for World Pulse to help her reach a wider audience and act as a loudspeaker for the issues in her community.
“I wish to share my vision with the world, share ideas and transform them to reality and see more and more children liberated from the chains of poverty.”
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Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mentor: Ruth Beedle
Editorial Midwife: Valerie Bagley
Afflicted by polio at the age of two, CongoLeezza grew up in one of the worst countries in the world to be a woman-the Democratic Republic of Congo. Today she works to unite hundreds of thousands of women to bring an agenda of dignity, rights and gender empowerment to the forefront of her nation’s future. As part of her vision, CongoLeezza has opened an Information Communications Technology company to give voice to the voiceless and change the global conversation.
"I’m not interested in making a little noise – I’m looking to CHANGE THE PARADIGM!"
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Serbia
Mentor: Kat Haber
Editorial Midwife: Elizabeth Fautsch
Caught in the middle of the Serbian-Croatian war in the 1990s, Dubravka’s life changed forever. Her freedoms disappeared, and the threads of her life and community unraveled within a few years. Fast forward to now: Dubravka lives in a small town on the Hungarian border with infrequent electricity. Internet is her door to create the world that she envisions. She seeks out information on issues most dear to her - protecting women and preventing domestic violence. She begins to tell her community’s stories. Again her life is changing in front of her eyes, but this time she is regaining her freedom.
“I have to connect women of Serbia and help them to collaborate, and do not let them be forgotten like Robinson Crusoe on his island.”
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Syria
Mentor: Sarah Whitten
Editorial Midwife: Emily Brewer
Hummingbird spent many years as a young woman in Syria suffering deeply simply for not wanting to accept a woman’s traditional subservient role. She endured beatings and humiliation in a loveless marriage, finding solace and inspiration only in books. That is, until one day, she had enough and packed her bags and left. Since that day, even as her country has fallen into deepening violence and repression, she has become more courageous and self-assured. Hummingbird sees the potential to use new media to transform her country —and the world — by unleashing women’s concealed aspirations and wisdom.
“I always encourage my sisters to be fearless, it is never too late to stop the damage or accept change.”
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Uganda
Mentor: Amy Kessel
Editorial Midwife: Amy Maroney
In Uganda, where violence against women and teen pregnancy are normal occurrences, Ikirmat is determined to make a difference in the lives of women. She is challenging harmful cultural and religious practices in her community with knowledge through her Sexual Health Improvement Project. By training community health educators how to reach out to youth in their communities, she is giving the next generation of girls and young women access to knowledge about their rights and the resources they need to lead healthy, successful lives.
“I have found comfort, a family in World Pulse, who is ready to listen, to share, to guide me in my voyage in achieving the my dream.”
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Barbados
Mentor: Anjana Pursnani
Editorial Midwife: Sally Hedman
Hailing from the small Caribbean nation of Barbados, Juliette believes that her region is all too often sidelined in international policy conversations. She is working to break this pattern and make an impact at home and abroad, first by discovering her own voice, and then by inspiring Caribbean individuals to speak out and create change for themselves. Her biggest life dreams include founding a youth leadership academy in her region, and starting an investment fund for entrepreneurs in the Caribbean and Africa.
“When like-minded individuals come together and advocate around a particular issue, gather the right information and take action there is greater impact.”
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Mexico
Mentor: Ann O'Fallon
Editorial Midwife: Leslie Parrilla
Hailing from Mexico, Katy witnesses fear and intimidation from the growing political violence silencing many women in her country. She is committed to protection and advocacy of women’s and girls' rights, and the need for women from all backgrounds to unite for social justice. Concerned about the media’s lack of coverage of how violence affects women, Katy develops initiatives for community development and organizes social media training workshops for women.
“Big changes are happening in this country and the world needs to know about them. Women and girls in Mexico are in spite of all, very alive and working to build a better world for our families.”
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Cambodia
Mentor: Shirley Clark
Editorial Midwife: Caitlyn Henry
As an expressive young girl, Ly was able to avoid an arranged marriage through a combination of convincing argument and excellence in her studies. Today she works as a parliamentary observer, where she is able to gain an inside perspective on government. Her hard work is bringing her closer to her personal dream: to be an outspoken female politician, confronting injustices such as child rape. She hopes to change the face of political decision-making by inspiring more female and youth participation.
“My voice through Would Pulse will bring Cambodian women’s issues to the world and back with solutions.”
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Nicaragua
Mentor: Jane Wells
Editorial Midwife: Roz Siegel
Growing up in Nicaragua during a time of war and radical social change, Maddy witnessed acts of violence and destruction, but also instances of solidarity and hope. Today Maddy sees political polarization, coupled with biased media sources, as one of the biggest challenges to equality, non-violence, and collaboration. Maddy’s self-confidence, based on her faith, helps her find the strength to work towards her vision of promoting hope and positive social change. Her work experience in nonprofit organizations facilitating relationships between communities of faith has reinforced her commitment to create meaningful connections between seemingly different people.
“This worldwide women’s movement using new media shows a crucial change in the way we relate to technology, it is no longer a ‘man’s domain.’ We are tearing down walls and erasing borders that have kept us apart.”
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Zimbabwe
Mentor: Judy Kugelmass
Editorial Midwife: Barbara Bracewell
MaDube is a Zimbabwean lawyer by profession and a human rights advocate by calling. As an observer in her country’s 2008 elections, she bore witness to violence and intimidation, primarily targeted at women. She is now using her voice in this repressive environment to link politics, law, and human rights to defend the dignity of women and demand change in her country.
“The possibility of facing reprisals for speaking out is high, but silence is not an option.”
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United States
Mentor: Paulette Common
Editorial Midwife: Julie Tomlin
Raised in a working class neighborhood in the South Bronx, malba66 is a Puerto Rican/Panamanian activist, producer and writer who has worked in the arts, and youth and community development throughout the US and Latin America for over 15 years. She currently works with low-income, immigrant youth and families to overcome barriers to quality public education. Malba66 believes that through art and media, the voices of marginalized people must be brought to a global stage to help promote dialogue on peace and justice.
“Documenting and telling stories is central to my life project, mostly because my story—and the stories of my community as a Puerto Rican, Panamanian, working class woman and mother in the United States—is rarely given a forum.”
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Egypt
Mentor: Mary Bennett
Editorial Midwife: Leslie Stoupas
As a young girl growing up in Egypt, Mirette discovered the power of the written word as a healing tool to deal with the challenges she faced. After leaving an unfulfilling banking job, she pursued community development work as a way to combine her love of writing and her passion for children. She is currently developing a project for youth to engage in interfaith dialogue and collaborative community work, while connecting to their common identity as Egyptian citizens in the post-Mubarak Egypt.
“My vision is to be a mentor for children and youth, especially girls, and help them to find themselves and their mission in life, to lead a healthy, happy and successful life.”
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Thailand
Mentor: Ruth Beedle
Editorial Midwife: Lisa Cox
A social activist, community researcher and writer, mlaphimon seeks to bring to light the stories and insights of women of Thailand and the Greater Mekong Subregion. Working at the intersection of HIV and Violence Against Women, she struggles daily to ensure that the sexual and reproductive rights of all people, particularly sexual minorities, are respected and enforced. Mlaphimon seeks to engage a global audience to nurture mutual respect, understanding and acceptance.
“I foresee the world with sexual diversity. In so doing, a tolerant community where women can defend their rights over their bodies without fear of social stigma and discrimination can become reality.”
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South Africa
Mentor: Elaine Millam
Editorial Midwife: Michelle Coburn
Monica Clarke is a passionate voice trying to end gender based violence in South Africa. She wants to bring to light the majority of abuse that goes unreported, and compel her government to create fair, strong, and objective laws, and ensure that every citizen feels empowered to step forward when they witness assault and abuse. Monica sees mobile technology as a way to carry out her vision of creating a national database which will help track and disseminate key information on gender based violence.
“I know that my little light is joined by millions of others across the skies, buoyant and luminous; that my little sound reverberates within thunder; and my drop of water feeds the sea.”
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Argentina
Mentor: Clarice Scriber
Editorial Midwife: Abigail Diskin
Nasreenamina is a Chilean writer and activist living in Buenos Aires who wants the world to know how women are changing their realities in South America. As converted Muslim, she helps give voice to other Muslim women around the globe by interviewing them on topics such as the portrayal of women in educational systems in North Africa. Nasreenamina believes that women need skills in leadership and information communication technologies to participate fully in the movement for social justice—and she has already started a training program in her region to achieve this vision.
“Life is a gift. A fulfilled life is an achievement. A woman achieving her dreams is a butterfly who learned how to fly in the storm.”
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Palestine
Mentor: Pat Finnegan
Editorial Midwife: Rosemary Hannan
As an English-speaking, Palestinian American woman living in an Arab town in Israel, noreens uses her unique perspective and love of writing to break down misconceptions and stereotypes. By writing about Palestinian folktales and Muslim holidays in a local children’s magazine, sharing her personal experiences of being searched at check-points, or relaying the struggles of other Palestineans in her joint Arab-Jewish women’s photography class, noreens brings humanity to the forefront of a decades-long struggle for freedom.
“Knowledge is power, and armed with both, women can cross borders and topple misconceptions, inequality, and injustice. We can make our own demonstrations of change.”
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Kenya
Mentor: Mary Ann Morreale
Editorial Midwife: Jana Potter
Okeny-Lucia, a nurse and maternal and child-health advocate, braved the 2km walk from her home in Kibera, Kenya’s largest slum, to help her countrymen and women after violence broke out during the 2007 elections. Realizing that her story and those of countless other nurses and midwives are going untold in her country, Okeny-Lucia works to connect these women with the skills and tools they need in information communications technology to make their voices heard and find the resources they need to reduce maternal mortality.
“I believe if many midwives get to be connected through World Pulse to say their stories, we will make the worst noise until the government hears. No woman must die while seeking for maternal care on time.”
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Afghanistan
Mentor: Ellen Wingard
Editorial Midwife: Farnoosh Fathi
As a child Parwana lived under the gloomy skies of Kabul until she fled with her family to Pakistan where she lived as a refugee for ten years. Today she has overcome difficult odds to become a student at the Asian University for Women, where she is finding her wings and using her voice to build a peaceful future for Afghanistan. Parwana dreams of bringing human rights, peace, and knowledge to women in Afghanistan so that they too can live with hope and confidence, reclaim their freedom and dignity, and rebuild their country.
“I am confident that I am the one who is going to change the Afghan women's world. I am going to write about Afghanistan, Afghan women, Afghan men, Afghan children, and even Afghanistan's nature that will awaken the world to save my country and leave it in peace after decades of war."
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Philippines
Mentor: Marta Williams
Editorial Midwife: Jocelyn Edelstein
Reawakening an old dream to become a journalist, Paulina Lawsin is determined to connect the voices of women from the villages of the Philippines with a global audience to help end poverty, violence, and gender inequality. Orphaned at the age of ten, her mother’s spirit guides her on her quest to create just and equitable communities. Paulina trains local people in gender sensitivity, participatory governance and leadership, and has banded together with women all over the country to push for pro-poor and gender sensitive laws and budgets.
“Let the women voices be heard in the villages, at the local centers of power, to the halls of Congress. Together, we will lift each other’s spirits, wipe each other’s tears, cheer at our small victories and sustain our gains in the family, work and community lives.”
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Eritrea
Mentor: Nancy Cosgriff
Editorial Midwife: Debra Engle
Rahel is a young Eritrean woman committed to action. While she appreciates the power of new media and technology to connect a global community, she recognizes the profound digital divide that often keeps grassroots women leaders from being heard. Rahel hopes to serve as a connection between these women and the rest of the world, to help inform, empower, and build peace in her country and region.
“We need to not just spread information and report on the amazing things our mothers have done and continue to do, but to also mobilize young women to take on similar action.”
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China
Mentor: Odessa
Editorial Midwife: Lisa Teberg
Born in a small village in southern China, redsbird identifies herself as a daughter, a mother, and a woman. As a journalist for her city newspaper, redsbird is working towards her vision to bring about equality for women in China by writing about women’s perspectives on reproductive rights and gender roles, which are all too often ignored in society. An avid writer on Sina-weibo, a Chinese network akin to Twitter, redsbird believes that inner change and reflection must happen before one can change the world.
“Unity is strength. Web 2.0 makes the unity of women all over the world become possible that was unbelievable [before].”
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Jamaica
Mentor: Patricia O'Connor
Editorial Midwife: Lois Parshley
As a young girl in a small town in the poorest parish in Jamaica, ruthibelle was raised “having barely to just enough.” At a young age, surrounded by disempowered youth and teenage pregnancy, she felt she lived in darkness. But now, sparked by education, ruthibelle looks at her community and sees solutions. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge and action, she is volunteering, blogging, and building movements as a youth advocate in her country and the world.
“I want to tell precious stories so well that people won’t stop talking, won’t stop thinking, until something happens - something big, something great, something absolutely filled with nobility.”
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Somalia
Mentor: Catherine Fitzgerald
Editorial Midwife: Jennifer Baljko
After two decades of war in Somalia, Sahro is determined to put conflict resolution and gender equality at the top of the political agenda. She envisions a transformation in Somali mindset; moving away from violence as a solution to one of peace and dialogue. She is currently bringing Somali women together on multiple social media sites to speak out about the need for national and community peace initiatives. She is helping women become agents of change instead of victims of war, and pressuring the government to create a Ministry for Peace and Conflict Transformation.
“There is a need to speak a language of love and harmony that is inclusive of all ethnic groups. There is a need to have more role models and peace builders.”
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India
Mentor: Sara Collins
Editorial Midwife: Pushpa Achanta
Enduring the struggle of growing up in northeast India as a girl, Stella survived a childhood of neglect, abuse, and a society that refused to acknowledge her as a woman capable of making positive change. Now a freelance journalist and about to cover the UN Climate Summit in Durban 2011, Stella is telling the stories of marginalized women to a world audience. She focuses on finding solutions to women’s inequality through community-based media, including Web 2.0 and mobile phone journalism.
“These marginalized women of India are actually a rising army of change makers; they are taking micro loans to buy computers, cell phones and start a business; they are laboring with men and demanding equal pay; they are fighting displacement, corruption, domestic violence, and, even elections.”
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Nigeria
Mentor: Robin Athey
Editorial Midwife: Laura Stull
Treasureland, from Nigeria, is an ambitious woman who overcame a turbulent and at times violent childhood to turn victimhood into leadership. She has dedicated her life to working tirelessly for the women and girls of Nigeria. Treasureland is proud to contribute to the Millennium Development Goals on poverty alleviation and sustainable development by serving as a youth mentor, by teaching IT and social media skills in rural communities, and by empowering women to stand up for reproductive health rights and fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS and Malaria.
“Web 2.0 bridges the gap between literacy and illiteracy, race and religion, rich and poor, it encourages all women to speak.”
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Nepal
Mentor: Katherine Holt
Editorial Midwife: Anna Sontag
“Girls’ education is like pouring water over sand,” is how Usha describes the environment in her small village in Nepal. Fortunately, her parents ignored the majority opinion and sent Usha to school. Usha refuses to be silenced by violence and discrimination, and yearns to spread the dignity and empowerment that she feels to other women. She wants to become involved in building a women’s global network to change people’s the beliefs that it is OK to oppress women through sexual harassment, lower pay, and withholding of property rights.
“I dream of being a global woman with dignity. I dream of being a woman with a powerful voice. I dream of being a woman with decision making power. This is for me, "the garden of my dreams”.”
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Brazil
Mentor: Kate Rivera
Editorial Midwife: Thais Moraes
Born in the slums of Rio de Janeiro to an illiterate father and semi-literate mother, Valeria Barbosa da Silva has spent 32 years working with the youth, elderly and families in the favelas helping to create a brighter future. Having been taught by her neighbors to read, Valeria now contributes regularly to her community newspaper dedicated to promoting the voices from Cidade de Deus, Rio de Janeiro’s most infamous slum. Her dream is to create a center for women’s empowerment, providing educational training, psychological support, and guidance so that the women of the slums can live dignified and healthy lives.
“If we are not aware, we are slaves of power. It is a chain that keeps our tongue, hands and feet shackled. Freedom is called information. The passport to peace is communication.”
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Cameroon
Mentor: Monica Lehner
Editorial Midwife: Anne Dujmovic
Growing up in Cameroon, zoneziwoh realized she simply could not remain silent when witnessing people living in fear from abuse, imprisonment, and starvation. As a rising citizen journalist, poet, and women’s activist, zoneziwoh is constantly implementing solutions to problems that she runs across. Recently she created a platform on Facebook and Twitter for Cameroonian women to share their personal stories and experiences throughout this year’s October 2011 presidential elections.
“My goal is to rewrite the history of Cameroon with an emphasis on the women who are not afraid of the front line and making positive change.”
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Voices of Our Future 2009
Voices of Our Future: Web 2.0, Citizen Journalism and Empowerment Training Program
Voices of Our Future is an online training program investing in women's ability to use new technology and media to share their stories and innovative solutions with the world.
World Pulse and program partners the Press Institute, the OpEd Project, and the Empowerment Institute provide training in web 2.0, citizen journalism and mentoring to empower a new generation of grassroots women leaders to raise their voices, promote their visions for change and become leaders for their communities.
Meet three of our 2009 Correspondents in person!
In November, Jacqueline from Bolivia, Malayapinas from the Philippines, and Sunita from Nepal, will be coming to the United States in to join World Pulse’s media and speaking tour. To find out if the tour is coming to a location near you, please visit the Tour Homepage.
To read our 2009 Final Program Report, click here
2009 Global Correspondents
Palestine
Mentor: Pat O'Connor
Editorial Midwives: Francie Wenner, Sally Hedman
Arda prepares daily for the possibilities of school bombings, killings, and families torn apart. In such a world, there is one constant: injustice. As a correspondent, Arda writes from her soul to inspire other women in conflict zones to shine their light on women's rights and to live without bitterness.
"World Pulse is my extended family. This is where I draw inspiration. . from women . . . who are only getting better; angry yes, crazy perhaps, but never bitter."
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Nigeria
Mentor: Amy Lombardo
Editorial Midwives: Emily Miller, Karthika Mohan
One of seven children born to illiterate parents, Busayo overcame violence to fulfill her dream to receive a good education. Now 44, Busayo is a guidance counselor handling myriad rape, assault, and sexual-harassment cases. Each case strengthens her resolve to pursue her passion: weaving a world safe for women and girls.
"When women are put in their rightful position, the world becomes a beautiful place to live in."
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Zimbabwe
Mentor: Carol Adams
Editorial Midwives: Gretchen Lee, Carly Diaz
Growing up in the dusty streets of a high density suburb in Mutare, Zimbabwe, Gertrude noticed early on how the women around her were nearly voiceless and had no control over their lives. Today, amidst severe government crackdowns and press restrictions, she bravely trains women and girls on how to use participatory communication to drive their own development, fight for their sexuality and communications rights, and create long-term social change.
“I will narrate the unheard stories of women in Zimbabwe and build local networks of women to create laws that truly reflect our aspirations.”
 Listen to Gertrude read her favorite VOF assignment.
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Bolivia
Mentor: Marcie Lesnick
Editorial Midwives: Gemma Dreher, Leslie Parrilla
An Aymara indigenous blogger and photographer from the highlands of South America, Cristina did not want to wait for someone else to hand her a microphone. Instead, she seized the Internet to broadcast the wisdom of her people. A long bus ride or a steep mountain climb does not deter her from capturing the stories of young and old Aymara across her country. She is determined to follow in the steps of her ancestors and contribute to the revitalization of her culture.
“I want to speak and write about my culture and the situation for rural and urban indigenous women. I want to be part of a huge network of active women sharing our stories.”
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Zambia
Mentor: Vera Salter
Editorial Midwives: Theresa Braine, Francie Wenner
A social worker, Dando works with HIV+ people in her community who face stigma and discrimination. Using journalism to free and strengthen her own voice, she fights to help other Zambian women know their rights and how to defend themselves. She hopes to become a member of parliament, where women are still under-represented.
“I believe when women’s voices arise they can reach policy makers who can change the unnecessary traditions which restrict women from expressing themselves.”
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Uganda
Mentor: Dorothy Orszulack
Editorial Midwives: Emily Miller, Karthika Mohan
Since she was 9-years-old, defying her father’s fists, Edonna felt her voice stirring and had a vision of speaking to large crowds of people. Although in her 43 years she has faced devastating life events of poverty, abandonment, homelessness, false incarceration, and the loss of two daughters, her motivational nature has propelled her to overcome and receive a PhD. Today, she devotes herself to establishing African women’s place in the history of Africa. Deeply spiritual, she envisions a world where nurturing instead of destruction will be our number one priority.
"My personal vision for my life is to develop a community where my truth inspires people to come out of their hiding places and show their real face."
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Ghana
Mentor: Kathy Castro
Editorial Midwives: Gretchen Lee, Sally Hedman
Children, Youth and Women’s rights advocate Gifty releases messages of strength, independence, and development through all forms of media. She loves to paint with words and capture the sounds of society around her. When she provides media trainings to youth her heart bulges with pride as she hears future life-givers, ministers, presidents, and change agents speaking their deepest thoughts, or “adwen,” aloud.
“Being a correspondent is a sacred opportunity to increase the volume of the silent yet loud voices of my sisters in every corner of Ghana.”
Listen to Gifty read her favorite VOF assignment.
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Sudan
Mentor: Helen Hamada
Editorial Midwives: Carly Diaz, Molly Rudberg-Leshnock
Born to an illiterate farming family in Central Sudan, Halima screamed in the house until she was allowed to go to school like her brothers. She made the seven kilometer trek on the back of a donkey, an animal that she realized, ironically, was valued more than girls. Now, she is victorious, wearing the toga of a respected journalist and academic living in Saudia Arabia, writing in French, English, and her mother tongue of Arabic. She sheds light on her beloved war torn country of Sudan, especially the lives of the economically and socially displaced.
“It is the gift of the century for women to deliver their messages freely and be heard.”
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Brazil
Mentor: Susan Geear
Editorial Midwives: Gemma Dreher, Molli Vandehey-Patterson
Living in the midst of the drug warfare and gun battles in the favelas (slums) of Rio de Janeiro means that it is not uncommon for Ivaldete to encounter the aftermath of violence when she steps out of her door. Yet this self-proclaimed “woman warrior” and 41-year old grandmother finds joy through her art and craftwork, selling purses for extra income. She loves her seven grandchildren fiercely, and calls them her lion cubs. She dreams one day of having a home in a secure area to keep them safe.
“It is a tremendous honor to speak on behalf of all the women who don’t have the chance to scream to the world that “Yes, we exist!”
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Bolivia
Mentor: Yvonne Bryant
Editorial Midwives: Carly Diaz, Sally Hedman
Jacqueline has worked hard to achieve her dreams and effect change in Bolivia, a country renowned for its natural beauty and indigenous government. Raising two children by herself after divorce, she decided that life would not defeat her. College student by night, she paid for school by working as a translator and secretary, while well as building up her first economic initiative to provide pastry to restaurants, and employing three other women in her same situation. A talented entrepreneur, she has since launched three small businesses and worked with social organizations and indigenous groups across her country for over a decade.
"My motivation in life is to help women realize their dreams. The hardest work, though, is to have them realize they actually do have dreams."
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Kenya
Mentor: Linda Lubin
Editorial Midwives: Theresa Braine, Molly Rudberg-Leshnock
Rejecting the belief that her worth is measured in the number of cows her dowry could bring, Joanne believes firmly in the power of Kenya’s women. As a community information volunteer, she inspires women who have been intimidated into silence to speak against the injustices they endure. For Joanne, being a bold citizen journalist and a poet is an antidote to life in a country where “media only serves those with money.”
“I believe that through my voice, I will be able to empower and influence women all over the world to think outside the box and walk above the veil of suppression and silent submission created by our society.”
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Nepal
Mentor: Virginia Lee
Editorial Midwives: Theresa Braine, Emily Miller
Nepal’s increasing unrest hit close to home for Khushbu in 2007 when her father was kidnapped and tortured. Despite media repression and growing insecurity in Kathmandu, this 24-year-old dynamo only pushes harder to speak out and develop her nation by obtaining her degree in economics. Fired up to leave her “stamp emblazoned on humanity,” she visualizes a country where mothers and wives can send their husbands and sons outside without fear of never seeing them again.
“Being a correspondent will help me to show the gruesome realities of Nepal and bring a revolution of change in my country and the world.”
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Nepal
Mentor: Grace A. Dunbar
Editorial Midwives: Erin Fanshier, Molli Vandehey-Patterson
24-year-old Anjana is the main brain behind many youth-led initiatives across Nepal, a nation teetering on the verge of social and political upheaval. From eradicating sex slavery to conserving wetlands and upholding women’s land rights, you will find Anjana at the forefront, inciting and organizing others to claim justice. Despite spotty electricity and internet access, this poet, writer, and activist is making waves, enabling the cries of the unheard to transform this beautiful nation.
“I can put the plights of women in Nepal in front of the world.”
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Kenya
Mentor: Debbie Daniels
Editorial Midwives: Gretchen Lee, Molly Rudberg-Leshnock
Two years ago Leah was dying from AIDS. Then, she made the long-trek to an Internet café and started connecting with AIDS leaders around the world. With their help, she planned income-generating activities that expanded her AIDS work, that allowed her to train 16 other HIV+ women and nurses in her community. With a newly-gifted computer, she became the first-ever local correspondent for World Pulse and used PulseWire to report on the voices and needs of her community.
“Two years ago I was dying from AIDS. Today, I am alive and thriving. PulseWire has created hope that I cannot describe. I have so many dreams, and now, I’m going to do them all!”
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Botswana
Mentor: Cathy Goerz
Editorial Midwives: Gemma Dreher, Francie Wenner
As a single mother raising a 7-year-old child with multiple disabilities in Africa, Liba has her share of challenges. As a survivor of abuse herself, somehow she is finding a way to simultaneously care for her son, while living her dream to provide free legal services to women and children survivors of domestic violence.
“A door has been opened in my heart that I never thought would be opened. Now I can heal the wounds of my own history and tell the stories of all the abused women and girls that I have listened to since I started pursing my dream at 6-years-old.”
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Colombia
Mentor: Marla Teyolia
Editorial Midwives: Theresa Braine, Molli Vandehey-Patterson
A self-described “rebel with a cause,” Luz Marina is a strong-willed ambassador for women and children in Bogota, the cultural and political hub of Colombia. As a lawyer, businesswoman, mother, and lover of literature, she seeks to showcase both the intrepid role professional Colombian woman play on the national stage but also the struggles they face to balance their family lives and partnerships.
“The voice of a woman full of love toward others can really change the world."
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Thailand/Philippines
Mentor: LeTonia Jones
Editorial Midwives: Francie Wenner, Molly Rudberg-Leshnock
Surviving in Mindinao, the volatile southern island of the Philippines is a daily concern for Ma Chona. Plunging deeply into remote areas as a development worker, she supports indigenous peoples, farmers and fisher folk, to build microfinance programs and protect their environment. Mining on ancestral lands, extra-judicial killings, and interferences from the Catholic Church with family planning programs may daunt her, but she will not be deterred. Her calling is to be a light for others.
“I can be a pair of eyes that sees the world beyond what is visible. By writing and reporting I can be a heart that echoes the despairs and the aspirations of the communities I know well.”
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Philippines
Mentor: Jeanne Nametz
Editorial Midwives: Karthika Mohan, Erin Fanshier
Since childhood Malaypinas has seen the dark side of globalization in the Philippines. She walked to school barefoot after early morning hours selling eggs and cigarettes to ship passengers in her nation’s ports. She toiled in the banana plantations to earn her way to college and became a young mother. Since secret military forces abducted her trade-union husband, she has raised her fist as a fierce organizer for local health, fair trade, and food security. Her dream is to see the Filipino people live to the fullness of their potential and women free to chart their own destiny.
“I want to show the world that Filipina women are not servants of the world but are servants of peace and freedom.”
Listen to Malayapinas read her favorite VOF assignment.
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Kenya
Mentor: Virginia Herndon
Editorial Midwives: Carly Diaz, Erin Fanshier
Lindy Wafula’s life has been shaped by the harsh reality of the AIDS epidemic, which, when she was fourteen, cost her her parents and her home. Struggling to provide for her younger brothers taught her about the crying needs of motherhood, inspiring her to develop Project Africa, a program to empower rural women and girls through resources, education, and support.
“I don’t tell my story to gain pity but to show that each of us can turn our painful pasts into powerful engines to start the wheel of change in our society.”
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Sri Lanka
Mentor: Taur D. Orange
Editorial Midwives: Leslie Parrilla, Sally Hedman
Growing up in Sri Lanka, Manori's childhood memories are clouded with images of military conflict, injustice, and violence. From these harrowing experiences emerged a determined woman with a strong sense of self and a desire to improve conditions for those around her. Manori is a great believer in the power of words to create social justice.
“I find the power of words as strong as ever to lift up a broken spirit, to give hope, to make people take action.”
Listen to Manori read her favorite VOF assignment.
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United States
Mentor: Meena Sharma
Editorial Midwives: Gemma Dreher, Carly Diaz
An Aleut woman in Anchorage, Alaska and mother of four daughters, Maria de Chirikof understands first hand the ravages of emotional violence, having recently ended her abusive marriage. Through the power of web 2.0 she seeks to break the isolation other women feel around the world by showing them that they are not alone. She home schools her daughters in Aleut tradition and women’s history, infusing them with confidence to step out and shape a new world.
“The way to make the world a better place is by letting each woman discover that she is worthwhile and create a positive image for herself that will spread throughout her community and the world.”
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Zimbabwe
Mentor: Martina Barth
Editorial Midwives: Karthika Mohan, Carly Diaz
Martha is a grandmother and activist living under authoritarian rule in Zimbabwe. As an HIV+ woman in a land where most social services have been wiped out, she inspires others daily to develop positive attitudes toward their own fights against AIDS. As she speaks out through PulseWire, Martha challenges her country’s efforts to silence its people.
“The authorities are so scared of people’s ability to access information on the Internet that they stifle us.”
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Kashmir
Mentor: Debra Lach
Editorial Midwives: Emily Miller, Erin Fanshier
Nusrat is a young voice from Kashmir, one of the most militarized zones in the world. Even in the midst of violent protests and frequent searches by guards, Nusrat draws courage and strength from the women who face hardships, yet continue to fight for their communities. Writing helps her to stay alive and to detoxify the negative emotions and images she experiences on a daily basis.
"I will bring forth the stories of my people, my region, especially women who have suffered so much, because mere survival tops the priority list in a conflict region. The best part about being a World Pulse correspondent is finding solutions and fulfilling my dreams."
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Nigeria
Mentor: Patty Goodwin
Editorial Midwives: Gemma Dreher, Molli Vandehey-Patterson
Despite conflict, corruption, and strife in her country, Ayobami believes Nigeria “can be great," but not without women’s contributions. She uses her journalistic voice to bring freeing truths to her community.
"Now I am all set to explode like a bomb, a good bomb. Instead of leaving devastation and destruction behind me, I will leave beauty and much more."
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Nigeria
Mentor: Natalie Safir
Editorial Midwives: Theresa Braine, Leslie Parrilla
Raised by an uneducated widow in a society that disdains widows, Olutosin emerged from the shadow of discrimination and abuse to become a warrior for the sexually-violated masses in Nigeria. A witness to the mean streets of the capital city of Lagos, she condemns rampant government corruption as well as penal codes that force girls who have been raped to present three witnesses in court. A glittering example of dignity and healing, Olutosin aspires to become a renowned speaker on sexual assault.
“I will unveil the mind of raped women, repair lives through words of encouragement, and heal the wounded in Nigeria through articles written from new angles that will be read across the globe.”
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Kenya
Mentor: JLove Calderon
Editorial Midwives: Gretchen Lee, Francie Wenner
As the first child of five siblings Stella sang praises in her Kenyan church. Today, she is just as passionate about lifting women out of destitute situations as she is about music, hoping one day to record an album about the women of Africa. Since media brought rape and sexual violence to the forefront of public awareness in Kenya seven years ago, Stella has devoted her life to encouraging women who have suffered abuse to speak out and reclaim their lives.
“I want to see more women empowered through web 2.0. I want to see lives changed so that more women can learn to fight for their place in their homes, relationships, and their workplaces.”
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Nepal
Mentor: Carol Anderson
Editorial Midwives: Gretchen Lee, Erin Fanshier
Sunita blazed a path by becoming the first girl to complete high school in her impoverished town in Nepal. Since then, her thirst for justice led her at age 16 to start a successful local savings club for women in her village of 500. She has traveled across her country recording the stories of rural villagers, even while witnessing bloody attacks by the Maoist insurgency. Now, at Bangladesh’s Asian University for Women on a full scholarship, Sunita vows to continue educating women to eradicate poverty.
"I want to make a network in every country and bring changes in people's lives. The power of words is the key to shake the world."
Listen to Sunita read her favorite VOF assignment.
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Pakistan
Mentor: Caroline Thorne-Lyman
Editorial Midwives: Leslie Parrilla, Molli Vandehey-Patterson
As a Muslim woman of Indo-Pak origin, Tanya is not content to allow the propaganda surrounding Pakistan – which she calls home – and her religion to remain unchallenged. She hopes to blend her passions - performing arts, filmmaking, and journalism with human right activism to portray the many facets of life surrounding South Asia and the Muslim world. She is determined to build bridges between the people of this region and elevate it’s many voices.
“If I can create awareness and positively impact one woman, my message can make it to a generation beyond.”
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United States
Mentor: Lynn Margileth
Editorial Midwives: Karthika Mohan, Leslie Parrilla
Living in New York’s rough and tumble Bronx, this mother of two small sons hails from Britain. Inspired by the spirit of Camelot, she engages her fellow immigrant neighbors in quests for urban reconciliation. Her voice spreads even further, however, as an artist, a writer, and an advocate for an international network of thousands of mothers who are galvanizing to build a safer, saner world on behalf of all our children.
“This land of immigrants, of its cultural diversity, tension, violence and indomitable grace, has profoundly impacted me. My writing seeks to break through cultural barriers of misunderstanding and foster peace.”
Listen to Tina read her favorite VOF assignment.
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Republic of Moldova
Mentor: Pat O'Connor
Editorial Midwives: Emily Miller, Molly Rudberg-Leshnock
Victoria was ecstatically blogging the scene when tens of thousands of youth protested recent elections in front of parliament in Chisinau, the capital of communist Moldova. A young journalist, truth-seeker, and documentarian, she thrives on every day coincidences, deja-vus and omens that fill her world with color and joy. She works to show the world the budding hope in her little-known country, and explores its pressing issues of emigration, corruption, and the tensions that exist between ethnic Romanians and Russians.
“Bring the chance we need, people of Moldova! The bloggers create the change! Time to wake up!”
Listen to Victoria read her favorite VOF assignment.
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Mexico
Mentor: Mary Bennett
Editorial Midwives: Carly Diaz, Sally Hedman
Growing up in a conservative Mexican town with six siblings and parents who were the town’s first mixed religious couple, taught Cristina a lot about resolving conflict. After several draining years working in mainstream media and watching her country spiral into worsening gang violence, she has become passionate about “peace journalism”—providing stories of solutions and people working for a better society. She is a true believer that journalism can change the world.
"To be a woman today is a long road to walk. It’s a road to recover the power that culture has taken from us."
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Related links:
Voices of Our Future 2009 Vision Mentors
World Pulse is honored to partner with the Empowerment Institute for the mentoring portion of the program. The 31 mentors are generously donating their time and talent to support, guide, and empower their correspondent to address her challenges and reach her goals.
Gail Straub
Gail Straub co-founded Empowerment Training Programs in 1981. Since then she has offered training to thousands of people throughout America, Europe, Russia, China, and East Asia. She co-directs the Empowerment Institute Certification Program, a school for transformative leadership. Gail's tireless commitment to global women's empowerment and her natural ability to think big brought the mentoring portion of Voices of Our Future to life.
2009 Mentors
Voices of Our Future Tour
HEAR WORLD PULSE’S AWARD-WINNING VOICES OF OUR FUTURE
A SPEAKING AND MEDIA TOUR FOR A NEW GENERATION
OF WOMEN WEB 2.0 CITIZEN JOURNALISTS
A new corps of trained women citizen journalists and leaders are speaking out from some of the most forgotten regions of the world. This November, meet three award-winning correspondents for yourself as they travel across the US sharing how the power of web 2.0 has changed their lives and inspiring us on how we can harness technology to accelerate women’s empowerment worldwide.
NOVEMBER 6-20, 2010
For more information about the tour schedule, contact Lily Abood at lily@worldpulse.com.
For media inquiries, contact Denise Hughes at Denise@creative-connectors.com.
Meet the Voices of Our Future Awardees
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"I want to show the world that Filipina women are not servants of the world but are servants of peace and freedom."
—Malayapinas
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"I want to make a network in every country and bring changes in people's lives. The power of words is the key to shake the world."
—Sunita Basnet
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"Everywhere in Bolivia and Latin America women are used to suffering, but my motivation in life is to help them realize their dreams."
—Jacqueline Patiño
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About the Voices of Our Future Awardees
Malayapinas (Her real name has been withheld to protect her security.)
Since childhood Malayapinas has seen the dark side of globalization and violence in the Philippines. She walked to school barefoot after selling eggs and cigarettes in her nation's ports, and toiled in banana plantations to earn her way through college. Her dream is to see her people free to chart their own destiny. Sadly, two of her women colleagues were recently killed in the largest massacre of journalists in recorded history. For her, the risks she faces by speaking out are outweighed by the risks of continued silence.
Sunita Basnet
Sunita blazed a path by becoming the first girl to complete high school in her impoverished village in Nepal. Since then, her thirst for justice led her at age 16 to start a successful local savings club for women in her village of 500. She has traveled across her country recording the stories of rural villagers, even while witnessing bloody attacks by the Maoist insurgency. Now, Sunita vows to continue educating and networking women in her country and beyond to eradicate poverty.
Jacqueline Patiño
Jacqueline has worked hard to achieve her dreams and ignite change in Bolivia. At 18 she found herself on the streets with two children, fleeing severe violence at home. Yet, she decided that life would not defeat her. College student by night, she took on odd jobs, eventually launching her own small businesses. Today she is a fierce advocate for girl mothers and has worked with social organizations and indigenous groups across Bolivia spreading her message of non-violence and possibility.
For more information about the Voices of Our Future training program, please visit the Program Homepage.
Special Thanks To...
Eileen Fisher — Tour Sponsor
Nan Crawford — Correspondent Speaking Coach
And, our Program Donors, Partners, and Sponsors listed below.
