Atlanta, GA, USA
❖ Communications and Content Specialist with 8 years of experience leading advocacy campaigns, writing projects, and effectively sharing stories of change from around the world.
❖ Creative writer and editor: published author on The Huffington Post, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s blog, Impatient Optimists; and Girls' Globe.
❖ Expert in public speaking and workshop facilitation with experience leading blogging and communications trainings.
Scripted and moderated by: Diane Fender Integrated development solutions play a significant role in keeping women and girls at the center of the post-2015 development agenda. FHI360, an organization improving lives by advancing integrated and locally driven solutions for human development, is leading successful initiatives and the conversation around integrated development.
Whenever I see anything in the news about sexual assault or violent sexual crimes, my heart sinks. In my opinion, one of the most horrific acts of terror is to violate another person sexually. Through the course of my work advocating for women and girls, I have listened to so many horrific stories of abuse,...
Raise your hand if you are tired of politics. In the United States, we are well on our way through the 2016 elections and frankly it is not looking good. Is anyone else stressed, or is it just me? I consider myself moderate in my political views.
Dear Beloved Women, How are you doing, really? This is a question a group of friends and I have been asking ourselves on a weekly basis. We meet together in coffee shops, restaurants and over Skype to have real conversations about our lives.
Scripted and moderated by: Diane Fender Girls' Globe continues our #GGhangout series as we chat with Kupona Foundation. The Kupona Foundation works to improve access to high-quality healthcare for people and communities living in Tanzania. Join us on Thursday, January 14th at 10amET for an interactive Google+ Hangout! The hangout will explore both maternal health issues in the West as well as in Tanzania.
Last week, I joined thousands of world leaders, activists, civil society members, young people, organizational leaders, and yes - even the Pope - for the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held in New York City.
Last October, I began a journey through the remote Langtang Mountain range in Nepal. The purpose of my visit was to experience how women of all ages are rallying their communities against the issue of trafficking. Historically, in this area of Nepal, trafficking is the main source of income for many families.
"Being a blogger enables us to give momentum to a revolution that can change the perceptions of the society we live in." -Akriti, Women LEAD Nepal These are powerful words spoken by a young woman leader in Kathmandu, Nepal. Akriti, alongside other young women, has the opportunity to participate in Women LEAD Nepal's year long...
Scripted and moderated by: Diane Fender In their new book, A Path Appears, Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn highlight powerful stories of people who are making a difference. The book shares courageous stories from young people working to combat trafficking, illiteracy, poor education and a myriad of other issues around the world.
In rural villages, urban centers, hospitals and communities around the world, women and girls are leaders, visionaries and investors on the front lines of change. Though their stories are often untold, throughout history women and girls have shaped the fabric of societies.
Diane Fender worked to update all research for the new edition as well as provided final copy edits. About Forgotten Girls: All over the world, women and girls face troubles such as starvation, displacement, illiteracy, sexual exploitation and abuse. Kay Marshall Strom and Michele Rickett traveled to interview girls and to partner with ministries helping females in the most difficult places in the world.
“Hope Shines” is an initiative to spread awareness for the plight of girls around the world and raise funds to free and equip them for a brighter future.
Last week the Girls' Globe team was in Addis Ababa for the International Conference on Family Planning. It was wonderful to interact with so many leaders in the fields of family planning and sexual and reproductive health.
Walking through villages in Northeast India, I was astounded and dismayed by the devastating impact of the water and sanitation crisis. My path quickly became a Indian woman's journey as I walked miles to the nearest water source. Shallow and open contaminated wells awaited me at the end of the trek.
As an international development professional and blogger with Girls' Globe, I had the opportunity to speak with and interview many people during the 2013 Women Deliver Conference last week. It was an incredible opportunity to hear a wide array of thoughts and opinions related to the health and well-being of women and girls.