Dr Nancy O'reilly

Dr. Nancy sits down with Danette Leighton and Jean Tatge of the Women’s Sports Foundation to discuss the critical role of sports in fostering equality and leadership. Reflecting on Billie Jean King’s founding vision and Title IX’s 51-year legacy, they discuss the role of sports in teaching resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, and how that prepares women for leadership. They highlight the urgent need for equitable opportunities, especially for underserved groups—including girls with disabilities, LGBTQ+ youth, and those in low-income communities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of redefining sports as a vital part of education, not just an extracurricular activity. They also touch on ways to advocate for more investment in women and girls’ sports and increase women’s representation in coaching. Leighton and Tatge inspire listeners to view sports as not just a game, but as a pathway to leadership for women. 

Dr. Nancy welcomes Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters of the United States. Stewart shares how her early passion for justice and civil rights led to her role in championing democracy. Growing up in a military family and inspired by her mother’s childhood experiences of cruelty during racial integration, she knew from a young age she wanted to make a difference in the country her family served.Stewart highlights the League’s impactful Unite and Rise 8.5 campaign, designed to mobilize millions of voters through grassroots action, education, and partnerships. By addressing voter misinformation and barriers, the League empowers voters to amplify their voices. Stewart emphasizes the importance of hyperlocal engagement to inspire change and reminds listeners that everyone has a role in protecting democracy. Whether attending community events or using League resources, action is crucial when it comes to creating the kind of government we want.

Dr. Nancy welcomes Nicki Parr, the dynamic CEO of Women's Economic Ventures (WEV) and a steadfast advocate for women's economic empowerment. Parr shares her inspiring story, from growing up between England and the U.S. to building a career that blends business experience with a passion for psychology and service to others.Diving into WEV’s impactful work in supporting women entrepreneurs, including the Smart Entrepreneurial Training (SET) program, which has equipped thousands of women with the tools to launch and grow successful businesses, Parr elaborates on her commitment to addressing income disparities through programs that educate and empower single mothers and underserved communities, while fostering their confidence to achieve financial independence.

Dr. Nancy welcomes Erika Alexander, celebrated actress, activist, and co-founder of Color Farm Media. Known for her iconic roles in Living Single, Get Out, and American Fiction, Alexander shares her inspiring evolution from growing up in a traveling ministry family to becoming a multifaceted trailblazer. She discusses her work with Color Farm Media, often called the “Motown of Film, TV, and Tech,” and its mission to amplify underrepresented voices and share stories that drive social change. She highlights the “Maxine Shaw Effect” leadership curriculum, inspired by her beloved character from Living Single, which empowers young women, particularly of color, to harness leadership skills and step into their power. She also shared her work with The Dharma Project and providing data to achieve equal pay.

Dr. Nancy is joined by Stacey Tisdale, veteran TV broadcast financial journalist, financial behavior expert, and founder of Mind Money Media, alongside Sayam Ibrahim, real estate entrepreneur and founder of Hero Homes. Together, they offer empowering insights on breaking down socioeconomic barriers and building lasting wealth. Tisdale draws from her popular Wealth Wednesdays platform, while Ibrahim shares lessons from managing his $250 million real estate portfolio and mentoring over 10,000 students in property investing. They dive into practical strategies for closing the confidence gap, making real estate accessible, and leveraging community and accountability to create revenue streams and achieve financial independence.

In this episode, Dr. Nancy is joined by two extraordinary trailblazers, Pat Mitchell and Mary Robinson, to explore their inspiring work on Project Dandelion, a global women-led campaign for climate justice. Mitchell reflects on her groundbreaking career as an award-winning journalist and the first woman president of PBS and CNN Productions, while Robinson shares lessons from her historic tenure as Ireland's first woman president and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The conversation dives deep into the power of women’s leadership to solve the climate crisis, the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, and the urgency of collective action needed to shape a sustainable future.

In this episode, Dr. Nancy welcomes Dr. Sheila Robinson, CEO of Diversity Woman Media, to discuss her inspiring 20-year journey of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Dr. Sheila highlights her company’s evolution, including the launch of Executive Woman magazine, which focuses on showcasing women’s leadership impact and contributions.Dr. Sheila shares candid insights from her corporate career, illustrating how diverse perspectives drive innovation and success while tackling the misconceptions surrounding DEI. She also previews exciting initiatives, including Thriving Thursday webinars, the Executive Woman podcast, and the upcoming 20th-anniversary Women’s Leadership Conference.

In this episode, Dr. Nancy sits down with Frédérique Campagne Irwin, CEO of the National Women's History Museum, to discuss the power of storytelling and representation in advancing gender equality. Frédérique shares insights into the Museum’s mission to inspire change by showcasing women’s achievements and addressing the gap between access and representation. She highlights the upcoming Women Making History Awards Gala, honoring ceiling breakers like Sarah Blakely and Dr. Opal Lee, and the launch of "She's Not a Footnote and Neither Are You" campaign.

In this episode, Dr. Nancy welcomes Robin Pedrelli, co-founder of VisionSpring Inc., a diversity and inclusion consulting firm. Robin shares her incredible 30-year journey into the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), explores the myths that often overshadow its purpose, and highlights the transformative power of fostering inclusive workplaces. From debunking misconceptions to discussing strategies for building unity, Robin offers a roadmap for creating spaces where everyone can thrive.

In this episode, journalist and activist Carol Jenkins shares her inspiring story of growing up on her family farm in Alabama and becoming a champion for equality. Carol discusses her influential career in media and her dedication to women's and children's rights, including her pivotal work with the Equal Rights Amendment. She highlights the ongoing fight to address numerous systemic challenges – like child poverty and unequal opportunities. Through a call for collective action, Carol emphasizes the power of unity and resilience in driving social change and empowering future generations.

Throughout the episode, Michele Weldon opens up about her experiences navigating the pandemic, from moments of grief to sources of hope, all of which inspired her latest book, The Time We Have – Essays on Pandemic Living.. She reflects on the importance of living with intention, shedding toxicity, and appreciating the gift of time—lessons that resonate now more than ever. Michele also speaks passionately about women's empowerment, touching on the unique burdens women faced during the pandemic and the enduring strength they’ve demonstrated. Her stories and insights inspire us to examine our own lives, rethink our priorities, and find the courage to lead with resilience.

Today, we're joined by two inspiring leaders in the fight for gender justice and the publication of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Dr. Sophia Armen and Rosie Couture lead influential organizations working to achieve gender and racial equality. In this episode, they share their journeys, the vital role of the ERA, and the importance of engaging younger generations in a century-long movement that seeks to ensure equal rights under U.S. law. From activism inspired by historical events to modern-day organizing, they both emphasize collaborative actions, legal protections, and the urgency of uniting under a common cause. Listen to their insights about how the ERA will protect the rights and freedoms of people today and future generations and what we need to do to make constitutional equality a reality.

This episode features Luz Maria Henriquez, Executive Director of the non-partisan ACLU of Missouri and the first Latinx leader in the organization's history. Luz shares her powerful journey from growing up as the daughter of an undocumented mother to becoming a leader in civil rights advocacy. She reflects on the path to citizenship and the values of community and civic engagement instilled in her as a child and how they shaped her commitment to justice. Through her work with the ACLU of Missouri, Luz often grapples with political challenges yet wins key victories – like the passage of Amendment 3, which restored reproductive rights through grassroots organizing and coalition-building. The conversation explores broader issues of equality and the importance of unified action to address systemic disparities, offering both practical insights and a call to action to join the ACLU to stay informed and remain vigilant to threats against our civil liberties, which is the core of our democracy.

Dr. Nancy brings you a heartfelt and empowering post-election episode featuring two inspiring leaders, Gloria Feldt, co-founder and president of Take the Lead, and Zakiya Thomas, president and CEO of the ERA Coalition. Together, they dive into the challenges and opportunities that the recent U.S. presidential election brings to the fight for gender equality.Gloria and Zakiya offer powerful insights on advancing the Equal Rights Amendment, the need to involve the nation’s leaders to enact it, and the vital role relationships play in driving meaningful change. They share strategies to counter political resistance, reclaim reproductive freedoms, and gain support for gender equity—all through the actionable, united efforts of thousands of women-centric networks.This candid, hope-filled conversation highlights the importance of amplifying women's voices and leveraging new approaches to foster unity and forward momentum. Dr. Nancy invites you to join this incredible dialogue, take inspiration, and reimagine the

Dr. Nancy O'Reilly’s candid conversation with Frédérique Campagne Irwin, Maggie O'Neill, and Tiffany Shlain explores the repercussions of the recent U.S. presidential election and its impact on gender equality. The discussion highlights the unsettling influence of political branding, analyzes the strength of the Trump brand, examines a lack of awareness around equal rights for women, and promotes the importance of education. Their conversation also looks at the ways setbacks—like the election—should be met with strategic responses and creative advocacy. Emphasizing the need for positive storytelling and the involvement of artists to inspire action, enhance awareness, and mobilize support for gender equality, this episode is a rallying call to unite, gather resources, and continue pushing forward with innovative efforts to achieve lasting change.

Catherine Gray takes us on an inspiring journey into venture capital and female entrepreneurship. As a powerhouse producer, she shares insights from her groundbreaking documentary "Show Her the Money," highlighting the transformative power of investing in women-led businesses. Catherine stresses her commitment to changing the landscape of venture capital—where women receive less than 2% of funding—by advocating for more women to support female-founded ventures. In her work through She Angel Investors and the She Angels Foundation, Catherine hopes to show women how easy and profitable venture capital is, and pave the way for a new wave of financial empowerment and innovation. Discover how Catherine has transformed story-telling into a movement that empowers women to take charge of their financial futures and change the world. Check out showherthemoneymovie.com for more information.

Dr. Bonnie Stabile, Associate Professor in the Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, delves into the intricacies of how gender policy and acculturation affect women’s leadership. While pointing out the critical importance of representation across all sectors and the barriers that women face in ascending to leadership roles, she emphasizes the need for policies that support women’s entry into leadership and ensure their sustainability and advancement in these roles. The conversation also examines the systemic issues within public policies and the importance of crafting and implementing procedures that genuinely advance women’s interests and rights. Bonnie’s insights provide a compelling call to action for greater gender equity and the empowerment of women in all realms of public and private life.

Asha Dahya and Monica Morales Garcia share an exciting update about the Green Tide Rising podcast series, illuminating the Green Wave Movement in Latin America. Asha, an Emmy nominated producer and storyteller, and Monica, an audio journalist and fashion scholar, explore their roles in this groundbreaking series that sheds light on the fight for reproductive rights and progressive abortion policies across Latin America. The conversation shares powerful stories that motivated this widespread feminist activism against oppressive regimes. Green Tide Rising amplifies the Green Wave message and serves as both a warning and a blueprint for protecting women’s lives and advancing reproductive freedoms in the U.S. and globally, emphasizing the critical importance of storytelling in advocating for change.

In this episode, The Honorable Carolyn B. Maloney, former U.S. Congresswoman, shares her remarkable journey, highlighting her groundbreaking roles and relentless pursuit of gender equality through legislative measures, including her ongoing fight for the Equal Rights Amendment. She reminds everyone that without the ERA, women have no rights under the Constitution. The discussion emphasizes the urgency of political empowerment and representation, drawing on historical contributions of women to inspire action and awareness. As Congresswoman Maloney champions the cause of equal rights and mobilizes support for the ERA, she encourages listeners to recognize the critical importance of active civic engagement to create a world where we all have equal opportunities to live successful lives. The time to act is now. Notify your representative of your support for the ERA by signing at https://www.sign4era.org/

In this episode, Maheen Kaleem, a human rights lawyer and Vice President of Programs and Operations at Grantmakers for Girls of Color discusses her inspiring journey from her family's roots in Pakistan to her impactful role in philanthropy. Central to their dialogue is the critical mission of Grantmakers for Girls of Color, which focuses on empowering and supporting transformative work led by girls and gender expansive youth of color. Maheen highlights the challenges these communities face, including the stark disparity in funding, with less than 0.5% of philanthropic giving directed towards women and girls of color. The episode underscores the importance of visibility, investment, and support for these young leaders who are essential drivers of social justice movements, providing hope and paving the way for a more equitable future.