I recently launched a curated series of talks, Women Leading the Conversation, that will focus on some of today’s most fascinating female changemakers, trailblazers and rule breakers. These are women who aren’t afraid to speak out, challenge the status quo and break all kinds of glass ceilings. They are the ones who are creating today’s most interesting and provocative conversations, and I want to share them with you.
My first talk was with award-winning actress and activist, Patricia Arquette. She received the Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG and Independent Spirit Awards for her work in “Boyhood,” and most recently won an Emmy for her performance in “The Act.”
Patricia is also recognized as an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ rights and civil rights for all people. She spoke at the UN to launch the UN Women Equal Pay Platform and earlier this year, testified as a witness before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee on the subject of the Equal Rights Amendment.
Patricia also founded the skills training organization, GiveLove to help provide sustainable sanitation and clean water solutions in the developing world. Their work extends to Columbia, Kenya, Nicaragua, Uganda, and most recently, at Standing Rock.
My favorite part of our interview was when I asked her about an address she gave at Oxford University earlier this year. She shared that at 18, she was unsure whether she wanted to be an actor or a mid-wife. She considered both for a while and ultimately concluded that what she really wanted to be was “a brave person.” And this is what got her to where she is today.
In the early years she was scared to death when auditioning for roles, but she would remind herself that her only job, day after day, was to be brave. Day in and day out, she would feel the gripping fear – and do it anyway. And she was winning, because her only job was to be brave. Over time, she got getter at auditioning, and as you know, the rest is history for this award-winning actress.
I asked her if she still gets scared. Her answer, “Every day.” Patricia Arquette’s bravery informs everything she does and she’s still winning.
And this is why I decided to create and curate this series. Women’s stories matter. Their bravery matters. Being seen matters.
Women Leading the Conversation is a means to showcase women’s influence, with the intention to elevate women’s voices – and I can’t wait to share more here with you.
My next interview will be with award-winning journalist, producer and host of multiple critically acclaimed series at Vox Media, Liz Plank, on Thursday October 3rd at AllBright West Hollywood. To learn more about AllBright, click here.
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