Dr Nancy O'reilly

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drnancyoreilly.substack.com

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drnancyoreilly.substack.com

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drnancyoreilly.substack.com

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drnancyoreilly.substack.com

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drnancyoreilly.substack.com

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 is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drnancyoreilly.substack.com

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. This is a public e

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drnancyoreilly.substack.com

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drnancyoreilly.substack.com

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drnancyoreilly.substack.com

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/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus epis

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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drnancyoreilly.substack.com

In this episode Darcy J. Totten, interim executive director at the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, discusses the critical economic and social challenges women face, particularly emphasized by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Nancy and Darcy explore the disproportionate job losses and childcare burdens impacting women, the persistent pay gap, and its severe effects on women of color. Darcy highlights the necessity for solidarity in politics and collaborations with institutions like Mount Saint Mary's University to address gender equity. The episode underscores the importance of participation in local and national political processes, promoting initiatives like the "Promote the Vote" campaign, and utilizing a gender lens to solve problems. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drnancyoreilly.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Haggard, Director of the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University, joins Dr. Nancy O’Reilly for an inspiring discussion about the importance of “listening to the light that wants to live in you” and how to use it to become a powerful change maker. Dr. Nicole shares her journey from her unsupported dissertation work to becoming an advocate for change by putting truth to power through research. Join us as they delve into the importance of collaboration and support in tackling gender inequity, and how the Center provides a hub for educating people why intersectionality matters. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that sheds light on representation in the media, leadership development, and creating positive change for women and girls. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drnancyoreilly.substack.com

Today, Dr. Nancy welcomed Montecito Media Group CEO and Executive Editor Gwyn Lurie to discuss the power of collaboration, need for positive female role models, and impact of lifting up women and girls, which Gwyn said is “the strongest lever for change.” They also explored the importance of storytelling, value of investing in women, and the positive effects of women leaders. From championing women’s rights to advocating for philanthropy through a network of networks, they revealed ways we can support and empower one another.Join us as we continue these important conversations and work towards creating a more inclusive, supportive world for women and girls everywhere. Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast for more empowering content and stay tuned for the release of our upcoming book! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drnancyoreilly.substack.com

Welcome to “Smart, Amazing Conversations with Dr. Nancy”! In this episode, Dr. Nancy O’Reilly engages in a captivating and empowering discussion with the remarkable Frédérique Campagne Irwin, President and CEO of the National Women’s History Museum. They delve into Frédérique’s entrepreneurial journey, her frustration with systemic change’s slow pace, and her commitment to empower women and girls.With insights into the challenges women face, the power of storytelling, and the importance of collaboration, this episode is a rich tapestry of experience, wisdom, and determination to create a more inclusive world. Tune in as they explore the crucial role of solidarity, support networks, and the urgency to energize and uplift women. This episode is a testament to the strength of female alliances and the vital impact of storytelling across all industries. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drnancyoreilly.substack.com

Listen to Maggie O’Neill discuss why she strongly believes that art can support and drive societal change. For over two decades, Maggie has contributed to the vibrant arts scene of Washington D.C. making her name and work synonymous with artistic innovation, entrepreneurship, and activism. Her newest project, Vote For Your Daughter, leverages the visual and emotional impact of 51 statues representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Each statue was designed to educate voters about the challenges facing women and girls, and spark conversation, foster empathy, and inspire action. While the statues are all similar, no two are alike. That is because the issues facing women are different in every state. The most important thing is to be aware of the issues, and use our power and vote, specifically, vote for our daughters. Join Maggie and Dr. Nancy for a powerful conversation about how much we need to raise the bar to help regain individual freedoms for women and girls. This is a public episode. If you w

Learn how Jasmine Minhas uses her principles of selfless service (seva) from her Sikh upbringing and her unwavering commitment to equity and justice to demonstrate how a single person can be a force for change.With a degree in French, history and science from Bucknell University, she isn’t waiting for her law degree to work for systemic change. Among her many professional achievements, Jasmine played a pivotal role in the enactment of historic gun safety legislation in Delaware, shared her talents with ACLU of Delaware and is volunteering on two state campaigns for office. And she’s only getting started. Don’t miss this story of the power found in serving others. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drnancyoreilly.substack.com