President Obama on Job Creation

Here is my recount of the speech tonight. Where possible, I quoted. Thoughts at the end.

“We meet at an urgent time in our country. We still face the impact of the Financial Crisis and Political Crisis that has made things worse.”The U.S. has thrived under the basic concept that if you worked hard, you could make it in this country. That has eroded.“There are steps we can take right now to make a difference.”“American Jobs Act” – pass it right away. (most repeated line of the night) “Everything in this bill will be paid for. Everything. Point to put more people back to work, and more money in the pockets of people who are working. Small businesses are where most jobs are created.” Payroll tax credits for small business. Next. Spend money on schools. We will spend money on infrastructure. Tax credits for hiring veterans. Tax credits for hiring young people. Tax people who have been looking for a job for longer than 6 months. Extend unemployment insurance. No tax increases on the middle class.

Now… how to fund.

I will release a more ambitious deficit reduction plan next week… which includes increasing taxes on families earning more, as well as corporations. Medicare reform needed. “We need a tax code where everyone pays their fair share.”

Says we can do this. Create jobs and pay for it. A question of priorities. We need to out innovate companies in other countries. We need to shorten the patent process. Make exporting easier and more cost effective. We need to strengthen American company’s competitiveness. “Made in America.” ( lots of cheers) Training. Internships. Ra Ra.

“We can’t afford wasteful spending. We can’t burden business. I ordered a review of all government regulations. What we can’t do is let this economic crisis be used to wipe out basic protections that Americans have counted on for decades.” He rejects a lot of ideas…. (all good) “America should be in a race to the top.” ( lots of cheers)

“We built America together.” Members of Congress we need to meet our responsibilities. Everything I laid out will be paid for. ( really????)

Ended with a huge and passionate call to action. We cannot wait to pass this jobs bill.

My commentary…

Overall a really great speech. Big picture he spoke well to the issue of job creation, but it is the actual policies and practices that matter. Sounded great. Problem is that based on what I have read there is not enough money in taxing the rich and closing loopholes for corporations to fund new programs and tax breaks, let alone narrow the deficit. This was a pep rally for all things American, and it was good. We do have to come together to solve problems. Many are in serious need and to help. Agree.

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

A Perfect Day...The Sackler Center, Carlo's Bakery, WICKED..

What a day, what a week, what a year, what a ......

Every single part of this day I want to remember. It started off with a breakfast with two of the most amazing women - Elizabeth Sackler, who founded the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art and Ann Kaplan, a dear friend and spectacular human being.

I am honored to serve on the Advisory Board for the center as it has expanded the possibilities for women artists and will continue to do so. If you have not yet visited the center in Brooklyn or browsed there web-site, you must. It was very fitting that the first time I visited the museum was for our celebratory event for Women Moving Millions in 2009 where we recreated The Dinner Party to honor women who were making history with their collective giving. At the time I did not know Elizabeth but let me tell you, she is a force of nature. Our conversation, not surprisingly, was about philanthropy and in particular the power of putting your name on something. Many studies have shown that women are much more likely to give anonymously which makes the impact of women's giving more invisible. Many women I have spoken to who have stepped up to NAME IT do so, not because it is about them, but because it is heightens the attention and awareness of the cause they are supporting. They are using and leveraging their social capital for GOOD! Love it.

Breakfast was followed by a very special meeting and all I can really say is that it could be a dream come true. If 'it' happens I want to be able to look back at this entry and say.. that was the day.

Right after my meeting I rushed to meet my daughter for a trip to Hoboken to visit Carlo's Bakery. Our whole family loves "The Cake Boss" and we wanted to pay Buddy a visit. We waited outside for our turn to go in and was so excited that although Buddy was in Florida many of his family members were there including Mary, his sister. We heard her barking orders, swiftly moving in and out and Allie said "she seemed exactly like she does on TV." Very exciting. Post bakery we went to Herald Square, The Times Square TOYS R US, the M and M Store, and finally to the play WICKED which is a family favorite. At 10:30 we were grabbing a slice of PIZZA before back to our fabulous pad. Although I lived in and around New York for over 20 years, coming back as a visitor experiencing it with my daughter is truly special. It was a perfect day.

Women Moving Millions - IMPACT-MEDIA-VOICE

What an amazing day! I am honored to be Co-Chair of Women Moving Millions, a philanthropic initiative that supports and encourages million dollar gifts to organizations and projects to advance women and girls around the world. Today we have a FULL day retreat in New York and what a day it was.

The agenda was jam packed and included a discussion on "Collective Impact", a visit by the acclaimed activist and artist Eve Ensler (just announced today would be the recipient of a special TONY award ) , and an afternoon discussion on how media can be used to advance social change. Lisa Witter and Pat Mitchell lead the afternoon discussion, ( pictured right) providing amazing insights on the power of media. Lisa has been working on the action campaign around "Half The Sky" and boy oh boy do we have a lot to look forward to.

Tomorrow it is the Women's Funding Network Conference in Brooklyn and the White House Project's Epic Award. GIRL POWER!

Women World Wide - Leading Through Philanthropy

I am in Chicago for the 2011 Women World Wide Leading Through Philanthropy conference by The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. The speaker line-up is incredible, including many of the world's leading philanthropists and industry leaders. Be sure to check out the center's website for incredible information on the state of giving in America.

Generosity is hot. Generosity is cool. Generous people should be our celebrities, not stars of TV sitcoms that seem to be losing their marbles. If we gave 1/10 the amount of media time to people that are helping others that we do to derailed movie and TV stars, our world will be a better place. For just such a story check out this article by Camilla Webster in FORBES. I had the honor of being interviewed by Camilla for her upcoming book and she is one fabulous woman. Thanks Camilla for this inspiring story. Pass it on.

Women Moving Millions and Women's Media Center

I am attending a three day training for WMM donors in NYC in partnership with the Women's Media Center. So far so awesome! They just showed this video about why getting our voices out there is so important. Check out this video on YOUTUBE. ( click here )

Also consider supporting this important organization. ( click here )

Pictured right are Elizabeth Sackler, Founder of the Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Jodie Evans of Code Pink who is the host of this gathering, and Jane Fonda who is a huge supporter and Board Member of WMC.

Sundance - A Feature Article on Geralyn Dreyfous plus Davos

What a 10 days! We saw 12 films, attended many parties, met countless fabulous people and I am exhausted! That said, I am completely inspired to work on a Wonder Woman Project and have so many ideas for documentaries that it feels like my head is going to explode. WOW. My last post was about a party I held for some fabulous feminists last Sunday ( see below) and it made the front page of Sunday's Salt Lake Tribune. Click here to read the profile piece on Geralyn and see some fab photos.

I failed to report on the gathering on DAVOS this past week, and in particular on the implementation of a gender quota. Click here to read more about it in an article by Katrine Behold of the New York Times / International Herald Tribune in which I was quoted.

There is so much I want to write about but it will be another crazy week with little time for writing. I am off to NY for a bunch of meetings related to the Women's Funding Network and Women Moving Millions, plus a few days of media training! I am hoping to do one more post on Sundance before I head off as it truly was an incredible experience. So much talent. So many great stories. Just an incredible experience.

Sundance - Margin Call and and....

My last Sundance Post! Again, what an incredible week of taking in the best of independent films. ( click here from FB) I have posted on a number of them but here are a few more that were on our list: The Ledge, Miss Representation, Cedar Rapids, Take Shelter, Perfect Sense, The Convincer, Salvation Boulevard , Tyrannosaur , The Flaw, Incendies and Margin Call. I was sad to have missed Connected, Hell and Back Again, Like Crazy, How to Die in Oregon and RAW/WAR. Those are all on my to watch list. For a list of the years winners click here.

By far my favorite feature was INCENDIES a film about twins in Montreal that must deal with their passing mother's last wish- to locate their father and brother that were not known to them. The film up for an academy award and is a must see.

Worth commenting on is Margin Call and The Flaw, both about the financial crisis. Margin Call featured an all star cast of Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Jones, Zachary Quinto, Demi Moore, and Stanley Tucci, all of which were present for the premiere! The film was a day in the life of the financial crisis, located at one firm, when they find out that they have risk on their books that could effectively take down the place. Sound familiar? A young rocket scientist discovers the 'truth' and the plot follows how that piece of information travels up the decision making chain and back down again. Realistic, not really, but interesting never-the-less. I did enjoy how each character in the film was a Wall Street archetype.

- A dude in risk that was a PHd that moved to Wall Street for the money, but really felt somewhat guilty about it. Why is it we are paid so much in this job compared to "real work?"

- His sidekick, who did not have the pedigree and was completely obsessed with what everyone was paid with no moral conscience about it, nor about the fact that his firm was about to explode.

-The middle man manager/salesman that lived the life, $2.5 mm a year to be exact, of which he said about $80,000 was spent on partying and hookers. Very slick, a company man, and clearly a A-kisser.

- The trading floor boss who felt just a tad more conflicted about what was the 'right' thing to do for customers versus protecting his firm's interests.

- The big boss ( Jeremy Irons ) who had no idea what kind of risk the firm was taking but when confronted with the possible losses, did not hesitate to make quick decisions to protect the firms short term interests, even if it meant damaging client relationships.

- The only female in the film, Demi Moore's character, who was the doe in the headlight head of firm-wide risk, who clearly sacrificed family life to be a player, only to be told that the firm needed a fall guy and she would be it.

- The day to day head of risk who gets canned upfront even though he was trying to do the right thing, exposing the 'truth' that no one wanted to hear while the $$ was pouring in. A family guy who becomes obsessed with the fact that at one point he did something that helped people. He designed a bridge that saved people time in the commute.

So what was the point of the firm you ask? Well I asked that question actually, of the Director J.C. Chandor, and he answered that he really wanted to explore the crisis with from a personal perspective. Further that what we know of the crisis is more about the firms, or the dollars, and not about the people that drove the decisions. He added that what this experience caused him to question is why is it that some of the smartest, most talented people go to Wall Street? And what does that say about us as a society? Well I am sure we can answer that question.

Was it a good film? No, but with such a big cast and on such a timely topic, it is sure to be released. Will it become a Wall Street cult classic? Nope, but I do hope people go see it and it will likely result in some great conversations! ( a link to an article about Margin Call from The Guardian,)

The Flaw - a documentary about the crisis. Just not good. Took a very narrow perspective with Wall Street taking the solitary hit. There are many factors that caused the financial crisis with Wall Street certainly playing a key role, but not the only one. Too bias, stay away.

Sundance - Report on Films

At 4 am my eyes popped open thinking about Sundance. (from FB) Not surprising given the two fabulous and provocative films I have seen over the past two days.

The first was the premiere of "Sing Your Song" a film by Susanne Rostok, a biographical documentary of the life of Harry Belafonte. His "groundbreaking career personifies the American Civil Rights Movement and impacted many other social justice movements." The filmmaker had collected over 800 hours of film on this extraordinary life. Mr. Belafonte told of how his mother taught him to wake up every day looking to right an injustice in the world. This is the same message that I am trying to live by, and am trying to teach my children - to do "what you can with what you have where you are." What was so incredible was how he used his platform, used is power, used his relationships, to help others. This is what the world needs a heck of a lot more of. I cannot wait to share this movie with my Women Moving Millions sisters ( and a few brothers) as that is exactly why this initiative was created. "To those to which much is given, much is expected."

Yesterday we saw a feature film called "The Ledge" by Director/ Screenwriter Gavin Wiesen. "Atop a high-rise building, Gavin, a young hotel manager, is about to end his life. Hollis, a detective whose own world has just been turned upside down, is dispatched to the scene. As Hollis tried to persuade Gavin not to jump, each man begins to open up about his past, and we discover that neither of them is convinced that his life is worth living." The film stars Charlie Hunnman, Liv Tyler, Patrick Wilson and Terrance Howard ( who were all excellent!!) who were all there for post film Q and A. Patrick's character Joe was a fundamentalist Christian who we find 'rescued' his gorgeous and docile bride. Charlie, the 'happy go lucky' neighbor, an atheist , falls for her, and her for him. I won't say more about the plot but it is filled with temptation, tragedy, and moral dilemmas. Ultimately it is about forgiveness, grace and perhaps event salvation. Faith is forefront. Love it. What I did not love is that I asked this question to the crew - "This movie is about one's struggle with faith. What did you learn about your own faith during the filming and would you like to share your faith with the audience?" The crowd cheered the question but that actors ducked answering. Sorry but that was lame. Why is one willing to get on the big screen and play a fundamentalist Christian, and not willing to comment about how you could or could not relate to the character." It was a moment for them to real about it, which was of course the point of the film and they did not. Very disappointing. Very.

Last night we attended a gathering for Impact Partners, a film investment group that funds social impact documentaries. They have three films in the festival - !WAR, Hell and Back Again and Connected: An Autobiography about Love, Death and Technology. They all sound extraordinary and I am hoping to see them. The filmmakers were there and the stories about how much passion went in to creating this films moved me. I have found my new love, Documentary Films. Also there were two filmmakers pitching their projects. The first will be about acid attacks on women in Pakistan and one man, a doctor, who is doing something about it. The second is about the Biosphere Two Project. Amazing. ( click here for the film guide)

My fabulous feminist house guests arrived last night for the Premiere of "Miss Representation" today. I am so excited which is likely why my eyes popped open at 4. Yes it is fun seeing movie stars, but activists and change makers are my heros. I suggest the cast of "The Ledge" come to this film for a little inspiration of how to not fear putting who YOU are out there. For that matter they should also search out Mr. Belafonte for an amazing example of a man who leverages his celebrity and is not afraid to share his values off the screen.

Sundance Film Festival!

Eighteen movies in 10 days......can it be done??? ( click here from FB) Not to mention other events and parties. This is my first Sundance Film Festival experience and we are going for it! The festivities began last night with a quick drink at ZOOM ( the Robert Redford Restaurant and yes there was a sighting!!!) with Pat Mitchell and her fabulous husband Scott. The bartender called it the calm before the storm. As a forever board member of the institute Pat likely knows more about Sundance then anyone and we were grateful for the advice. Tonight it is the opening Party at the Montage, the swanky new hotel at Deer Valley, and a viewing of the film "Sing Your Song."

The one I am most excited about is Miss Representation a film written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newson. "Miss Representation" uncovers a glaring reality we live with every day but fail to see. It's clear that mainstream media objectifies women, but what most people don't realize is the magnitude of that phenomenon and the way objectification gets internalized - a symbolic annihilation of self-worth - and impedes girls and women from realizing their full potential." This documentary features interviews with politicians, journalists, academics and activists. The guest list to the event and panel discussion to follow included the most fabulous Gloria Steinem (pictured with me up above), Geena Davis, and more with Pat Mitchell to moderate. "The purpose of the film is to re-energize the movement!!!" love it. I am excited to be able to continue the discussion the following day with a party at my home. This will be the first gathering in our new home and what a way to start!

Here are a few of the movies that we are hoping to attend. (in order of viewing):

The Ledge-A thriller. Atop a high-rise building, Gavin, a young hotel manager, is about to end his life. Hollis, a detective whose own world has just been turned upside down, is dispatched to the scene. As Hollis tries to persuade Gavin not to jump, each man begins to open up about his past, and we discover the neither of them is convinced that his life is worth living. Starring Charilie Hunnam, Liv Tyler, Patrick Wilson, Terrence Howard.

Miss Representation!!!

Like Crazy- A romance that is a film from and about the heart. Jacob, an American, and Anna, who is British, meet at college in L.A. and fall madly in love. Starring Anton Yelchin, Felicity Jones, Jennifer Lawrence.

My Idiot Brother-A comedy. Despite looking for the good in every situation and the best in every person, Ned always seems to find himself holding the short end of the stick-being conned into selling drugs to a uniformed cop, being dumped by his girlfriend. and worse yet, losing custody of his beloved dog, Willie Nelson. Starring Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel,

Higher Ground-Romantic/Drama charting one women's spiritual journey through life while exploring and embracing her own humanity, Higher Ground is that rare film that is rich in ideas but also charger with emotion.

Red State-A horror which follows three high school boys who come across an online ad from an older women looking for a ....... Hmm, not sure why I picked this one, perhaps because they confront a "holy" force.

Cedar Rapids-A comedy about a group of insurance salesmen who use the opportunity to attend an annual convention in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as a way to escape their doleful existence...like Vegas but with corn. Starring Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche. This looks really funny!

Take Shelter-A psychological thriller about Curtis who lives in a small town in Ohio with his wife and daughter, a six-year-old deaf girl. When Curtis begins to have terrifying dreams, he keeps the visions to himself, channeling his anxiety into obsessively building a storm shelter in his backyard. Starring Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain.

Perfect Sense-A thriller/drama about a global pandemic which first attacks emotions, the senses. Starring Ewan McGregor, Eva Green, Ewen Bremner. Love Ewan!

The Convincer-A drama about an insurance agent that is looking for a way to jump-start his business, reunite with his estranged wife, and escape the dismal mid-western weather.

Margin Call- Set in the high-stakes world of the financial industry, Margin Call is a thriller entangling the key players at an investment firm during one perilous 24-hour period in the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. Starring Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Demi Moore, Zachary Quinto.

Salvation Boulevard- A drama about Reverend Dan, a charismatic preacher who has a captivated a city with his charm. Starring Pierce Brosan, Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris, Greg Kinnear, Marisa Tomei.

The Flaw-A documentary. The Flaw makes one thing clear from the outset-there was nothing simple about the U.S. financial collapse of 2007.

Incendies-A drama about twins from Montreal that must deal with their mothers dying wish: to locate their father, who they believed was dead, and the brother they never knew existed.

Tyrannosaur-A drama about Joseph, a tormented, self-destructive man plagued by violence, finds hope of redemption in Hannah, a Christian charity-shop worker he meets one day while fleeing an altercation. Starring Peter Mullan, Olivia Coleman, Eddie Marsan.

The Son of No One-Is a police thriller about a yound cop who is assigned to a precinct in the Queens neighborhood where he grew up. Starring Channing Tatum, Tracy Morgan, Katie Holmes, Al Pacino.

Will we make it through? I will report back.

My FAV TED talks from TEDWOMEN 2010

I am so sorry this is so late in posting. ( click here from FB ) I have been waiting for more talks to be posted before sharing and they are still not all up but here it goes! Below are my FAVs in no particular order.

I have to give a huge shout out to Pat Mitchell, The President of the Paley Center for Media, who was instrumental in making this event happen, and a co-host of the whole thing. I have both the honor and pleasure of working with Pat and she is truly one of the most brilliant, warm and committed women I have ever known.

New Yorker cartoonist Liza Donnelly (TED talks) tackles global issues with humor, intelligence and wit. Her latest project supports the United Nations initiative cartooning for peace. Her talk was absolutely hilarious and a must watch when it comes available. I had the opportunity to talk with her a little and she is a lovely person.

Documentary filmmakers Beverly and Dereck Joubert (TED talks) have worked to conserve wildlife for more than 25 years. As National Geographic explorers in residence, the couple influences public policy and perceptions. Their video showed a herd of lions taking down an elephant. It was breathtaking.

Stephen Lewis (TED talks) advocates for the victims of Africa's HIV/AIDS pandemic, and believes that gender lies at the heart of the problem-and the solution. Oh my gosh this guy was amazing. To here a MAN talk about Why Women and Girls is so powerful. A quote " Gender Equality Now or Never!" Check back to find the video....

Courtney E. Martin (TED talks) chronicles-and encourages-the current generation of young activists and feminists. Courtney is a friend and i completely adore her! She's an editor at feministing.com and author of Do It Anyway: The New Generation Of Activists. ( pictured above) Again, check back for the talk.

Jacqueline Novogratz (TED talks) founded and leads Acumen Fund, a nonprofit that takes a businesslike approach to improving the lives of the poor. I am a proud supporter of the Acumen Fund and Jacqueline is an amazing woman and leader.

Tony Porter (TED talks) is an educator and activist who is internationally recognized for his effort to end violence against women. Tony shared his personal experience and you could here a pen drop. Violence against women is a men's issue!!!!!! You must watch and learn about the 'man box."

In Hans Rosling's (TED talks) hands, data sings . Global trends in health and economics come to vivid life. And the big picture of global development-with some surprisingly good news-snaps into sharp focus. This guy is a gifted presenter, no wonder he ranks amongst TED's top talks.

As the COO at the helm of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg (TED talks) juggles the tasks of monetizing the world's largest social networking site while keeping its users happy and engaged. A GREAT talk for all aspiring professionals. I had the opportunity to meet her at dinner and she seems truly lovely.

Halla Tomasdottir (TED talks), co-founder if Audur Capital, has been instrumental in rebuilding Iceland's economy since the nation nearly went bankrupt in 2008. Her approach: applying female values to financial advice. I have written about Halla before as we were sisters in a former life. We met last year at the Global Forum for Women and the Economy and we have been connected every since. She rocks!

I truly hope this becomes an annual event. It was great.

TED - Women are Heros a film by JR

Last night at the TED opening I had the opportunity ( click here from FB) to see the documentary film "Women are Heros"- a film by JR, and the 2011 TED Prize Winner, at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. It was an extraordinary film of a street art project come to life in the communities in which it was born. Click here from YOUTUBE trailer. I am off to a Women Moving Millions breakfast, a tour of the museum and by first TED conference. What a day!

Off to TED Women!

This is going to be a GREAT week. ( click here from FB) I am off to Washington to attend the first ever TED Women Conference. The line up is nothing short of spectacular and it includes a number of amazing women I know well. To name a few...

Halla Tomasdottir - co-founder of Audur Capital in Iceland.

Courtney Martin - Blogger, Writer and Internet Entrepreneur

Jacqueline Novogratz - Founder of the Acumen Fund

Lisa Witter - Chief Strategy Officer of Fenton Communication and writer

Other speakers include Madeline Albright, Eve Ensler, Donna Karan, Nancy Pelosi, Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - President of Liberia, Ted Turner and it is hosted by one of my fav people on the planet - Pat Mitchell, President of the Paley Center for Media. The whole two days is available by WEBCAST - click here for more information.

If you have not heard of TED before this is what it is..

"TED is a small nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. Along with two annual conferences -- the TED Conference in Long Beach and Palm Springs each spring, and the TEDGlobal conference in Oxford UK each summer -- TED includes the award-winning TEDTalks video site, the Open Translation Project and Open TV Project, the inspiring TED Fellows and TEDx programs, and the annual TED Prize."

The Gender Gap In Philanthropy Revealed plus the California Women's Conference

One my fav people on the planet is Lisa Witter. Lisa Witter is a Vice-President at Fenton Communications, working with organizations around strategic communications. She is also the author of "The She Spot: Why Women and The Market for Changing the World and How to Reach Them."

Yesterday she posted this article on Huffington Post on women's philanthropy. As a board member of the Women's Philanthropy Institute ( Indiana University ), I am sure she was instrumental in creating this compelling new report on women's giving. This is a must read study, full of facts and stats and insights. Big thanks to Lisa for highlighting the work of The Women's Funding Network and Women Moving Millions. I serve in a leadership role with both groups and my oh my, many good things happening in the next few months.

"The Women's Philanthropy Institute report is illuminating, not because it proves women are "better" than men because they tend to give more, but because it disrupts conventional wisdom about what a philanthropist looks like in terms of both gender and income." Yes Yes Yes!!!!

The Women's Conference - 2010! I would have loved to have been there but ....... I am however, looking forward to watching many of the sessions. Check out the fantastic speakers !!!!

October has been a HUGE month for conferences and gatherings for Women and Girls!!!

Closing the Gender Gap: The Business Case for Organizations, Politics and Society

Last week I had the honor of attending a conference (click here from FB) at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government which brought together over 100 though leaders to discuss the research that supports the positive economic value of gender diversity. It truly was a ‘who’s who’ of researchers in the field, including many of the people we quoted in out “Women in Fund Management” Study. A partial list includes:

Barbara Annis – Author, Leadership and the Sexes

Hannah Riley Bowles – Associate Professor Harvard Kennedy School, extensive research on gender in negotiations and the attainment of leadership positions.

Iris Bohnet – Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, extensive research on the role of gender in decision making.

Robin Ely – Professor at Harvard Business School, research on race and gender relations in organizations.

Morten Huse – Professor of Organization and Management of BI Norwegian School of Management, published widely on the topic of women and diversity on boards of directors.

Herminia Ibarra – Faculty of INCEAD, and expert on professional careers and leadership development.

Rosabeth Moss Kanter – Professor at Harvard Business School and listed as “one of the most powerful women in the world.” ( pictured left)

Mona Lena Krook – Assistant Professor of Political Science, Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. An expert in Quotas for women in politics.

Terrance Odean – Hass School of Business and an expert in behavioral economics.

Scott Page – University of Michigan, Professor of Complex Systems, Political Science and Economics.

My takeaways in brief:

- The evidence for investing in women and girls in the developing world is conclusive and compelling. Create and fund programs that provide for economic their opportunity and security.

- Quotas Quotas Quotas. I am absolutely in favor of quotas for boards of directors of publically traded companies. Representatives were at the conference from Norway sharing how almost no one wanted it, but they did it, and it is having very positive impact. ( they have a 40% law) So many other countries are doing it and it is THE THING we can do to create huge positive change.

- The benefit of gender diversity in groups is nuanced. It is not just add women and better outcomes; it is about creating an inclusive environment which leads to better outcomes. This is the main reason why diversity programs have failed to deliver. We are adding women without changing the culture. PS – an inclusive culture is better for men too!

- Change has and always will be about power. Women have so much more then we are using. We continue to be asking permission when we should be demanding change. The research supports that change is good business.

- Overall there is just a huge and significant amount of research that makes the business case for women. I knew that, but this gathering solidified it for me. Even where there was not absolutely conclusive research of a diversity bump, it does not matter. Show me the other research that says conclusively that excluding women or keeping them a minority leads to better outcomes. The fact that in 2010 we still have to PROVE that we deserve a seat of the table is crazy. I mean really?!? Really?

It was a joy to meet the researchers that do the work that fuel my arguments and my passion. Hopefully soon I will have an updated research list of all their work but for now many of their studies are listed or quoted in the resource section of my website.

"Who Will Drive the 21st Century Agenda? Women" according to the CEO of Coca-Cola

I love it when men make the business case for women. (click here from FB) "According to Muhtar Ken (CEO of Coca-Cola)t, women already are one of the fastest growing dynamic economic forces in the world today, with assets worth $20 trillion worldwide. In the United States alone, women-owned businesses generate $4 trillion, he said, while women comprise nearly 14% of the entrepreneurs in Thailand, 12% in Argentina, 11% in Brazil and 10% in Chile and Mexico." Click here for the full article and video.

This week I will be attending a two day conference on this very subject in Boston. The event, called "Closing the Gender Gap: The Business Case for Organizations, Politics and Society," is a partnership effort between the Council for Women World Leaders, The World Economic Forum, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. The list of people speaking is incredible. This movement is getting stronger and stronger and it is all very exciting.

BBC - Women's Hour - GS Class Action Suit

Airing today is a segment where I spoke to the GS Class Action Suit. Click here to listen.

Clinton Global Initiative - Women and Girls, and the NEW Girl Effect Video

This is a big week in New York City! The Clinton Global Initiative is happening, otherwise knows as CGI, gathering leaders in business, government and philanthropy from around the world. Former President Clinton started this movement in 2005 in attempt to turn "good intentions in to action and results." Love it.

"Building on President Clinton's lifetime in public service, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) reflects his belief that governments need collaboration from the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and other global leaders to effectively confront the world’s most pressing problems. After attending thousands of meetings during his career in which urgent needs were discussed but no action was taken to solve them, President Clinton saw a need to establish a new kind of meeting with an emphasis on results."

I considered attending this year but just could not make it happen. Thankfully so many of the women I know and deeply respect are there representing the gender related issues I care so passionately about. In particular my dear friend and the most fabulous Lisa Witter, author of "The She Spot" was the leader in convening a WHISPER ROOM to talk about the following:

• jobs/economic development
• leadership/women as decision makers
• innovation
• a million “new” opportunities for women that might be a catch-all for a number of different issues.

The need to invest in women and girls is front and center at this gathering as it is now broadly accepted that they hold the key to economic growth and security for all. There were many sessions where a gender lens was applied, as well as this dedicated plenary to "Empowering Women and Girls" featuring Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. ( click here to watch )

Here is a list of what this incredible initiative has accomplished.

Last but not least. Jennifer Buffet, President of the NOVO Foundation is an amazing philanthropist and I am honored to call, a personal friend. NOVO "seeks to foster a transformation in global society from a culture of domination and exploitation to collaboration and partnership, empowering women and girls as the primary agents of change." I think they are the largest foundation dedicated to women and girls and they do incredible work.

Just released at CGI is this brand new GIRL EFFECT Video. If you have not seen it - click here.

"Third Wave of Feminism Urged by Prominent Canadian Women"

"Influential Canadian women say the promise of equality that was dangled before them during the 1960s and ’70s has never been fully met and a “third wave” of feminism is needed to revive the drive." Go Canada! As a Canadian citizen living in the US thinks makes me extremely proud. Read the full article int he Globe and Mail here. The departing Governor-General Michaëlle Jean convened 200 prominent women to talk about how to advance gender equality in Canada and from a first hand report from a dear friend who was there, she rocked it!!! This article got over 600 comments! 600.

Trust and Kindness

I am back from a 6 day whirlwind New York visit, my first since moving to Park City. I have so much to write about I cannot even stand it but tonight the post will be brief. I attended a three day retreat for Women Moving Millions and we had some very talented facilitators and some amazing speakers. ( more on that tomorrow) In opening the session they asked all the participants to do two things. The first - to look around the room, look at the faces present and imagine that you could trust every single person completely. Further imagine yourself as being completely trustworthy to others. Completely. She gave us time to digest that feeling and WOW. YOU think about that. Think about how your life, your actions, might be different if everyone you came across was completely trustworthy. In the moment and for ever more. Second she asked us to not be nice. Not nice. But she then asked us to make sure we were kind. Nice is telling someone they look like they lost weight when they haven't because you know it would mean a lot to them to hear you say it. Kind is helping them to in fact lose it. ( my example) This set the stage for the whole retreat and I am taking these two things out with me in the world. These are big ideas and I love them. The whole weekend was just such a gift. Such a blessing. Such a well of abundance and possibility. I will look forward to sharing more.

Women's Equality Day - Part TWO

A big thank you to all of you who read our "Women Call Obama to Act" opinion piece today in honor of Women's Equality Day. The piece was shared, linked to, and tweeted! A special thanks to Talking Points Memo and Politico.com for featuring the article. Also special thanks to Nick Kristof for the tweet, The National Council for Research on Women for the blast email, the many women's foundations who posted it.. and more. Of course thanks to Bloomberg for publishing it.

Someone asked me today, "Jacki - why are you so passionate about trying to create a more gender balanced world?" The answer is simple - I truly believe that if men and women more equally shared power and decision making, we would have a more just, equitable, peaceful and prosperous world for all. If you believe something so strongly and purely, then you have no choice but to act upon it. "Be the change you want to see in the world."

I was hoping to put together a whole list of fabulous articles in honor of today, but so far I have two... just not enough hours in the day.

Article on truth-out.org by the most fabulous Gloria Feldt - click here

Essay by Rita Henley of Women's ENEWS - click here

Special thanks to my co-writer Linda, and the most fabulous NINA.