Monica Lewinsky

<p>As a social activist, Monica Lewinsky’s passion is to advocate for a safer social media environment. As a public speaker, writer, producer and contributor to Vanity Fair she addresses such topics as survival, resilience, digital reputation and equality.  </p><p>Lewinsky became known to the public in 1998, when it was revealed as part of a federal investigation that she had had an intimate relationship with then President Bill Clinton. Overnight, at just 24 years old, she went unwillingly, from being an entirely private individual to a public figure on the global stage.</p><p>In 2014, after a decade-long, self-imposed retreat from public life, Lewinsky authored an essay for <i>Vanity Fair</i> titled <i>Shame and Survival </i>in which she overlapped personal experiences and cultural observations regarding the shift towards, what Professor Nicholaus Mills calls, a “Culture of Humiliation.” (June, 2014). The acclaimed piece was nominated for a National Magazine Award, and became an entry point for her to begin a process she describes as “taking back my narrative and giving a purpose to my past.” Lewinsky has since written many pieces for the magazine, including one about the #MeToo movement.</p><p>Her lens for societal issues and human rights advocacy is focused by a myriad of unique and profound personal and professional experiences. Being at the center of a legal, political, and media maelstrom nearly destroyed her. Lewinsky is an example of how people can overcome even the most difficult situations. Her survival – despite the odds – is a compelling and inspiring story of resilience. </p><p>Photo Credit: Damon Winter/<i>The New York Times</i>/Redux</p>