Women of Influence (U)

<p>A leader in criminal justice reform, Susan Burton shares her courageous odyssey in overcoming tragedy, addiction, and incarceration to help others like her find a new way of life.</p>

<p>For two decades, Susan has been a leading figure in the criminal justice reform movement. Her award-winning civil and human rights work has been instrumental in raising the visibility of the struggles and barriers faced by formerly incarcerated people, and in changing the narrative of mass incarcerated women.</p>

<p>Tamika Mallory offers bold, inspiring ideas and strategies for creating social and political change, while rallying audiences to fight for human rights, civil rights, and equal rights for all.</p><p>Tamika is an esteemed social justice leader, political activist, and a next generation advocate for human rights, equal rights for women, health care, gun restrictions, and ethical police conduct. In 2017, as co-chair of the Women’s March, she helped organize the largest single-day protest in U.S.

<p>Drawing on her personal journey with mental wellness, Andrea Petersen equips audiences with powerful insights on how to manage and conquer anxiety and panic attacks. </p><p>Andrea is a nationally celebrated health, psychology, and neuroscience journalist and contributing writer at <i>The Wall Street Journal</i>. She brings mental health awareness to millions of readers with her thoughtful reporting on a range of important wellness topics, from student mental health and cognitive behavioral therapy to suicide, and insomnia.

<p>Angela Rye delivers thoughtful yet incisive commentary and real talk about the power of activism, advocacy, and politics, and stokes much-needed conversation about the state of America.</p><p>Politico, lawyer, and self-described empowermenteur, Angela Rye is one of America’s most influential voices for positive change in the political process. As the principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, she advocates for economic empowerment, civic engagement, and political involvement among young professionals.

<p>One of Variety magazine’s Top 10 Latina Actresses to Watch, actor Diane Guerrero draws on personal and professional experiences to show audiences that success is possible—no matter the obstacles in your way.</p><p>Diane Guerrero is a series regular on DC Universe/HBO Max’s series <em>Doom Patrol</em>.

<p>Sarah Thomas changed the game in the world’s most quintessential male-dominated sport—football—when she became the first female NFL official. Now she’s inspiring others to dream big and believe anything is possible.</p><p>She officiated her first game September 13, 2015, between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans. Today, Sarah Thomas’s hat, whistle, and flag are on display at the NFL Hall of Fame and serve as a testament to this historic achievement.

<p>Maria Contreras-Sweet is an expert in economic growth, job creation, corporate governance (ESG) and competitiveness.</p><p>Internationally acclaimed for her insights on growth, innovation, and corporate governance, or Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG), Contreras-Sweet serves on multiple boards of directors, including infrastructure firm Sempra Energy, TriNet, Regional Management Corp., and Zions Bancorporation.

<p>MILCK is an artist and activist who has made significant strides in both music and social advocacy tackling themes of inclusion and leadership.</p><p>MILCK appeared in TOMS' apparels 2024 spring "Wear Good" campaign and launched a brand partnership with Girl Up, a UN foundation for supporting and uplifting global female youth leadership.

<p>Ertharin Cousin currently serves as the Managing Director and CEO of FSF Ventures, an impact investment fund, and as the CEO of Food Systems for the Future Institute, the Fund’s sister nonprofit. Each organization supports her vision of a world without hunger and malnutrition. Ambassador Cousin also serves as a Distinguished Fellow at the Chicago</p><p>Council on Global Affairs; a Bosch Academy, Robert Weizsäcker Fellow; and as a Visiting Scholar at the Stanford University, Center on Food Security and Environment.

<p>As the creator of the viral hashtag-turned-movement, #OscarsSoWhite , April Reign has been challenging the lack of representation of marginalized communities in Hollywood and beyond since 2015. </p><p>April practiced law for nearly twenty years, honing her talent for public speaking, persuasive writing and effecting policy change, but it wasn’t until she walked away from her legal practice that she found her true passion.