Join Vital Voices on September 24, 2026 from 5-7 PM at DVF Studio in NYC, where Vital Voices and Diane von Furstenberg will bring together five extraordinary women leaders advancing justice, equity and opportunity around the world.
Event Details
Vital Voices Leadership Talks
A United Nations General Assembly Week Convening
Thursday, September 24, 2026
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Program and reception
Registration begins at 4:30 p.m.
Program begins at 5:00 p.m.
DVF Studio
440 West 14th Street
New York, NY 10014
RSVP HERE
Event Description
During United Nations General Assembly Week, Vital Voices will bring together an extraordinary group of women leaders whose courage, conviction and bold action are transforming communities and advancing change worldwide.
The convening will bring together leaders working across filmmaking, advocacy, peacebuilding, reproductive freedom, climate justice, responsible technology, refugee livelihoods and access to clean water. Through personal stories and candid conversations, they will explore how women turn conviction into action, confront systems that perpetuate injustice and create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Vital Voices President and CEO Alyse Nelson will deliver opening remarks.
Meet the Featured Leaders
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, filmmaker, advocate and First Partner of California, uses storytelling and public advocacy to challenge limiting gender stereotypes and advance equity.
Huma Abedin Soros, author, MSNBC contributor and Chair of the Vital Voices Board of Directors, has spent her career supporting women’s leadership and civic participation.
Arwa Damon, former CNN senior correspondent and founder of INARA, works to provide medical assistance to children affected by war and disaster.
Zainab Salbi, co-founder of Daughters for Earth, is an author, humanitarian and advocate working to advance women-led solutions for people and the planet.
Yael Admi and Reem Al-Hajajreh, leaders of The Mother’s Call, demonstrate the power of women building connections across lines of conflict and calling for a peaceful future.
Nika Kovač, founder of the 8th of March Institute, organizes people-powered campaigns to advance gender equality and protect fundamental rights.
Breeze Liu, founder of Alecto AI, is using technology to combat online image abuse and promote greater safety, accountability and justice in digital spaces.
Nisha Pahuja, filmmaker and founder of Notice Pictures, uses documentary storytelling to illuminate complex social issues and share deeply human stories of courage and change.
Renata Koch Alvarenga, founder of EmpoderaClima, advances gender-just climate action and works to ensure women and young people have a voice in shaping a more sustainable future.
Aline Sara, founder of NaTakallam, creates economic opportunities for refugees and displaced people by connecting them with language learners around the world.
Christelle Kwizera, founder of Water Access Rwanda, expands access to safe, affordable water through sustainable solutions grounded in community needs.
Sister Sarah Puls, National Executive Officer of ACRATH, advocates alongside people affected by human trafficking and works to address the systems that enable exploitation.
Together, these women embody the practices at the heart of the Vital Voices Leadership Journey: Driving Force, Strong Roots in the Community, Bold Ideas, Bold Actions, Connecting Across Lines that Divide and Paying It Forward.
From Personal Conviction to Collective Impact
The evening’s conversations will span some of the most urgent challenges facing communities today—from conflict and displacement to reproductive freedom, climate change, gender-based violence and the growing risks women face online.
While the featured leaders represent different countries, sectors and lived experiences, they share a commitment to putting people and communities at the center of change. Each has transformed personal conviction into collective action, building solutions that challenge injustice and open new possibilities for others.
Their stories also underscore a principle that has guided Vital Voices for nearly three decades: women leaders do not simply participate in change—they strengthen movements, transform systems and bring others forward with them.
During a consequential week for global leadership, Vital Voices Leadership Talks will create space for reflection, connection and renewed commitment to the courageous leadership our world needs.