Madeline Fetterly Attends Center for Strategic and International Studies Smart Women Smart Power Event

10 years ago when I was an intern Vital Voices Global Partnership I walked across the street to Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) for an Inagural CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power event.

The panel featured two icons. Melinda French Gates in interview with Nina Easton.

Their conversation focused on women in leadership, women in power including Melinda talking publically about how she, a person of faith, felt it was important to advocate for women’s health and rights globally.

As a young woman from a small town in Texas- to say it was a pivotal moment in my life and my own thinking is an understatement.

It was the first time I heard forward thinking women talk about real issues with thoughtfulness, empathy and curiosity.

Imagine my honor when, 10 years later, I had the privilege to attend SWSP @ 10 to honor Nina and the indelible mark she has made and will continue to make.

Congratulations Nina and to the whole team at CSIS Kathleen J. McInnis, Ph.D. Alexis D. On such a special moment and for continuing to push us further down the path of progress.

And of course such a joy to spend time with Shelly O'Neill Stoneman another incredible women leading at the top of her industry.