Smart Women, Smart Power

Christen Brandt, co-founder and Chief Programs Officer of She’s the First, joined host Beverly Kirk to discuss how Covid-19 is impacting girls around the globe. They discuss the parallels with the Ebola crisis and what lessons learned can be applied today, and why this issue must be prioritized by the international community.  

Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of International Affairs Amb. (ret.) Nina Hachigian joined host Beverly Kirk to talk about the challenges cities face in the Covid-19 pandemic, and why cooperation is a key component of response efforts. They also discuss how the pandemic is impacting national security and the role of women in security issues.

Host Beverly Kirk chats with Neill Sciarrone, founder of Trinity Cyber, about the importance of emerging technology during the COVID-19 pandemic and why cybersecurity has to be a priority during national emergencies and natural disasters.

Cyberspace Solarium Commissioners Suzanne Spaulding and Dr. Samantha Ravich discuss the commission's recommendations aimed at helping the U.S. protect itself from cyberattacks.

CSIS Global Health Policy Center Senior Fellow Katherine Bliss talks with host Beverly Kirk about her coronavirus quarantine, her work on GAVI, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations, and lessons learned during GAVI's development that may be useful as the world grapples with COVID-19.

Host Beverly Kirk sat down with Grete Faremo, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS). They discussed how gender-blind infrastructure around the world can sometimes hinder gender equality and what UNOPS is doing to make sure infrastructure projects are designed with women in mind. 

In celebration of International Women's Day, Smart Women, Smart Power hosted a conversation with three CIA Deputies: Dawn Meyerriecks, Deputy Director of CIA for Science and Technology; Betsy Davis, Deputy Director of CIA for Support; and Sonya Holt, Deputy Associate Director of CIA for Talent for Diversity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer. Beverly Kirk moderated the discussion which highlighted how leadership at the CIA has changed, the Agency's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and how the Agency will lead in the 21st century.  

Host Beverly Kirk talks with USMC LtGen Lori Reynolds, Deputy Commandant for Information and Commander of the Marine Corps Forces Strategic Command, about how the Marines are improving their readiness for information warfare and adjusting their strategies for operation in the information environment.

Girl Security founder Lauren Buitta joined host Beverly Kirk to talk about how her organization has empowered hundreds of young women to join the national security field. Erin Connolly and Meaghan Burnes, two young women who have gone through the Girl Security mentorship program, joined the conversation to share what they’ve learned through the program.  

Col. Pam Melroy (USAF, ret.) joined us for a Smart Women, Smart Power conversation on innovation and the role of government in commercial space. Moderated by Nina Eason, Col. Melroy also discussed the importance of international partnerships and collaboration in space.

Brexit is on track to happen on January 31, 2020. Dr. Amanda Sloat from Brookings discusses the United Kingdom’s complicated transition out of the European Union with host Beverly Kirk.

Rose Gottemoeller, former Deputy Secretary General of NATO, joined host Beverly Kirk to discuss the importance of international alliances, NATO’s dedication to gender equity, and her experience as a lead negotiator for the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.

Host Beverly Kirk sat down with CSIS experts Kathleen Hicks, Sarah Ladislaw, and Stephanie Segal to discuss the year’s security and foreign policy hot topics and what we might expect in the coming year. We talk everything from China, climate, and trade to populism, technology, and U.S. leadership on the global stage.

Janet Fleischman, CSIS Senior Associate (Non-resident) in the Global Health Policy Center joined host Beverly Kirk for a conversation about her latest report, which examines why women and girls’ health and protection should be a top priority in emergency and international crisis situations. It also looks at U.S. policy on global health security.  

Konchok and Migyur are Kung Fu Nuns from the Drukpa lineage of Buddhism in Nepal. They and Atlantic Council Senior Advisor Carrie Lee joined host Beverly Kirk to discuss Kung Fu’s role in promoting gender equality in the Western Himalayas. They also discussed their work on the environment and as first responders following the 2015 earthquake.

Dr. Barbara Burger, president of Chevron Technology Ventures (CTV), joined guest host Melissa Dalton to discuss how CTV operates and how its work is impacting communities. They also discussed the importance of STEM education and finding allies.

Syria Study Group co-Chair Dana Stroul and Commission member Melissa Dalton discuss the group’s findings, the state of the Syria-Turkey conflict following the withdrawal of U.S. troops, and international influence in the region.

House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX) joined us for a Smart Women, Smart Power conversation on foreign aid and international affairs spending. Moderated by Nina Easton, the pair also discussed why it’s important to invest in women and girls worldwide.

NatSecGirlSquad Founder Maggie Feldman-Piltch explains how the group’s commitment to women in security and defense extends beyond career advice and networking and why “competent diversity” is key to inclusion in the defense and security sector.

This panel discussion looked at progress being made toward achieving gender equality in developing countries and the challenges women and girls still face. The conversation features moderator Beverly Kirk and guests Zoe Dean-Smith, Amb. Mathilde Mukantabana, Johanna Nesseth Tuttle, and Astri Kimball Van Dyke.