1 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:07,000 Downloaded from YTS.MX 2 00:00:05,505 --> 00:00:05,714 . 3 00:00:05,755 --> 00:00:06,881 - Welcome to the wonderful city of Paris, 4 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:13,000 Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX 5 00:00:08,174 --> 00:00:10,051 where we will meet ten inspiring 6 00:00:10,093 --> 00:00:11,803 and extraordinary women. 7 00:00:11,845 --> 00:00:13,805 Women who overcame adversity and trauma, 8 00:00:13,847 --> 00:00:17,517 turning their lives around to make a positive impact. 9 00:00:17,559 --> 00:00:20,979 - I'm going to help girls like me when we get older. 10 00:00:21,021 --> 00:00:22,022 * * 11 00:00:22,063 --> 00:00:23,314 - Now as an adult, 12 00:00:23,356 --> 00:00:27,027 I can help children understand their worth. 13 00:00:27,068 --> 00:00:28,069 * * 14 00:00:28,111 --> 00:00:30,030 - He'd give me a high five 15 00:00:30,071 --> 00:00:33,450 and say, "You go, Mom. You got this." 16 00:00:33,491 --> 00:00:34,993 - They didn't turn away. 17 00:00:35,035 --> 00:00:38,329 - If you ignore the problem, it doesn't mean it goes away. 18 00:00:38,371 --> 00:00:39,622 - Why are people doing this? 19 00:00:39,664 --> 00:00:42,459 And why isn't anyone doing anything about it? 20 00:00:42,500 --> 00:00:46,004 - These women provide solutions, work tirelessly, 21 00:00:46,046 --> 00:00:48,006 and selflessly serving their communities. 22 00:00:48,048 --> 00:00:50,342 - Kindness is at the root of it all. 23 00:00:50,383 --> 00:00:54,220 - It has funded a lot of smiles. 24 00:00:54,262 --> 00:00:55,680 - Turning heartbreak into hope. 25 00:00:55,722 --> 00:00:58,183 - Tonight, they share their stories 26 00:00:58,224 --> 00:01:00,268 with incredible humanitarian stars 27 00:01:00,310 --> 00:01:02,479 keen to promote their causes. 28 00:01:02,520 --> 00:01:05,398 They are L'Oréal Paris' Women of Worth. 29 00:01:05,440 --> 00:01:08,026 - Selected from thousands of nominations 30 00:01:08,068 --> 00:01:09,486 across the country, 31 00:01:09,527 --> 00:01:13,073 we brought our Women of Worth 2021 honorees 32 00:01:13,114 --> 00:01:15,617 to the glorious city of Paris. 33 00:01:15,658 --> 00:01:17,202 * * 34 00:01:17,243 --> 00:01:19,704 Paris is a truly inspiring city. 35 00:01:19,746 --> 00:01:23,124 So it's a fitting place to honor ten women 36 00:01:23,166 --> 00:01:24,834 who are also truly inspiring 37 00:01:24,876 --> 00:01:27,837 with their extraordinary stories of support, 38 00:01:27,879 --> 00:01:30,131 service, and sacrifice. 39 00:01:30,173 --> 00:01:31,591 We'll meet them all. 40 00:01:31,633 --> 00:01:35,845 Let's get to know the 2021 Women of Worth honorees. 41 00:01:35,887 --> 00:01:37,097 * * 42 00:01:37,138 --> 00:01:40,100 Amanda Munz with the Fashion Foundation. 43 00:01:40,141 --> 00:01:41,935 Ashley Rhodes-Courter 44 00:01:41,976 --> 00:01:44,562 with the Foundation for Sustainable Families. 45 00:01:44,604 --> 00:01:47,899 Briana Daniels with Street Team Movement Inc. 46 00:01:47,941 --> 00:01:51,486 Lara MacGregor with Hope Scarves. 47 00:01:51,528 --> 00:01:55,782 Marian McCord with CHADS Coalition for Mental Health. 48 00:01:55,824 --> 00:01:59,285 Michelle Tran with Soar Over Hate. 49 00:01:59,327 --> 00:02:03,498 Natalie Jia Guo with Off Their Plate. 50 00:02:03,540 --> 00:02:06,918 Natalie Wilson with Black and Missing Foundation. 51 00:02:06,960 --> 00:02:10,797 Pooja Chandrashekar with ProjectCSGIRLS. 52 00:02:10,839 --> 00:02:14,342 Starr Davis with the Starr Institute Inc. 53 00:02:14,384 --> 00:02:16,428 For their final day in Paris, 54 00:02:16,469 --> 00:02:19,514 this year's Women of Worth honorees are gathered 55 00:02:19,556 --> 00:02:22,350 to share their inspirational and heartwarming stories 56 00:02:22,392 --> 00:02:23,935 with each other... 57 00:02:23,977 --> 00:02:27,105 and some other fabulous worthy women you may recognize. 58 00:02:27,147 --> 00:02:34,279 * * 59 00:02:35,780 --> 00:02:40,118 [upbeat music] 60 00:02:40,160 --> 00:02:41,703 - Hey, Starr. 61 00:02:41,745 --> 00:02:46,332 So when did this journey of Starr Institute start? 62 00:02:46,374 --> 00:02:50,503 - I actually founded the organization in 2017. 63 00:02:50,545 --> 00:02:53,882 And so by profession, I'm an attorney. 64 00:02:53,923 --> 00:02:56,468 And by purpose, I'm a founder and executive director 65 00:02:56,509 --> 00:02:58,178 of the Starr Institute. 66 00:02:58,219 --> 00:02:59,763 [soft music] 67 00:02:59,804 --> 00:03:02,390 - With more than 42 million victims 68 00:03:02,432 --> 00:03:04,809 of sex abuse in America today, 69 00:03:04,851 --> 00:03:07,395 Starr Davis has spent the last five years 70 00:03:07,437 --> 00:03:09,773 supporting child survivors. 71 00:03:09,814 --> 00:03:11,608 * * 72 00:03:11,649 --> 00:03:14,069 - One in ten children will be sexually abused 73 00:03:14,110 --> 00:03:15,362 by their 18th birthday. 74 00:03:15,403 --> 00:03:18,448 Abuse is going on all around us, 75 00:03:18,490 --> 00:03:20,700 but people don't want to talk about that. 76 00:03:20,742 --> 00:03:23,536 They want to say this is too hard of a conversation 77 00:03:23,578 --> 00:03:25,705 and makes them uncomfortable. 78 00:03:25,747 --> 00:03:27,916 Well, I will no longer be silent 79 00:03:27,957 --> 00:03:30,669 so that society can be comfortable. 80 00:03:30,710 --> 00:03:32,712 Not gonna do it. 81 00:03:32,754 --> 00:03:35,590 - Starr grew up with her mother and brother, 82 00:03:35,632 --> 00:03:37,842 but her world fell apart 83 00:03:37,884 --> 00:03:40,011 when her family structure crumbled 84 00:03:40,053 --> 00:03:42,555 and she was moved from home to home. 85 00:03:42,597 --> 00:03:45,058 - At seven, that's when the molestation began. 86 00:03:45,100 --> 00:03:48,061 It just was, you know, kind of spiraling out of control. 87 00:03:48,103 --> 00:03:50,397 And I just felt all alone. 88 00:03:50,438 --> 00:03:51,981 I only told my best friend. 89 00:03:52,023 --> 00:03:54,234 And I distinctly remember that night 90 00:03:54,275 --> 00:03:55,777 that I made that vow to her. 91 00:03:55,819 --> 00:03:59,447 And I said, "I'm going to help girls like me 92 00:03:59,489 --> 00:04:01,241 when we get older." 93 00:04:01,282 --> 00:04:03,368 - Starr's circumstances changed 94 00:04:03,410 --> 00:04:05,036 when she was 12 years old 95 00:04:05,078 --> 00:04:07,122 and moved in with her grandmother. 96 00:04:07,163 --> 00:04:10,834 This move spelt the end of years of abuse. 97 00:04:10,875 --> 00:04:12,919 - She was always encouraging me. 98 00:04:12,961 --> 00:04:14,004 Um... 99 00:04:14,045 --> 00:04:17,090 * * 100 00:04:17,132 --> 00:04:18,550 [exhales] 101 00:04:18,591 --> 00:04:21,261 I lost her last year. 102 00:04:21,302 --> 00:04:24,931 So it's hard because... 103 00:04:24,973 --> 00:04:28,810 when I was growing up, I needed her, right? 104 00:04:28,852 --> 00:04:30,645 And so she was just there for me. 105 00:04:30,687 --> 00:04:33,898 And so... that is what kids need. 106 00:04:33,940 --> 00:04:37,110 They want to know that they have someone. 107 00:04:37,152 --> 00:04:40,989 They want to know that someone is gonna show up for them. 108 00:04:41,031 --> 00:04:44,826 - Five years ago, Starr launched the Starr Institute, 109 00:04:44,868 --> 00:04:48,830 whose purpose is to educate, engage, and empower 110 00:04:48,872 --> 00:04:53,710 young people and those who have experienced abuse. 111 00:04:53,752 --> 00:04:56,338 - Let's talk about, like, have you heard about this challenge? 112 00:04:56,379 --> 00:04:57,630 - Mm-hmm. - Have you participated in it? 113 00:04:57,672 --> 00:04:59,716 - Okay, okay. I like that, I like that. 114 00:04:59,758 --> 00:05:02,177 Starr really cares about our young people. 115 00:05:02,218 --> 00:05:04,304 And they can connect with that 'cause they want 116 00:05:04,346 --> 00:05:06,264 to know that there's hope, right? 117 00:05:06,306 --> 00:05:07,640 There is someone who has been through 118 00:05:07,682 --> 00:05:08,975 some of what we have been through 119 00:05:09,017 --> 00:05:11,728 and have been able to make it on the other side. 120 00:05:11,770 --> 00:05:13,313 - Ooh, this is making me excited. 121 00:05:13,355 --> 00:05:15,273 - Yeah, yeah, yeah. - Some people will never talk 122 00:05:15,315 --> 00:05:16,524 about it. 123 00:05:16,566 --> 00:05:18,151 Some people, it's too painful. 124 00:05:18,193 --> 00:05:21,905 But for me, I feel like I'm supposed to talk about it, 125 00:05:21,946 --> 00:05:23,823 and it helps me to help other people, 126 00:05:23,865 --> 00:05:25,784 so that they can know "It's not just me." 127 00:05:25,825 --> 00:05:27,660 It's just--it's my purpose. 128 00:05:27,702 --> 00:05:29,704 It's what I was purposed to do. 129 00:05:29,746 --> 00:05:34,167 And now I know that that's why I was able to make it through. 130 00:05:34,209 --> 00:05:38,380 - How do you feel like this has impacted your life, 131 00:05:38,421 --> 00:05:41,007 like, considering the traumatic experiences 132 00:05:41,049 --> 00:05:42,550 that you went through? 133 00:05:42,592 --> 00:05:44,803 - It's been healing, right? - Mm. 134 00:05:44,844 --> 00:05:50,975 And I speak for other women and other men 135 00:05:51,017 --> 00:05:52,018 who can't speak, 136 00:05:52,060 --> 00:05:53,061 right? - Mm-hmm. 137 00:05:53,103 --> 00:05:54,062 - There's never been a time 138 00:05:54,104 --> 00:05:55,522 that I've shared my story 139 00:05:55,563 --> 00:05:57,732 that someone else didn't disclose to me. 140 00:05:57,774 --> 00:05:59,526 Very rarely disclosed. 141 00:05:59,567 --> 00:06:01,569 It only affects you, like, 142 00:06:01,611 --> 00:06:04,030 psychologically, or mentally, and emotionally. 143 00:06:04,072 --> 00:06:06,908 - It affects you physiologically. 144 00:06:06,950 --> 00:06:08,952 Trauma is a public health crisis. 145 00:06:08,993 --> 00:06:11,162 - It is. - Thank you so much, Starr. 146 00:06:11,204 --> 00:06:12,163 Thank you for... - Thank you. 147 00:06:12,205 --> 00:06:13,498 - Sharing your story with us 148 00:06:13,540 --> 00:06:16,543 and thank you for the incredibly important work 149 00:06:16,584 --> 00:06:19,212 that you're doing. - Thank you for having me. 150 00:06:19,254 --> 00:06:21,381 - Join us after the break, when Katherine Langford 151 00:06:21,423 --> 00:06:23,883 meets a woman whose childhood experience fueled her mission 152 00:06:23,925 --> 00:06:26,928 to help other families going through challenges. 153 00:06:26,970 --> 00:06:28,596 [upbeat music] 154 00:06:33,226 --> 00:06:33,435 . 155 00:06:33,476 --> 00:06:34,269 [Lizzo's "Good as Hell" cover] 156 00:06:36,563 --> 00:06:37,772 - Welcome back. 157 00:06:37,814 --> 00:06:40,108 We are here in Paris, where we are celebrating 158 00:06:40,150 --> 00:06:43,069 our 2021 Women of Worth honorees. 159 00:06:43,111 --> 00:06:45,405 We are about to hear from a woman who, 160 00:06:45,447 --> 00:06:47,574 against all odds, turned her life around 161 00:06:47,615 --> 00:06:49,701 and is now dedicated to helping others 162 00:06:49,743 --> 00:06:51,327 who have lived through trauma or abuse 163 00:06:51,369 --> 00:06:52,912 in the foster care system. 164 00:06:52,954 --> 00:06:55,915 [soft music] 165 00:06:55,957 --> 00:06:57,250 - Here at the Foundation, 166 00:06:57,292 --> 00:06:59,669 we serve all families that are in high-risk 167 00:06:59,711 --> 00:07:01,588 or high-conflict situations, 168 00:07:01,629 --> 00:07:04,174 be it families who are experiencing foster care, 169 00:07:04,215 --> 00:07:05,925 families who have adopted 170 00:07:05,967 --> 00:07:08,094 who need that post-adoptive support, 171 00:07:08,136 --> 00:07:09,846 or just families that find themselves 172 00:07:09,888 --> 00:07:11,723 in difficult circumstances. 173 00:07:11,765 --> 00:07:13,558 - Ashley's desire to help others 174 00:07:13,600 --> 00:07:16,686 stems from her own childhood experiences. 175 00:07:16,728 --> 00:07:18,730 - I was placed in the foster care system 176 00:07:18,772 --> 00:07:20,440 when I was about three years old. 177 00:07:20,482 --> 00:07:22,525 And I spent almost ten years in care. 178 00:07:22,567 --> 00:07:25,445 During that time, I had 14 different placements. 179 00:07:25,487 --> 00:07:29,949 I later learned that more than 25% of my caregivers 180 00:07:29,991 --> 00:07:32,202 were or became convicted felons. 181 00:07:32,243 --> 00:07:35,080 And we were beaten, starved, locked outside, 182 00:07:35,121 --> 00:07:36,748 forced to swallow hot sauce. 183 00:07:36,790 --> 00:07:39,959 I didn't understand what was happening. 184 00:07:40,001 --> 00:07:41,461 - After years of neglect, 185 00:07:41,503 --> 00:07:44,798 12-year-old Ashley was finally thrown a lifeline 186 00:07:44,839 --> 00:07:48,343 by court-appointed guardian Mary Miller. 187 00:07:48,385 --> 00:07:50,762 - Mary believed me when I said I was being abused. 188 00:07:50,804 --> 00:07:54,265 She was the one person who wasn't paid 189 00:07:54,307 --> 00:07:55,850 to take care of me, 190 00:07:55,892 --> 00:07:59,604 and yet she did the most to get me out of abusive situations 191 00:07:59,646 --> 00:08:03,233 and ultimately changed everything about my world. 192 00:08:03,274 --> 00:08:04,651 - Being proud of Ashley, 193 00:08:04,693 --> 00:08:06,111 that's not even the word to use. 194 00:08:06,152 --> 00:08:07,487 I'm not even sure what it is. 195 00:08:07,529 --> 00:08:09,197 I can remember visiting her 196 00:08:09,239 --> 00:08:10,490 when she was in a foster setup. 197 00:08:10,532 --> 00:08:12,242 And when I asked her what she wanted to do 198 00:08:12,283 --> 00:08:13,368 with her life, she said, 199 00:08:13,410 --> 00:08:15,161 "I wanna make sure no other child 200 00:08:15,203 --> 00:08:17,288 has to go through what I did." 201 00:08:17,330 --> 00:08:21,334 So she's always known what she wanted to do. 202 00:08:21,376 --> 00:08:22,877 - I was just like you. 203 00:08:22,919 --> 00:08:24,337 And I was adopted too. 204 00:08:24,379 --> 00:08:26,214 - Just as she was helped, 205 00:08:26,256 --> 00:08:28,758 Ashley now supports countless families, 206 00:08:28,800 --> 00:08:31,344 among them Janna, who is in the process 207 00:08:31,386 --> 00:08:33,513 of adopting eight-year-old Mierra. 208 00:08:33,555 --> 00:08:35,682 - I am her sixth placement. 209 00:08:35,724 --> 00:08:39,936 She's faced significant trauma, neglect, abuse. 210 00:08:39,978 --> 00:08:42,313 Things got really, really hard at home. 211 00:08:42,355 --> 00:08:45,191 We were introduced to Ashley, 212 00:08:45,233 --> 00:08:47,402 told about Sustainable Family Services. 213 00:08:47,444 --> 00:08:50,196 And truly, the clouds started to part. 214 00:08:50,238 --> 00:08:52,741 - When I was a kid growing up in the foster care system, 215 00:08:52,782 --> 00:08:55,285 I thought there was something inherently wrong with me, 216 00:08:55,326 --> 00:08:57,871 that I was broken, or bad, or damaged. 217 00:08:57,912 --> 00:08:59,247 Now as an adult, 218 00:08:59,289 --> 00:09:02,667 I can help children understand their worth 219 00:09:02,709 --> 00:09:04,878 and their power and their voice. 220 00:09:04,919 --> 00:09:06,880 And when you're able to give kids 221 00:09:06,921 --> 00:09:09,924 that kind of power and ownership over their stories, 222 00:09:09,966 --> 00:09:12,677 unbelievable things can happen. 223 00:09:12,719 --> 00:09:14,137 * * 224 00:09:14,179 --> 00:09:15,722 - It's such a pleasure to meet you. 225 00:09:15,764 --> 00:09:17,182 - Likewise. 226 00:09:17,223 --> 00:09:20,101 - What's the most important life lesson you've learned 227 00:09:20,143 --> 00:09:22,228 that's helped you move forward? 228 00:09:22,270 --> 00:09:25,899 - I want my story to help showcase 229 00:09:25,940 --> 00:09:29,569 that no matter what your past experiences are, 230 00:09:29,611 --> 00:09:33,198 no matter what your family of origin, 231 00:09:33,239 --> 00:09:35,617 no matter what your life circumstance is, 232 00:09:35,658 --> 00:09:38,453 resiliency can come at any age, any stage. 233 00:09:38,495 --> 00:09:40,747 So you, if you're struggling, 234 00:09:40,789 --> 00:09:43,208 have opportunity to turn things around, 235 00:09:43,249 --> 00:09:45,418 and there will be better days ahead. 236 00:09:45,460 --> 00:09:47,712 - Well, you're definitely a Woman of Worth, 237 00:09:47,754 --> 00:09:48,755 as are all of you. 238 00:09:48,797 --> 00:09:50,298 And thank you so much 239 00:09:50,340 --> 00:09:52,050 for sharing your story with us. - My pleasure. 240 00:09:52,092 --> 00:09:59,265 * * 241 00:09:59,808 --> 00:10:03,186 - Sadly, not all of this year's Women of Worth honorees 242 00:10:03,228 --> 00:10:05,480 were able to make it to Paris this evening. 243 00:10:05,522 --> 00:10:08,566 Lara was unable due to ill health. 244 00:10:08,608 --> 00:10:11,444 But I'm very happy she's able to join me 245 00:10:11,486 --> 00:10:12,987 for a chat right now. 246 00:10:13,029 --> 00:10:16,825 How does it feel to be one of the honorees this year? 247 00:10:16,866 --> 00:10:18,743 - It was such an honor. 248 00:10:18,785 --> 00:10:21,413 It really came at such a wonderful time 249 00:10:21,454 --> 00:10:24,457 because I was facing 250 00:10:24,499 --> 00:10:27,210 progressing metastatic breast cancer 251 00:10:27,252 --> 00:10:28,628 and getting a lot of bad news 252 00:10:28,670 --> 00:10:31,715 and just feeling really terrible physically. 253 00:10:31,756 --> 00:10:36,886 And so to get this really exciting award 254 00:10:36,928 --> 00:10:40,140 and this recognition for my life's work... 255 00:10:40,181 --> 00:10:42,308 brought this spark of joy into my life 256 00:10:42,350 --> 00:10:44,394 that was really needed. 257 00:10:44,436 --> 00:10:46,646 - Tell me a little bit more about Hope Scarves. 258 00:10:46,688 --> 00:10:49,733 - Absolutely. So I was originally diagnosed 259 00:10:49,774 --> 00:10:52,610 with breast cancer when I was 30 years old 260 00:10:52,652 --> 00:10:54,487 and seven months pregnant. 261 00:10:54,529 --> 00:10:57,490 And a friend of a friend, who I had never met, 262 00:10:57,532 --> 00:11:00,493 named Kelly sent me a box of scarves 263 00:11:00,535 --> 00:11:03,538 with a note that said, "You can do this." 264 00:11:03,580 --> 00:11:05,999 After I had received these scarves and worn them, 265 00:11:06,041 --> 00:11:10,170 I realized how much they could help another person. 266 00:11:10,211 --> 00:11:11,171 - Yes! 267 00:11:11,212 --> 00:11:12,505 That's a good one. 268 00:11:12,547 --> 00:11:15,967 - And I realized the power of storytelling 269 00:11:16,009 --> 00:11:17,260 and passing the scarves on. 270 00:11:17,302 --> 00:11:19,512 [soft music] 271 00:11:19,554 --> 00:11:22,015 Hope Scarves started with two or three scarves 272 00:11:22,057 --> 00:11:24,642 in my spare bedroom, and now today, 273 00:11:24,684 --> 00:11:28,355 we've sent nearly 20,000 Hope Scarves 274 00:11:28,396 --> 00:11:30,982 to 27 different countries. 275 00:11:31,024 --> 00:11:33,360 The oldest recipient is 97. 276 00:11:33,401 --> 00:11:37,072 The youngest is just six months old. 277 00:11:37,113 --> 00:11:39,199 - We are positive. - Good! 278 00:11:39,240 --> 00:11:40,241 - See, that's always a good thing. 279 00:11:40,283 --> 00:11:41,201 - That's all you want. - [laughs] 280 00:11:41,242 --> 00:11:43,953 Here, you want to celebrate! 281 00:11:43,995 --> 00:11:45,872 - What began as a global community 282 00:11:45,914 --> 00:11:48,792 to connect those going through similar ordeals 283 00:11:48,833 --> 00:11:51,127 has now grown into a fundraising body 284 00:11:51,169 --> 00:11:54,673 for vital research into metastatic breast cancer. 285 00:11:54,714 --> 00:11:58,551 - The average life expectancy is still 2 to 3 years. 286 00:11:58,593 --> 00:12:03,390 114 people die every day of metastatic breast cancer. 287 00:12:03,431 --> 00:12:06,059 We've invested almost $1.5 million 288 00:12:06,101 --> 00:12:08,645 in metastatic breast cancer research, 289 00:12:08,687 --> 00:12:13,441 which really got to the heart of what I feel is so important, 290 00:12:13,483 --> 00:12:16,486 which is about turning heartbreak into hope. 291 00:12:16,528 --> 00:12:18,947 It is just like, "Okay, now how do we--how do 292 00:12:18,988 --> 00:12:22,158 build on that and keep growing," you know? 293 00:12:22,200 --> 00:12:25,745 The idea of... dying 294 00:12:25,787 --> 00:12:28,748 and not being here to see Hope Scarves 295 00:12:28,790 --> 00:12:35,380 grow into all it can be is really sad and scary. 296 00:12:35,422 --> 00:12:38,258 It's not that you have to fill my shoes. 297 00:12:38,299 --> 00:12:40,552 It's that we're gonna find you 298 00:12:40,593 --> 00:12:42,721 your own amazing set of shoes. 299 00:12:42,762 --> 00:12:45,265 - Knowing Hope Scarves is going to continue, 300 00:12:45,306 --> 00:12:47,600 passing on the baton to somebody else 301 00:12:47,642 --> 00:12:49,602 to lead the organization, 302 00:12:49,644 --> 00:12:54,774 it brings her such peace knowing that we've got this. 303 00:12:54,816 --> 00:12:56,901 * * 304 00:12:56,943 --> 00:13:00,447 - The idea that my children will watch it grow, 305 00:13:00,488 --> 00:13:02,365 and that my friends will see it, 306 00:13:02,407 --> 00:13:05,326 and that people will remember me... 307 00:13:05,368 --> 00:13:08,121 not only for who I was as an individual, 308 00:13:08,163 --> 00:13:09,706 but what I created here, 309 00:13:09,748 --> 00:13:13,001 it brings me so much joy and gratitude. 310 00:13:13,043 --> 00:13:16,629 * * 311 00:13:16,671 --> 00:13:18,423 - Tell me about the grant. 312 00:13:18,465 --> 00:13:19,758 How are you gonna use it? 313 00:13:19,799 --> 00:13:21,676 - We've created a strategic plan 314 00:13:21,718 --> 00:13:25,972 for the future of Hope Scarves and what looks like beyond me. 315 00:13:26,014 --> 00:13:29,309 And though that's a really hard conversation, 316 00:13:29,351 --> 00:13:31,978 it's something that is so powerful 317 00:13:32,020 --> 00:13:35,899 because it's really amazing to know 318 00:13:35,940 --> 00:13:37,734 that I've created an organization 319 00:13:37,776 --> 00:13:40,820 that is bigger than me and that will be my legacy. 320 00:13:40,862 --> 00:13:44,115 - Thank you so much, Lara, for, you know, joining us. 321 00:13:44,157 --> 00:13:45,658 You have touched so many lives 322 00:13:45,700 --> 00:13:48,244 and you're doing incredible work. 323 00:13:48,286 --> 00:13:49,704 I thank you from the bottom of my heart 324 00:13:49,746 --> 00:13:51,956 for all of the women that still have yet 325 00:13:51,998 --> 00:13:54,209 to be affected by your legacy. 326 00:13:54,250 --> 00:13:57,379 - Thank you so much. It's an honor to be recognized 327 00:13:57,420 --> 00:14:00,382 for something I'm so passionate about. 328 00:14:00,423 --> 00:14:04,803 - Join us after the break, when Gemma Chan talks 329 00:14:04,844 --> 00:14:08,098 to a woman who is giving self-worth to the homeless. 330 00:14:15,689 --> 00:14:15,897 . 331 00:14:15,939 --> 00:14:16,398 [upbeat music] 332 00:14:18,817 --> 00:14:21,111 - Welcome back to our Women of Worth special. 333 00:14:21,152 --> 00:14:24,781 [soft music] 334 00:14:24,823 --> 00:14:27,033 In a world where we need more empathy, 335 00:14:27,075 --> 00:14:29,494 it often helps to put ourselves in other people's shoes. 336 00:14:29,536 --> 00:14:32,163 And, Briana, I know that's exactly how you got started, 337 00:14:32,205 --> 00:14:34,332 so can you please tell us a bit about that? 338 00:14:34,374 --> 00:14:35,709 - Absolutely. I thought 339 00:14:35,750 --> 00:14:37,669 the best way in order to help the homeless 340 00:14:37,711 --> 00:14:41,256 is to become like a homeless. 341 00:14:41,297 --> 00:14:43,800 I lived on the streets for 32 days. 342 00:14:43,842 --> 00:14:45,719 You're sweating. It's raining. 343 00:14:45,760 --> 00:14:48,054 Like, I need to shower, and I can't do that. 344 00:14:48,096 --> 00:14:49,973 I need to use the restroom, and I can't do that. 345 00:14:50,015 --> 00:14:51,433 You know, I got a bug bite. 346 00:14:51,474 --> 00:14:53,435 Like, I'm outside. 347 00:14:53,476 --> 00:14:54,769 I'm like, "What now?" 348 00:14:54,811 --> 00:14:56,813 That's when I created Street Team Movement. 349 00:14:56,855 --> 00:14:58,356 - Street Team Movement partners 350 00:14:58,398 --> 00:15:00,900 with local laundromats, who open their doors 351 00:15:00,942 --> 00:15:02,485 to the homeless community. 352 00:15:02,527 --> 00:15:05,030 For many, it's life-changing. 353 00:15:05,071 --> 00:15:06,448 - There was two brothers, the Anderson brothers. 354 00:15:06,489 --> 00:15:07,741 They came in. 355 00:15:07,782 --> 00:15:09,075 They had job interviews the next day 356 00:15:09,117 --> 00:15:10,660 as welders and they needed these jobs. 357 00:15:10,702 --> 00:15:12,746 So we did their laundry for them. 358 00:15:12,787 --> 00:15:15,165 And they called the next day, and they said, 359 00:15:15,206 --> 00:15:18,877 "The hiring manager said no one looks clean 360 00:15:18,918 --> 00:15:20,211 in welding interviews." 361 00:15:20,253 --> 00:15:21,880 And they both walked out with jobs that day. 362 00:15:21,921 --> 00:15:24,424 And they said, "We didn't feel homeless. 363 00:15:24,466 --> 00:15:27,218 We felt normal for once." 364 00:15:27,260 --> 00:15:30,013 - As well as helping the homeless with laundry, 365 00:15:30,055 --> 00:15:32,015 they offer hygiene essentials 366 00:15:32,057 --> 00:15:33,933 and a safe place to hang out. 367 00:15:33,975 --> 00:15:35,602 - We have a whole coffee bar set up 368 00:15:35,643 --> 00:15:36,853 with, like, actual glass mugs. 369 00:15:36,895 --> 00:15:38,229 And I remember one of our homeless friends, 370 00:15:38,271 --> 00:15:40,732 Eugene, he sat there the first time he had his mug, 371 00:15:40,774 --> 00:15:43,651 and--and he cried. 372 00:15:43,693 --> 00:15:45,737 Yeah. 373 00:15:46,988 --> 00:15:48,323 He hadn't drank from a regular cup 374 00:15:48,365 --> 00:15:50,200 in a long time. 375 00:15:50,241 --> 00:15:52,160 And it's something that was so little 376 00:15:52,202 --> 00:15:53,453 that we didn't even think about. 377 00:15:53,495 --> 00:15:55,288 It meant everything to him. 378 00:15:55,330 --> 00:15:58,416 - Since its inception, Street Team has done 379 00:15:58,458 --> 00:16:00,627 over 20,000 loads of laundry 380 00:16:00,669 --> 00:16:03,922 and handed out over a million hygiene items. 381 00:16:03,963 --> 00:16:05,090 - What we're gonna be doing is we're gonna 382 00:16:05,131 --> 00:16:07,634 pack our feminine hygiene kits. 383 00:16:07,676 --> 00:16:10,261 - Briana is the girl who knows what she wants to do. 384 00:16:10,303 --> 00:16:11,638 And she's going to do it. 385 00:16:11,680 --> 00:16:13,973 To be around her is to know 386 00:16:14,015 --> 00:16:16,267 that we are going to get it done. 387 00:16:16,309 --> 00:16:19,396 - She's the real deal. She is making a direct impact 388 00:16:19,437 --> 00:16:21,147 in Orlando, where there is 389 00:16:21,189 --> 00:16:23,358 a huge need for services like this. 390 00:16:23,400 --> 00:16:26,319 And you can just see the difference that she makes. 391 00:16:26,361 --> 00:16:28,279 - The mission of Street Team Movement 392 00:16:28,321 --> 00:16:30,657 is to restore hope to homeless individuals. 393 00:16:30,699 --> 00:16:31,991 * * 394 00:16:32,033 --> 00:16:33,618 Everyone deserves to be clean, 395 00:16:33,660 --> 00:16:35,161 because if you feel clean, 396 00:16:35,203 --> 00:16:37,831 you begin to feel fragments of the person 397 00:16:37,872 --> 00:16:40,417 that you were coming back. 398 00:16:40,458 --> 00:16:43,336 - Homelessness is a global problem, and it's something 399 00:16:43,378 --> 00:16:45,964 we all need to take seriously, and I feel that especially 400 00:16:46,006 --> 00:16:48,049 because of the last couple of years and the pandemic, 401 00:16:48,091 --> 00:16:50,260 so many more families will have been pushed to the brink 402 00:16:50,301 --> 00:16:51,803 and probably over that poverty line 403 00:16:51,845 --> 00:16:53,722 and potentially into homelessness. 404 00:16:53,763 --> 00:16:56,433 So what do you think that the people watching 405 00:16:56,474 --> 00:16:58,018 should be focusing on, 406 00:16:58,059 --> 00:16:59,644 or what is something small that they could do? 407 00:16:59,686 --> 00:17:04,232 - If you see a homeless person, look them in the eyes. 408 00:17:04,274 --> 00:17:06,818 Something I experienced on the street was, 409 00:17:06,860 --> 00:17:09,404 nobody will look you in the eyes. 410 00:17:09,446 --> 00:17:10,530 It's something so small, 411 00:17:10,572 --> 00:17:14,200 but you start to not feel like a human. 412 00:17:14,242 --> 00:17:15,827 And people start to look at you differently 413 00:17:15,869 --> 00:17:18,747 or they ignore you completely altogether. 414 00:17:18,788 --> 00:17:23,043 And if you ignore the problem, it doesn't mean it goes away. 415 00:17:23,084 --> 00:17:25,337 - Yeah. - And I want everyone to know 416 00:17:25,378 --> 00:17:26,838 that they're seen. 417 00:17:26,880 --> 00:17:28,048 And just by being seen, 418 00:17:28,089 --> 00:17:30,216 that really does change somebody's life. 419 00:17:30,258 --> 00:17:32,135 Just to let them know that you see them. 420 00:17:32,177 --> 00:17:33,678 - I think that's brilliant advice. 421 00:17:33,720 --> 00:17:35,388 - Thank you. 422 00:17:35,430 --> 00:17:39,184 * * 423 00:17:41,895 --> 00:17:44,314 - The brains and the talent in this room 424 00:17:44,356 --> 00:17:47,067 is so impressive, to say the least. 425 00:17:47,108 --> 00:17:49,402 And their stories are so very empowering. 426 00:17:49,444 --> 00:17:52,864 As we know, Paris is the fashion capital. 427 00:17:52,906 --> 00:17:56,409 And here's a woman giving a new meaning to fashion. 428 00:17:56,451 --> 00:17:57,619 Amanda, 429 00:17:57,660 --> 00:17:59,496 it sounds as if your nonprofit 430 00:17:59,537 --> 00:18:01,998 has really been the focus of your time 431 00:18:02,040 --> 00:18:02,999 for the last few years. 432 00:18:03,041 --> 00:18:05,001 So tell us all about it. 433 00:18:05,043 --> 00:18:06,586 - I started the Fashion Foundation. 434 00:18:06,628 --> 00:18:09,047 It's a nonprofit where I get designers 435 00:18:09,089 --> 00:18:10,924 from around the world to donate product 436 00:18:10,965 --> 00:18:12,384 that they no longer need. 437 00:18:12,425 --> 00:18:13,802 [upbeat music] 438 00:18:13,843 --> 00:18:16,596 We sell that product to consumers on our website 439 00:18:16,638 --> 00:18:18,348 for a fraction of the retail cost, 440 00:18:18,390 --> 00:18:19,641 and we use the proceeds to help 441 00:18:19,683 --> 00:18:21,643 local underprivileged kids throughout New York. 442 00:18:21,685 --> 00:18:23,478 * * 443 00:18:23,520 --> 00:18:25,188 I was in the fashion industry 444 00:18:25,230 --> 00:18:27,065 and just saw that we had a problem. 445 00:18:27,107 --> 00:18:29,275 We were overproducing samples. 446 00:18:29,317 --> 00:18:31,152 And I just kind of thought, as a 23-year-old, 447 00:18:31,194 --> 00:18:33,446 like, let me figure out how to get designers 448 00:18:33,488 --> 00:18:34,864 to donate product to me. 449 00:18:34,906 --> 00:18:36,616 * * 450 00:18:36,658 --> 00:18:38,410 - The donated goods go on sale 451 00:18:38,451 --> 00:18:40,286 on the Fashion Foundation website, 452 00:18:40,328 --> 00:18:42,414 and the money raised is used to provide 453 00:18:42,455 --> 00:18:45,500 much-needed supplies in the local community. 454 00:18:45,542 --> 00:18:47,127 - October 2020, 455 00:18:47,168 --> 00:18:50,005 that's our first work together. 456 00:18:50,046 --> 00:18:56,302 Amanda went ahead, and she supplied over 500 bags 457 00:18:56,344 --> 00:18:58,680 of school supplies for children 458 00:18:58,722 --> 00:19:01,307 in family shelters all across Brooklyn. 459 00:19:01,349 --> 00:19:06,438 - We did school uniforms for 455 children. 460 00:19:06,479 --> 00:19:08,857 - We have had a elementary school in Brooklyn 461 00:19:08,898 --> 00:19:11,735 that we helped to create a school library for them. 462 00:19:11,776 --> 00:19:14,446 We've helped create a school playground in Harlem. 463 00:19:14,487 --> 00:19:15,989 - Christmas. 464 00:19:16,031 --> 00:19:18,992 Girl, Christmas was crazy. - Hello. 465 00:19:19,034 --> 00:19:20,535 - Was Christmas crazy? - Hello. 466 00:19:20,577 --> 00:19:21,786 She did blankets. 467 00:19:21,828 --> 00:19:22,704 She did hats. - Hats. 468 00:19:22,746 --> 00:19:24,080 - Gloves, scarves, 469 00:19:24,122 --> 00:19:26,332 activity books, crayons... 470 00:19:26,374 --> 00:19:27,334 - And the shelters. - We were like 471 00:19:27,375 --> 00:19:28,585 real-life Santa Clauses. - Yeah. 472 00:19:28,626 --> 00:19:31,212 [soft music] 473 00:19:31,254 --> 00:19:33,548 - As well as art and school supplies, 474 00:19:33,590 --> 00:19:37,093 the foundation runs the Let's Get Artsy program 475 00:19:37,135 --> 00:19:39,346 every Sunday, a chance for local kids 476 00:19:39,387 --> 00:19:42,766 to have fun and explore their creativity. 477 00:19:42,807 --> 00:19:45,518 - She's really big into arts and culture 478 00:19:45,560 --> 00:19:47,062 because that's something that really lacks 479 00:19:47,103 --> 00:19:48,688 in schools of color. 480 00:19:48,730 --> 00:19:51,941 Amanda saw that and said, "What? This is all you have?" 481 00:19:51,983 --> 00:19:53,193 And the next day, 482 00:19:53,234 --> 00:19:55,862 it was like $5,000 worth of equipment came. 483 00:19:55,904 --> 00:19:58,406 - One, two, three. Oh! 484 00:19:58,448 --> 00:20:00,784 - I'm like, "Yo, who does that?" 485 00:20:00,825 --> 00:20:02,702 - Amanda. - The Fashion Foundation. 486 00:20:02,744 --> 00:20:04,371 - They do it. - Yeah. 487 00:20:04,412 --> 00:20:07,457 - Still running the company virtually single-handed, 488 00:20:07,499 --> 00:20:10,210 Amanda now works with over 20 schools 489 00:20:10,251 --> 00:20:13,421 and has helped 16,000 local children. 490 00:20:13,463 --> 00:20:14,631 - I saw a problem, 491 00:20:14,673 --> 00:20:16,132 and I'm addressing that problem every day. 492 00:20:16,174 --> 00:20:18,551 So I feel, like, a great sense of pride in what I do. 493 00:20:18,593 --> 00:20:20,762 - She's truly an extraordinary human being. 494 00:20:20,804 --> 00:20:21,971 She doesn't look at color. 495 00:20:22,013 --> 00:20:23,348 She doesn't think about race. 496 00:20:23,390 --> 00:20:25,934 She just serves because there is a need, 497 00:20:25,975 --> 00:20:28,061 and that's what sets her apart. 498 00:20:28,103 --> 00:20:30,689 That's what sets the Fashion Foundation apart. 499 00:20:30,730 --> 00:20:32,232 - 'Cause it's really hard to actually track 500 00:20:32,273 --> 00:20:33,983 where your impact is going, 501 00:20:34,025 --> 00:20:36,653 but it has funded a lot of smiles. 502 00:20:36,695 --> 00:20:38,196 People say, they're like, "How do you measure 503 00:20:38,238 --> 00:20:39,322 your impact?" and I honestly say, 504 00:20:39,364 --> 00:20:40,990 "We measure it in smiles." 505 00:20:41,032 --> 00:20:44,953 * * 506 00:20:44,994 --> 00:20:47,038 - I think that's such a good message 507 00:20:47,080 --> 00:20:49,082 I think you're giving us all. 508 00:20:49,124 --> 00:20:51,668 And obviously, here, we have many women 509 00:20:51,710 --> 00:20:54,671 who have done extraordinary things for communities. 510 00:20:54,713 --> 00:20:57,465 It's a great story. It's a great idea. 511 00:20:57,507 --> 00:20:59,426 And the best thing will be to know 512 00:20:59,467 --> 00:21:01,386 that our money that we're spending 513 00:21:01,428 --> 00:21:06,850 is going towards such a great service as you are providing. 514 00:21:06,891 --> 00:21:08,184 - Thank you so much. 515 00:21:10,020 --> 00:21:11,521 - Join us after the break, 516 00:21:11,563 --> 00:21:13,732 when Aja Naomi King meets a woman 517 00:21:13,773 --> 00:21:15,817 who's given a voice to marginalized families 518 00:21:24,451 --> 00:21:24,617 . 519 00:21:24,659 --> 00:21:25,118 [upbeat music] 520 00:21:27,662 --> 00:21:28,955 - Welcome back. 521 00:21:28,997 --> 00:21:31,583 We're in the beautiful, romantic city of Paris, 522 00:21:31,624 --> 00:21:34,419 where our ten compassionate and committed honorees 523 00:21:34,461 --> 00:21:35,795 are sharing their stories. 524 00:21:35,837 --> 00:21:38,965 [soft music] 525 00:21:39,007 --> 00:21:41,885 I'm joined by a Woman of Worth who is shining 526 00:21:41,926 --> 00:21:44,929 a very important light on a heartbreaking issue 527 00:21:44,971 --> 00:21:47,640 that doesn't get the prominence it deserves. 528 00:21:47,682 --> 00:21:48,516 Welcome, Natalie. 529 00:21:48,558 --> 00:21:49,851 - Thank you for having me. 530 00:21:49,893 --> 00:21:51,269 - I would really love it if you could tell us 531 00:21:51,311 --> 00:21:53,480 all about the Black and Missing Foundation. 532 00:21:53,521 --> 00:21:56,441 - Sure, so the Black and Missing Foundation-- 533 00:21:56,483 --> 00:21:58,943 we are a nonprofit organization, 534 00:21:58,985 --> 00:22:03,448 and we focus on missing people of color across the country. 535 00:22:03,490 --> 00:22:07,285 When we first started the organization, 536 00:22:07,327 --> 00:22:11,206 we had no idea of the magnitude of the issue. 537 00:22:11,247 --> 00:22:12,957 Right now, today, 538 00:22:12,999 --> 00:22:16,670 close to 40% of all persons missing are of color. 539 00:22:16,711 --> 00:22:20,674 But we definitely don't see ourselves on the news cycle. 540 00:22:20,715 --> 00:22:23,968 And that's why we were created as an organization, 541 00:22:24,010 --> 00:22:27,806 to be that advocate or to be that liaison 542 00:22:27,847 --> 00:22:31,559 between families and media to get the word out. 543 00:22:31,601 --> 00:22:33,853 - Despite having full-time careers, 544 00:22:33,895 --> 00:22:37,107 Natalie and her sister-in-law, Derrica, work tirelessly 545 00:22:37,148 --> 00:22:38,650 to make a change. 546 00:22:38,692 --> 00:22:41,319 - When it comes to missing persons of color, 547 00:22:41,361 --> 00:22:43,530 our lives are just not valued. 548 00:22:43,571 --> 00:22:47,617 And it's really giving opportunities to predators 549 00:22:47,659 --> 00:22:50,245 to prey on us because, in their mind, 550 00:22:50,286 --> 00:22:52,831 they know no one is gonna come looking for us. 551 00:22:52,872 --> 00:22:56,543 They know that law enforcement is gonna classify us 552 00:22:56,584 --> 00:22:59,796 as runaways or associate our disappearance 553 00:22:59,838 --> 00:23:01,506 with some sort of criminal activity. 554 00:23:01,548 --> 00:23:06,511 It all breaks down to the color of our skin. 555 00:23:06,553 --> 00:23:10,682 - Ten years ago, my goddaughter was kidnapped. 556 00:23:10,724 --> 00:23:14,310 At first, her mother went in to the police station, 557 00:23:14,352 --> 00:23:15,687 and they just kept blowing her off. 558 00:23:15,729 --> 00:23:17,022 They just didn't believe she was missing. 559 00:23:17,063 --> 00:23:19,733 I wrote about it and put it on my blog. 560 00:23:19,774 --> 00:23:22,944 Natalie found me from my blog the same day, 561 00:23:22,986 --> 00:23:25,363 and by Monday, Natalie made the national news. 562 00:23:25,405 --> 00:23:27,365 - Once you receive media coverage, 563 00:23:27,407 --> 00:23:31,036 it alerts the community that someone is missing. 564 00:23:31,077 --> 00:23:32,412 And they can be vigilant, 565 00:23:32,454 --> 00:23:35,582 which will increase the chance of a recovery. 566 00:23:35,623 --> 00:23:38,460 But it also puts pressure on law enforcement 567 00:23:38,501 --> 00:23:41,296 to add resources to the case. 568 00:23:41,338 --> 00:23:42,714 - Tragically, 569 00:23:42,756 --> 00:23:45,300 the body of Ni'cola's goddaughter, Jade, 570 00:23:45,342 --> 00:23:47,886 was found four days later. 571 00:23:47,927 --> 00:23:49,804 - At least we got some type of comfort 572 00:23:49,846 --> 00:23:52,140 'cause we know exactly where she is. 573 00:23:52,182 --> 00:23:53,975 I think, for any mother, 574 00:23:54,017 --> 00:23:56,394 they'd rather know where their baby is 575 00:23:56,436 --> 00:23:59,522 than if that child up the street could be mine. 576 00:23:59,564 --> 00:24:01,358 If we did not have Natalie... 577 00:24:01,399 --> 00:24:02,901 [soft music] 578 00:24:02,942 --> 00:24:05,737 Jade would probably still be missing. 579 00:24:05,779 --> 00:24:06,863 * * 580 00:24:06,905 --> 00:24:11,076 - Our fight is for the voiceless. 581 00:24:11,117 --> 00:24:12,243 * * 582 00:24:12,285 --> 00:24:14,412 These families are desperate. 583 00:24:14,454 --> 00:24:16,581 * * 584 00:24:16,623 --> 00:24:18,208 - For you personally, 585 00:24:18,249 --> 00:24:23,338 what does that do to be able to give voice to the voiceless? 586 00:24:23,380 --> 00:24:24,923 - It means a lot. 587 00:24:24,964 --> 00:24:27,425 We've come a long way as an organization, 588 00:24:27,467 --> 00:24:30,637 but we have much more work to do. 589 00:24:30,679 --> 00:24:35,100 We're still knocking on doors, being turned away, 590 00:24:35,141 --> 00:24:36,768 asking for media coverage. 591 00:24:36,810 --> 00:24:38,770 We're not picking on the media 592 00:24:38,812 --> 00:24:41,147 because it takes law enforcement, the media, 593 00:24:41,189 --> 00:24:43,274 and our community to get involved. 594 00:24:43,316 --> 00:24:45,652 We all play a role in this. 595 00:24:45,694 --> 00:24:47,362 - In those really harsh moments... 596 00:24:47,404 --> 00:24:48,488 - Mm-hmm. 597 00:24:48,530 --> 00:24:51,366 - How do you keep the hope going? 598 00:24:51,408 --> 00:24:52,575 - You can't give up. 599 00:24:52,617 --> 00:24:57,539 Again, these are mothers and fathers. 600 00:24:57,580 --> 00:25:00,041 There's Akia Eggleston, 601 00:25:00,083 --> 00:25:02,127 Relisha Rudd, 602 00:25:02,168 --> 00:25:03,962 Jonathan Bandabaila, 603 00:25:04,004 --> 00:25:05,588 Keeshae Jacobs. 604 00:25:05,630 --> 00:25:07,549 Those are just a few. 605 00:25:07,590 --> 00:25:10,385 There are thousands. 606 00:25:10,427 --> 00:25:11,886 - Thank you so much. 607 00:25:11,928 --> 00:25:15,807 Thank you for sharing your story with us. 608 00:25:15,849 --> 00:25:17,851 We are with you. 609 00:25:17,892 --> 00:25:18,810 God bless you. 610 00:25:18,852 --> 00:25:20,979 So just thank you for all of it. 611 00:25:21,021 --> 00:25:22,022 - Thank you. 612 00:25:22,063 --> 00:25:23,148 - Thank you so much. 613 00:25:23,189 --> 00:25:26,860 * * 614 00:25:26,901 --> 00:25:31,031 [upbeat music] 615 00:25:31,072 --> 00:25:34,159 - The pandemic has been tough on all of us. 616 00:25:34,200 --> 00:25:36,119 We've all had to adapt 617 00:25:36,161 --> 00:25:40,040 and dig deep for the strength to get through it. 618 00:25:40,081 --> 00:25:44,336 Hearing inspiring stories of people going above 619 00:25:44,377 --> 00:25:49,090 and beyond in their communities has given us all hope. 620 00:25:49,132 --> 00:25:50,967 I am so happy to be joined 621 00:25:51,009 --> 00:25:53,511 by a woman on the medical front line 622 00:25:53,553 --> 00:25:56,014 who saw an immediate problem 623 00:25:56,056 --> 00:26:00,769 and came up with a brilliant solution. 624 00:26:00,810 --> 00:26:04,731 Natalie, it's a great honor to get to speak with you. 625 00:26:04,773 --> 00:26:06,024 So-- - You too. 626 00:26:06,066 --> 00:26:07,859 - When the pandemic hit, 627 00:26:07,901 --> 00:26:10,653 tell me a little bit about what was happening in your life. 628 00:26:10,695 --> 00:26:11,946 - Everything changed. 629 00:26:11,988 --> 00:26:14,074 I mean, we really went into crisis mode. 630 00:26:14,115 --> 00:26:15,825 [soft music] 631 00:26:15,867 --> 00:26:18,995 That night, I saw the news and it was talking about, 632 00:26:19,037 --> 00:26:20,413 you know, millions of restaurant workers 633 00:26:20,455 --> 00:26:21,873 who were getting laid off. 634 00:26:21,915 --> 00:26:26,461 And hospital workers were working crazy shifts 635 00:26:26,503 --> 00:26:28,672 and eating out of vending machines. 636 00:26:28,713 --> 00:26:31,174 And so that's sort of where the idea started. 637 00:26:31,216 --> 00:26:33,551 - That night, she began recruiting volunteers, 638 00:26:33,593 --> 00:26:35,303 and Off Their Plate was born. 639 00:26:35,345 --> 00:26:36,513 Within a couple of weeks, 640 00:26:36,554 --> 00:26:38,640 over $1 million had been raised, 641 00:26:38,682 --> 00:26:40,392 allowing her to fund this project 642 00:26:40,433 --> 00:26:42,268 in cities across America. 643 00:26:42,310 --> 00:26:44,187 - When COVID started, I went crazy. 644 00:26:44,229 --> 00:26:45,647 I didn't know what to do 645 00:26:45,689 --> 00:26:49,275 because I have my staff that depend on the business. 646 00:26:49,317 --> 00:26:50,527 I just cried, I'm like, 647 00:26:50,568 --> 00:26:51,986 "I have no idea what I'm gonna do." 648 00:26:52,028 --> 00:26:55,156 And then I came across Off Their Plate, basically, 649 00:26:55,198 --> 00:26:56,491 trying to save restaurants 650 00:26:56,533 --> 00:26:59,035 by giving us, like, at least $10 per plate 651 00:26:59,077 --> 00:27:01,705 to produce food to bring it to the hospital. 652 00:27:01,746 --> 00:27:03,248 So I'm like, "Where do I sign?" 653 00:27:03,289 --> 00:27:04,416 * * 654 00:27:04,457 --> 00:27:06,793 - We started out serving hospital workers, 655 00:27:06,835 --> 00:27:09,421 people that the community wanted to just, like, wrap up 656 00:27:09,462 --> 00:27:12,507 in their arms and say thank you for what you do every day. 657 00:27:12,549 --> 00:27:14,217 * * 658 00:27:14,259 --> 00:27:17,178 I knew we were headed somewhere really interesting 659 00:27:17,220 --> 00:27:21,349 when Barack Obama posted on Instagram about us. 660 00:27:21,391 --> 00:27:24,269 That is probably the most surreal moment of my life. 661 00:27:24,310 --> 00:27:28,064 I think we can just grab some meals and just hand them out. 662 00:27:28,106 --> 00:27:30,275 - As hospitals began to turn a corner, 663 00:27:30,316 --> 00:27:33,570 it became clear to Natalie the Off-Their-Plate model 664 00:27:33,611 --> 00:27:34,863 could work equally well 665 00:27:34,904 --> 00:27:36,740 in providing hot, nourishing meals 666 00:27:36,781 --> 00:27:40,618 to food-insecure families throughout the country. 667 00:27:40,660 --> 00:27:41,911 - Here you go. So this is chicken. 668 00:27:41,953 --> 00:27:43,204 - Yeah. - And that's vegetarian. 669 00:27:43,246 --> 00:27:46,666 - We work with mostly women of color chefs 670 00:27:46,708 --> 00:27:49,294 around the country to tackle hunger 671 00:27:49,336 --> 00:27:51,963 exactly where they are in their communities. 672 00:27:52,005 --> 00:27:53,590 And they do it doing what they do best, 673 00:27:53,631 --> 00:27:56,468 which is cook amazing food. 674 00:27:56,509 --> 00:27:57,802 - Chicken or vegetarian? 675 00:27:57,844 --> 00:27:59,888 - Chicken. - Chicken right there. 676 00:27:59,929 --> 00:28:02,974 - What she did during the pandemic, it's amazing. 677 00:28:03,016 --> 00:28:05,894 She has done a lot to help so many of us. 678 00:28:05,935 --> 00:28:07,979 - By providing restaurant wages, 679 00:28:08,021 --> 00:28:09,731 by supporting restaurants, 680 00:28:09,773 --> 00:28:13,318 we're hoping to rebuild communities in that way. 681 00:28:13,360 --> 00:28:16,321 - You've created this amazing network of volunteers. 682 00:28:16,363 --> 00:28:17,822 Can you tell me 683 00:28:17,864 --> 00:28:20,825 what a simple act of kindness can do? 684 00:28:20,867 --> 00:28:22,786 - Our generation cares so deeply 685 00:28:22,827 --> 00:28:25,580 about where we head in our decisions. 686 00:28:25,622 --> 00:28:28,083 And kindness is at the root of it all. 687 00:28:28,124 --> 00:28:29,876 - Mm-hmm. - And you can start small. 688 00:28:29,918 --> 00:28:31,836 You asked, you know, simple act of kindness, 689 00:28:31,878 --> 00:28:33,922 what can that mean? 690 00:28:33,963 --> 00:28:36,841 It is glue, it is the glue that sticks us to one another. 691 00:28:36,883 --> 00:28:38,218 One of the easiest ways, I think, 692 00:28:38,259 --> 00:28:40,053 to build a friendship, I've now realized, 693 00:28:40,095 --> 00:28:42,389 is to work on something together 694 00:28:42,430 --> 00:28:44,099 that's about somebody else. 695 00:28:44,140 --> 00:28:45,433 - Yes. - I think that joins you 696 00:28:45,475 --> 00:28:47,352 in a way that is really special. 697 00:28:47,394 --> 00:28:48,687 - Yes, that's beautiful. 698 00:28:48,728 --> 00:28:50,105 And finally, Natalie, 699 00:28:50,146 --> 00:28:51,690 what would you say to people at home 700 00:28:51,731 --> 00:28:53,900 who have been inspired by your story? 701 00:28:53,942 --> 00:28:57,529 - To care about something that's bigger than yourself 702 00:28:57,570 --> 00:28:59,906 and to go and find other people 703 00:28:59,948 --> 00:29:03,368 who care about it as well because whatever that is, 704 00:29:03,410 --> 00:29:04,536 it's waiting for you, 705 00:29:04,577 --> 00:29:07,122 and it's waiting for your craft. 706 00:29:07,163 --> 00:29:08,998 And if you go looking for the team 707 00:29:09,040 --> 00:29:11,793 that's passionate about it and you don't find that team, 708 00:29:11,835 --> 00:29:13,503 then you should go start it yourself. 709 00:29:13,545 --> 00:29:14,546 * * 710 00:29:14,587 --> 00:29:16,715 - Wow. And that's what you did. 711 00:29:16,756 --> 00:29:19,300 Congratulations. 712 00:29:19,342 --> 00:29:21,428 - Join us after the break, 713 00:29:21,469 --> 00:29:23,722 when Camila Cabello meets a woman whose own grief 714 00:29:23,763 --> 00:29:26,266 inspired her to help others. 715 00:29:33,440 --> 00:29:33,648 . 716 00:29:33,690 --> 00:29:34,149 [upbeat music] 717 00:29:36,651 --> 00:29:38,069 - Welcome back. 718 00:29:38,111 --> 00:29:40,530 I've been so touched and amazed by the stories 719 00:29:40,572 --> 00:29:42,115 I've heard so far. 720 00:29:42,157 --> 00:29:44,242 Stories of women who go above and beyond 721 00:29:44,284 --> 00:29:45,702 to serve their communities. 722 00:29:45,744 --> 00:29:48,788 That's what L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth is all about. 723 00:29:48,830 --> 00:29:50,957 [soft music] 724 00:29:50,999 --> 00:29:52,625 I'm joined by Marian. 725 00:29:52,667 --> 00:29:54,336 I'm so sorry for your loss. 726 00:29:54,377 --> 00:29:55,545 - Thank you. 727 00:29:55,587 --> 00:29:58,381 - And if it's not too triggering for you, 728 00:29:58,423 --> 00:30:01,843 is it okay if I ask what your son was like? 729 00:30:01,885 --> 00:30:03,803 - Yes. 730 00:30:03,845 --> 00:30:06,806 Chad was just an incredible child. 731 00:30:06,848 --> 00:30:09,059 It was in--when he was in high school 732 00:30:09,100 --> 00:30:11,686 that he had shared with his girlfriend 733 00:30:11,728 --> 00:30:13,021 that he wanted to take his life. 734 00:30:13,063 --> 00:30:15,982 And at that time, Chad was the poster child 735 00:30:16,024 --> 00:30:17,942 of success on the outside. - Wow, wow. 736 00:30:17,984 --> 00:30:18,985 - He was smart. 737 00:30:19,027 --> 00:30:20,612 He had a ton of friends. 738 00:30:20,653 --> 00:30:22,364 And I know if he were here, he would say, 739 00:30:22,405 --> 00:30:24,491 "Mom, make sure you tell them I was a Scout." 740 00:30:24,532 --> 00:30:26,242 I think of all the things he enjoyed the most-- 741 00:30:26,284 --> 00:30:27,452 - Yeah. - Was his time 742 00:30:27,494 --> 00:30:28,661 spent as a Scout. 743 00:30:28,703 --> 00:30:30,997 * * 744 00:30:31,039 --> 00:30:33,625 - He loved his camping. 745 00:30:33,667 --> 00:30:35,168 Didn't he, Larry? - He did. 746 00:30:35,210 --> 00:30:37,003 Oh, and there's the running. 747 00:30:37,045 --> 00:30:38,838 That's his other love. 748 00:30:38,880 --> 00:30:41,549 Chad was recognized as one of the top runners 749 00:30:41,591 --> 00:30:43,051 in the United States. 750 00:30:43,093 --> 00:30:44,886 And then he had a knee injury. 751 00:30:44,928 --> 00:30:46,221 And his orthopedist said, 752 00:30:46,262 --> 00:30:48,598 "Chad, your running career is over." 753 00:30:48,640 --> 00:30:50,934 That was really the turning point for Chad. 754 00:30:50,975 --> 00:30:52,227 * * 755 00:30:52,268 --> 00:30:54,187 Over the course of the next six months, 756 00:30:54,229 --> 00:30:57,023 he had tried to kill himself six different times. 757 00:30:57,065 --> 00:30:58,566 * * 758 00:30:58,608 --> 00:30:59,943 And those six months 759 00:30:59,984 --> 00:31:01,903 I would not wish on my worst enemy. 760 00:31:01,945 --> 00:31:05,407 And it drives me to do what I do. 761 00:31:05,448 --> 00:31:08,410 - Marian's daughter, Jess, and husband Larry 762 00:31:08,451 --> 00:31:10,203 have joined her in her mission 763 00:31:10,245 --> 00:31:12,330 to educate and support young people 764 00:31:12,372 --> 00:31:14,124 dealing with suicidal thoughts, 765 00:31:14,165 --> 00:31:16,584 anxiety, and depression. 766 00:31:16,626 --> 00:31:18,420 - Chad would have been so proud of you 767 00:31:18,461 --> 00:31:22,382 for driving this organization from kitchen table 768 00:31:22,424 --> 00:31:27,095 to probably one of the top 5% nonprofits in the state. 769 00:31:27,137 --> 00:31:30,724 * * 770 00:31:30,765 --> 00:31:33,101 - It has grown through the years to the point where, 771 00:31:33,143 --> 00:31:37,480 today, we have about 45 employees. 772 00:31:37,522 --> 00:31:40,066 And we are in almost every school 773 00:31:40,108 --> 00:31:41,985 in the St. Louis metropolitan area. 774 00:31:42,027 --> 00:31:44,112 - This is the first year we're gonna have CHADS 775 00:31:44,154 --> 00:31:46,114 in our entire school. 776 00:31:46,156 --> 00:31:48,825 - Gosh. - We have students dying daily 777 00:31:48,867 --> 00:31:50,326 of suicide. 778 00:31:50,368 --> 00:31:53,288 She trained our staff by telling her story 779 00:31:53,329 --> 00:31:56,916 and knew that her mission was to save lives. 780 00:31:56,958 --> 00:31:59,252 * * 781 00:31:59,294 --> 00:32:01,880 - Yet to see other kids come through it 782 00:32:01,921 --> 00:32:05,050 and to find that joy again... 783 00:32:05,091 --> 00:32:07,552 it just melts my heart. 784 00:32:07,594 --> 00:32:12,432 - She is pouring her heart and her pain 785 00:32:12,474 --> 00:32:15,268 into other children, other students, 786 00:32:15,310 --> 00:32:17,645 other people, other families, 787 00:32:17,687 --> 00:32:20,065 and saying, "I don't want anyone else to go through 788 00:32:20,106 --> 00:32:21,024 what I've gone through." 789 00:32:21,066 --> 00:32:22,817 She is remarkable. 790 00:32:22,859 --> 00:32:24,819 - Aw, man, the memories. 791 00:32:24,861 --> 00:32:25,987 Look at Chad. 792 00:32:26,029 --> 00:32:28,114 I know he would be proud. 793 00:32:28,156 --> 00:32:30,450 [laughter] And I know he would... 794 00:32:30,492 --> 00:32:34,788 he'd give me a high five and say, "You go, Mom. 795 00:32:34,829 --> 00:32:36,164 You got this." 796 00:32:36,206 --> 00:32:37,791 * * 797 00:32:37,832 --> 00:32:42,879 - How does your coalition help with that awareness? 798 00:32:42,921 --> 00:32:44,756 How do you help these kids? 799 00:32:44,798 --> 00:32:48,635 - So many kids like Chad are masters of disguise. 800 00:32:48,677 --> 00:32:50,637 They put their mask on, and they pretend 801 00:32:50,679 --> 00:32:54,599 everything is just fine when they are so broken inside. 802 00:32:54,641 --> 00:32:57,477 One out of eight children have depression. 803 00:32:57,519 --> 00:33:01,356 So being able to try to find those kids like Chad 804 00:33:01,398 --> 00:33:06,820 and to be able to have that entire classroom know 805 00:33:06,861 --> 00:33:10,490 what to do when their friend shares that with them. 806 00:33:10,532 --> 00:33:15,078 So just empowering kids to know what to do is huge 807 00:33:15,120 --> 00:33:17,872 'cause this is something we don't talk about. 808 00:33:17,914 --> 00:33:21,001 So just fulfilling that dream, like Chad said, 809 00:33:21,042 --> 00:33:25,630 giving kids the tools what to say and to teach them 810 00:33:25,672 --> 00:33:27,298 that it's not your fault 811 00:33:27,340 --> 00:33:29,509 and it's nothing to be ashamed of. 812 00:33:29,551 --> 00:33:32,387 - When you're a kid, all you wanna do is fit in 813 00:33:32,429 --> 00:33:33,555 and look like you're having a great time 814 00:33:33,596 --> 00:33:35,015 and look like you're cool... - Yes, yes. 815 00:33:35,056 --> 00:33:36,474 - And have it all together. 816 00:33:36,516 --> 00:33:38,184 - Yeah. -I've spoken a lot about 817 00:33:38,226 --> 00:33:41,021 my mental health in the past and, you know, 818 00:33:41,062 --> 00:33:43,606 suffering with anxiety and not anymore, 819 00:33:43,648 --> 00:33:45,775 but when I was young, it was like-- 820 00:33:45,817 --> 00:33:49,154 it felt like it was the thing that was wrong with me 821 00:33:49,195 --> 00:33:50,280 that I couldn't-- - Yes. 822 00:33:50,321 --> 00:33:51,489 - That I couldn't talk about, 823 00:33:51,531 --> 00:33:53,366 which obviously only makes it worse. 824 00:33:53,408 --> 00:33:56,327 - Yes, this conversation 825 00:33:56,369 --> 00:33:58,747 at a young age is so critical. 826 00:33:58,788 --> 00:34:00,832 - Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. 827 00:34:00,874 --> 00:34:03,752 And thank you for the important work that you're doing. 828 00:34:03,793 --> 00:34:05,170 - Thank you. 829 00:34:05,211 --> 00:34:12,344 * * 830 00:34:12,385 --> 00:34:16,348 - Now I was delighted to be given the opportunity 831 00:34:16,389 --> 00:34:18,725 to talk to a very special young woman 832 00:34:18,767 --> 00:34:21,728 who has focused her energy on encouraging more women 833 00:34:21,770 --> 00:34:23,605 towards STEM careers. 834 00:34:23,646 --> 00:34:25,732 And for those who don't know what that stands for, 835 00:34:25,774 --> 00:34:29,277 it is science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 836 00:34:29,319 --> 00:34:30,737 * * 837 00:34:30,779 --> 00:34:34,407 Pooja, it is so wonderful to meet you 838 00:34:34,449 --> 00:34:38,411 and to see your beautiful face there. 839 00:34:38,453 --> 00:34:39,704 - It's such an honor to meet you, Kate. 840 00:34:39,746 --> 00:34:41,873 And I'm obviously such a big fan. 841 00:34:41,915 --> 00:34:43,333 - Thank you so much. 842 00:34:43,375 --> 00:34:45,669 How did you come to be in this place 843 00:34:45,710 --> 00:34:49,589 where you felt so passionate and so motivated? 844 00:34:49,631 --> 00:34:51,633 - So I started ProjectCSGIRLS 845 00:34:51,675 --> 00:34:54,761 because of my own experiences with the tech-gender gap. 846 00:34:54,803 --> 00:34:56,763 I remember vividly looking around 847 00:34:56,805 --> 00:34:59,224 my computer science class on my very first day 848 00:34:59,265 --> 00:35:02,310 of high school and realizing that I was one of three girls 849 00:35:02,352 --> 00:35:04,437 in a class of over 30 students. 850 00:35:04,479 --> 00:35:06,940 My first reaction was just a feeling of discomfort 851 00:35:06,981 --> 00:35:08,525 and feeling like I didn't belong. 852 00:35:08,566 --> 00:35:09,984 - Despite making up 853 00:35:10,026 --> 00:35:12,404 nearly half of the American workforce, 854 00:35:12,445 --> 00:35:14,781 women are still vastly underrepresented 855 00:35:14,823 --> 00:35:16,074 in STEM careers. 856 00:35:16,116 --> 00:35:19,953 Science, tech, engineering, and mathematics. 857 00:35:19,994 --> 00:35:22,455 - When you think about who a software engineer is, 858 00:35:22,497 --> 00:35:24,124 the images that pop into your mind 859 00:35:24,165 --> 00:35:26,167 are Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates. 860 00:35:26,209 --> 00:35:28,503 So it's really about us taking the time 861 00:35:28,545 --> 00:35:31,881 to change that stereotype to encourage girls 862 00:35:31,923 --> 00:35:33,925 to find female role models. 863 00:35:33,967 --> 00:35:36,177 - To make a change, Pooja created 864 00:35:36,219 --> 00:35:40,265 an international nonprofit called ProjectCSGIRLS, 865 00:35:40,306 --> 00:35:43,101 which shows middle-school girls what they can achieve 866 00:35:43,143 --> 00:35:45,812 if they pursue their interests in science. 867 00:35:45,854 --> 00:35:47,772 - So you can add people that you trust. 868 00:35:47,814 --> 00:35:50,233 You can walk in daylight is the other one. 869 00:35:50,275 --> 00:35:52,318 This program really encourages girls 870 00:35:52,360 --> 00:35:54,362 to go deeper into their interests 871 00:35:54,404 --> 00:35:57,407 and see more of what you can do. 872 00:35:57,449 --> 00:35:59,826 - It's especially important because it's for girls, 873 00:35:59,868 --> 00:36:02,454 and women and girls haven't always been 874 00:36:02,495 --> 00:36:05,707 accepted in, like, jobs where science is involved. 875 00:36:05,749 --> 00:36:10,795 - It's taught me to, like, not only see problems but also, 876 00:36:10,837 --> 00:36:11,921 like, solutions. 877 00:36:11,963 --> 00:36:13,214 - Can you explain to us a little bit about 878 00:36:13,256 --> 00:36:14,924 how a satellite phone works? 879 00:36:14,966 --> 00:36:16,176 ProjectCSGIRLS 880 00:36:16,217 --> 00:36:18,178 makes me feel very, very confident 881 00:36:18,219 --> 00:36:22,057 that girls are gonna contribute something very awesome 882 00:36:22,098 --> 00:36:23,350 and constructive to society. 883 00:36:23,391 --> 00:36:24,934 The fire's already been lit. 884 00:36:24,976 --> 00:36:27,645 - Girls tend to gravitate towards careers or projects 885 00:36:27,687 --> 00:36:29,397 where they can make a difference. 886 00:36:29,439 --> 00:36:31,775 So our goal at ProjectCSGIRLS is to show them 887 00:36:31,816 --> 00:36:34,027 that technology is a fantastic way 888 00:36:34,069 --> 00:36:36,488 to accomplish this and to actually make a difference 889 00:36:36,529 --> 00:36:39,282 in the causes that you care about. 890 00:36:39,324 --> 00:36:41,201 - Pooja, your work is so inspiring. 891 00:36:41,242 --> 00:36:43,495 And we are all so incredibly impressed. 892 00:36:43,536 --> 00:36:45,872 And we need more role models like you, 893 00:36:45,914 --> 00:36:47,123 especially women of color 894 00:36:47,165 --> 00:36:48,958 and from culturally diverse background. 895 00:36:49,000 --> 00:36:51,544 So tell us what's next for ProjectCSGIRLS. 896 00:36:51,586 --> 00:36:54,047 - So for us, it's all about first expanding 897 00:36:54,089 --> 00:36:55,465 our existing programs. 898 00:36:55,507 --> 00:36:57,676 So adding more workshops and chapters 899 00:36:57,717 --> 00:36:59,552 and generally increasing the number of girls 900 00:36:59,594 --> 00:37:01,513 that take part in our competition. 901 00:37:01,554 --> 00:37:03,264 - I've always said, "If you speak from the heart, 902 00:37:03,306 --> 00:37:04,557 you can never go wrong." 903 00:37:04,599 --> 00:37:06,393 And you're clearly not going wrong at all. 904 00:37:06,434 --> 00:37:08,853 Pooja, thank you so much for taking the time 905 00:37:08,895 --> 00:37:10,397 to talk to us today. 906 00:37:10,438 --> 00:37:13,024 And I hope that by sharing your story 907 00:37:13,066 --> 00:37:16,486 and highlighting how girls can be at the heart of STEM, 908 00:37:16,528 --> 00:37:18,446 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, 909 00:37:18,488 --> 00:37:21,533 that we can start to shift the perception 910 00:37:21,574 --> 00:37:24,119 of what women are capable of in this field 911 00:37:24,160 --> 00:37:25,912 and how much women can achieve 912 00:37:25,954 --> 00:37:28,248 in equal measure to their male counterparts. 913 00:37:28,289 --> 00:37:29,541 You are an inspiration. 914 00:37:29,582 --> 00:37:31,084 Thank you so much. 915 00:37:31,126 --> 00:37:32,335 - Thank you so much, Kate. 916 00:37:32,377 --> 00:37:33,878 It was such an honor to be here with you 917 00:37:33,920 --> 00:37:35,505 and to share this space with you. 918 00:37:35,547 --> 00:37:36,548 [upbeat music] 919 00:37:36,589 --> 00:37:38,299 - Join us after the break, 920 00:37:38,341 --> 00:37:40,093 when Gemma Chan speaks to a woman 921 00:37:49,644 --> 00:37:49,853 . 922 00:37:49,894 --> 00:37:50,353 [upbeat music] 923 00:37:52,689 --> 00:37:53,815 - Welcome back to Paris 924 00:37:53,857 --> 00:37:56,192 and the final part of our program. 925 00:37:56,234 --> 00:37:58,278 [soft music] 926 00:37:58,319 --> 00:38:01,197 I'm so delighted to introduce our next honoree, 927 00:38:01,239 --> 00:38:03,199 a woman whose story I can relate to 928 00:38:03,241 --> 00:38:05,285 and who I know will inspire you all. 929 00:38:05,326 --> 00:38:06,661 Welcome, Michelle. 930 00:38:06,703 --> 00:38:08,872 Well, we're here to talk about your work. 931 00:38:08,913 --> 00:38:11,875 And I know that Asian hate crimes have been in the news 932 00:38:11,916 --> 00:38:13,209 a lot since the start of the pandemic. 933 00:38:13,251 --> 00:38:15,754 But it's not something new, sadly. 934 00:38:15,795 --> 00:38:17,297 - Yes, unfortunately, 935 00:38:17,339 --> 00:38:21,092 with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, 936 00:38:21,134 --> 00:38:25,513 it exposed another horrible pandemic beneath the surface. 937 00:38:25,555 --> 00:38:28,099 - Mm-hmm. - Pandemic of racism, 938 00:38:28,141 --> 00:38:33,772 xenophobia, and scapegoating against Asian Americans. 939 00:38:33,813 --> 00:38:36,566 Certain leaders in the country were blaming China 940 00:38:36,608 --> 00:38:38,568 for starting the virus. 941 00:38:38,610 --> 00:38:41,112 And we started seeing attacks happen 942 00:38:41,154 --> 00:38:44,366 towards people that looked like me and my family. 943 00:38:44,407 --> 00:38:45,950 As an Asian American woman, 944 00:38:45,992 --> 00:38:48,912 I experienced fears about the COVID-19 virus 945 00:38:48,953 --> 00:38:51,039 but fears about a racist, violent attack. 946 00:38:51,081 --> 00:38:54,834 - In 2020, reported Asian hate crimes in New York 947 00:38:54,876 --> 00:38:58,546 surged up 833%. 948 00:38:58,588 --> 00:39:01,007 - It was scary because people that I knew and worked with 949 00:39:01,049 --> 00:39:02,425 started getting hurt. 950 00:39:02,467 --> 00:39:06,930 I became scared to go about my daily life. 951 00:39:06,971 --> 00:39:09,974 Taking the subway turned into a nightmare. 952 00:39:12,686 --> 00:39:15,397 - On February 3rd, I take the subway, 953 00:39:15,438 --> 00:39:18,191 and there's a man who entered the train, 954 00:39:18,233 --> 00:39:21,611 and he came forward and slashed over my face 955 00:39:21,653 --> 00:39:26,825 from ear to ear and just walked away as if nothing happened. 956 00:39:26,866 --> 00:39:29,285 - I started feeling really sad, of course, 957 00:39:29,327 --> 00:39:32,080 and then angry like, "Why is this happening to us? 958 00:39:32,122 --> 00:39:33,373 "Why are people doing this? 959 00:39:33,415 --> 00:39:35,709 And why isn't anyone doing anything about it?" 960 00:39:35,750 --> 00:39:39,129 - My faith began to question because... 961 00:39:39,170 --> 00:39:40,588 [soft music] 962 00:39:40,630 --> 00:39:43,800 I would die... 963 00:39:43,842 --> 00:39:46,803 Because I was praying... 964 00:39:46,845 --> 00:39:48,805 * * 965 00:39:48,847 --> 00:39:54,185 Because I was praying to have a peaceful death. 966 00:39:54,227 --> 00:39:56,229 - Fueled by her frustration, 967 00:39:56,271 --> 00:39:58,606 Michelle launched Soar Over Hate, 968 00:39:58,648 --> 00:40:02,527 a nonprofit dedicated to combating Asian hate crime 969 00:40:02,569 --> 00:40:04,446 through equipping the most vulnerable 970 00:40:04,487 --> 00:40:06,448 with self-defense devices, 971 00:40:06,489 --> 00:40:10,035 community support, and Heal from Hate therapy. 972 00:40:10,076 --> 00:40:12,245 - We had, like, overwhelming response. 973 00:40:12,287 --> 00:40:14,456 People were so thankful to receive them. 974 00:40:14,497 --> 00:40:17,167 And people wanted more to give to their friends and family, 975 00:40:17,208 --> 00:40:19,294 to give to their colleagues at work. 976 00:40:19,336 --> 00:40:22,130 Ni hao. - Ni hao. 977 00:40:22,172 --> 00:40:25,133 - This is a personal alarm for you. 978 00:40:25,175 --> 00:40:26,760 - Okay. - Okay, if you pull it out... 979 00:40:26,801 --> 00:40:28,261 [alarm blares] it makes a loud noise 980 00:40:28,303 --> 00:40:31,306 to scare people away, so you stay safe. 981 00:40:31,348 --> 00:40:33,808 - Okay, thank you. - [laughs] 982 00:40:33,850 --> 00:40:35,477 - With the rates of Asian hate crime 983 00:40:35,518 --> 00:40:37,645 still at an all-time high, 984 00:40:37,687 --> 00:40:41,149 Soar Over Hate is needed now more than ever. 985 00:40:41,191 --> 00:40:42,859 - Thank you so much for this one. 986 00:40:42,901 --> 00:40:45,737 I feel better with them. 987 00:40:45,779 --> 00:40:48,490 - My ultimate goal is to demonstrate 988 00:40:48,531 --> 00:40:52,202 to all that love is more powerful than hate 989 00:40:52,243 --> 00:40:55,955 and that we can overcome anything if we work together. 990 00:40:55,997 --> 00:40:57,707 [soft music] 991 00:40:57,749 --> 00:40:59,292 - We have had a similar uptick 992 00:40:59,334 --> 00:41:01,461 in those kinds of crimes in the UK, 993 00:41:01,503 --> 00:41:02,796 and it's really worrying. 994 00:41:02,837 --> 00:41:05,382 And I know, personally, that I was very worried 995 00:41:05,423 --> 00:41:07,717 for my family members. 996 00:41:07,759 --> 00:41:10,345 You know, my mum actually used to work in a hospital 997 00:41:10,387 --> 00:41:13,014 like yourself and just really distressing to see, 998 00:41:13,056 --> 00:41:14,099 especially the older generation 999 00:41:14,140 --> 00:41:16,226 being vulnerable and being targeted. 1000 00:41:16,267 --> 00:41:18,687 - Thousands of elderly would line up in the rain 1001 00:41:18,728 --> 00:41:23,108 just to receive a small alarm, which is just super telling 1002 00:41:23,149 --> 00:41:26,236 of how big of a deal this was to them, 1003 00:41:26,277 --> 00:41:29,406 how terrified they were going about their lives 1004 00:41:29,447 --> 00:41:31,825 and just motivated Soar over Hate 1005 00:41:31,866 --> 00:41:33,118 to keep on growing. 1006 00:41:33,159 --> 00:41:34,452 - Yeah, that's amazing. 1007 00:41:34,494 --> 00:41:37,330 What has Soar over Hate done for you personally? 1008 00:41:37,372 --> 00:41:41,167 - This whole experience has made me very proud to be Asian. 1009 00:41:41,209 --> 00:41:43,962 I feel like I'm prouder than ever 1010 00:41:44,004 --> 00:41:46,756 of my Chinese, Vietnamese, American heritage. 1011 00:41:46,798 --> 00:41:49,259 - Mm-hmm. - And I'm really proud 1012 00:41:49,300 --> 00:41:51,928 of all of the Asians and non-Asians alike 1013 00:41:51,970 --> 00:41:54,472 who have been speaking up about racism 1014 00:41:54,514 --> 00:41:56,766 that's been affecting our community 1015 00:41:56,808 --> 00:41:59,102 but other communities of color as well. 1016 00:41:59,144 --> 00:42:00,562 - Thank you. You put that so beautifully. 1017 00:42:00,603 --> 00:42:02,439 And I completely agree, it's all about building 1018 00:42:02,480 --> 00:42:04,315 that cross-community solidarity. 1019 00:42:04,357 --> 00:42:06,943 And that's how we'll be able to move forward together. 1020 00:42:06,985 --> 00:42:08,987 So thank you so much, Michelle. - Thank you. 1021 00:42:09,029 --> 00:42:10,363 - Thanks for talking to me. - Thank you. 1022 00:42:10,405 --> 00:42:11,406 - Thank you. 1023 00:42:11,448 --> 00:42:14,034 [upbeat music] 1024 00:42:14,075 --> 00:42:16,870 - I want to thank my friends Camila, Katherine, 1025 00:42:16,911 --> 00:42:20,582 Gemma, Kate, Eva, Andie, and Aja 1026 00:42:20,623 --> 00:42:24,127 for being a part of celebrating these incredible women. 1027 00:42:24,169 --> 00:42:27,756 I know they will all join me in thanking the real stars 1028 00:42:27,797 --> 00:42:29,090 of tonight's show, 1029 00:42:29,132 --> 00:42:32,802 our incredible and inspiring honorees. 1030 00:42:32,844 --> 00:42:34,721 You always give back, 1031 00:42:34,763 --> 00:42:37,307 and you never, ever give up. 1032 00:42:37,349 --> 00:42:39,351 And that gives us all strength. 1033 00:42:39,392 --> 00:42:41,353 * *