Inspiring Women: Celebrating Trailblazers

About Inspiring Women: Celebrating Trailblazers

Insights and inspiration celebrating trailblazing women of all ages. Podcast and Zoom Host: Rushton Hurley Podcast Producer: Elton Sherwin

Publisher

Rushton Hurley and the Rotary eClub of Silicon Valley

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Jul 2025

Latest episode

19 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Jun 2026

   12. Joy Akinkunmi Creator of the "Pill Smart"

   Dementia is a neurodegenerative disease impacting tens of millions globally, and the number is expected to triple by 2050. Common symptoms of dementia include poor recollection, confusion and paranoia. Although there are medications to alleviate some of these symptoms, remembering to adhere to the medication is often a challenge for seniors with dementia. Seeing this, our speaker, Joy Akinkunmi, created the Pill Smart. The Pill Smart is an automatic pill dispenser for seniors with mild and moderate dementia. Designed with adaptive features, such as reminder settings, the device aims to increase medication adherence among this demographic. The Pill Smart is completed with an app for a caregiver to track device activity. Hopefully, the Pill Smart will be the future of assistive devices for medication adherence in people with dementia. Joy is a high school student when this was recorded. She is an aspiring doctor and innovative thinker dedicated to enhancing healthcare through technology. Inspired by her experience caring for her grandmother with dementia, she developed "The Pill Smart," an automatic pill dispenser complemented by an app tailored for seniors. In addition to her project work, Joy is deeply committed to her community. Her passion for healthcare extends to leading "Healthcare Horizons," a club at her school that offers workshops and insights into the healthcare system, empowering her peers with knowledge and skills. Joy also plays an active role in student governance on the Student Advisory Council and serves on the RCMP National Advisory Youth Council. Outside of STEM, Joy enjoys playing basketball at her school and volunteering at her local library. In the future, Joy plans to pursue a post-secondary education focused on medicine and biomedical engineering. She aims to continue developing healthcare devices that improve the quality of life for patients, particularly those with cognitive impairments. Joy’s commitment to innovation and community leadership reflects her dedication to making a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare. To learn more about the Pill Smart 2.0, go to: https://partner.projectboard.world/ysc/project/pill-smart-2-0 (https://partner.projectboard.world/ysc/project/pill-smart-2-0) https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/inspired-by-family-member-with-dementia-n-s-teen-creates-automated-pill-dispenser-1.7410835 (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/inspired-by-family-member-with-dementia-n-s-teen-creates-automated-pill-dispenser-1.7410835) To learn more about Imhotep’s Legacy Academy (the mentorship group from Dalhousie University that Joy mentioned), go to: https://www.imhotep.ca/en/ (https://www.imhotep.ca/en/ ) To learn more about the Rotary eClub of Silicon Valley, go to: http://rotary.cool (http://rotary.cool)

2. 

   11 Apr 2026

   11. Aishwarya Rai: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

   Aishwarya Rai, has been actively involved in supporting women's entrepreneurship projects, focusing on the implementation of a project backed by the German Embassy in Delhi and the NCR region. She holds a Master's degree in Social Work with a specialization in Criminology and Justice from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, and a Bachelor's in Social Work from the University of Delhi. As a social work trainee, Aishwarya contributed to the implementation of various initiatives in education, urban policy management, health support, youth skilling, and gender-related issues. Her primary areas of interest include addressing gender inequalities and tackling climate change, with a strong commitment to promoting social justice and empowering women. Sankalp, named after the Hindi word for ""resolution,"" is dedicated to empowering marginalized women in small businesses. Through over 100 hours of entrepreneurship skills training, mentorship from industry experts, access to credit support, and connections with a robust alumni network, our program provides women with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. We also assist in establishing market linkages, helping them scale their businesses and overcome the unique challenges they face. Our mission is to close the gender gaps in business and create a sustainable, inclusive environment for women entrepreneurs. Breaking Barriers for Women's Economic Empowerment Women worldwide face significant barriers—gender disparities, lower labor market participation, and higher unemployment rates—that hinder their economic growth. In India, women-owned businesses represent only 14% of enterprises, with many operating in the informal sector. Sankalp addresses these challenges by offering essential training, financial support, and access to key networks, promoting not just economic empowerment but also social upliftment. By supporting women entrepreneurs, we help foster gender equality and contribute to broader economic growth. "We believe that when women thrive, economies grow." – UN Women Stories about the women Rai's group has empowered - "Karishma's Triumph: Breaking Stereotypes and Redefining Boundaries" https://youtu.be/urz02Z_6IZQ?si=rK0HobVpL7D3Fo5E (https://youtu.be/urz02Z_6IZQ?si=rK0HobVpL7D3Fo5E) "Vasheela's Journey: Transcending Social Constructs and Redefining Identity" https://youtu.be/cawU7syYpFc?si=YOyZgKL36wRMLOnx (https://youtu.be/cawU7syYpFc?si=YOyZgKL36wRMLOnx) To learn more, go to: send an email to: info@empowerfoundation.net To learn more about the Rotary eClub of Silicon Valley, go to: http://rotary.cool (http://rotary.cool)

3. 

   18 Feb 2026

   10. Jody Lewen: President of Mt. Tamalpais College at San Quentin Prison

   Jody Lewen is President of Mount Tamalpais College at San Quentin State Prison in Marin County, California. Mount Tamalpais College is an independent liberal arts college located in San Quentin State Prison. Corey McNeil has been a student since 2011 and joined the staff of Mount Tamalpais College as a program clerk in 2017. After being released in 2021, he became the college's Alumni Affairs Associate. Mount Tamalpais College (MTC) provides a general education associate of arts degree and intensive college preparatory courses to over 300 people incarcerated at San Quentin. It also provides training and support to other higher education in prison programs across the country, advocating for the values of high academic quality and inclusivity, while serving as a resource to policymakers, practitioners, and academic and correctional administrators. Dr. Lewen received her bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University in modern European history; her master's degree from the Freie Universität, Berlin in comparative literature and philosophy; and her PhD in rhetoric from the University of California, Berkeley. She was the recipient in 2006 of the Peter E. Haas Public Service Award from the University of California, Berkeley, which recognizes alumni of UC Berkeley who have made significant voluntary contributions to the betterment of society. In 2016, MTC (then the Prison University Project) received the National Humanities Medal from President Barack Obama. In 2018, Jody was named a Frederick Douglass 200 awardee, which honored those whose modern-day work best embodies Douglass' legacy of social change. To learn more, go to: https://www.mttamcollege.edu (https://www.mttamcollege.edu) https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2022/08/08/nations-first-standalone-prison-campus-celebrates-graduation/ (https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2022/08/08/nations-first-standalone-prison-campus-celebrates-graduation/)

4. 

   19 Dec 2025

   9. Liz Lefkofsky: Giving and Believing in Teens... The VING Project

   Liz Lefkofsky is a social philanthropist committed to championing initiatives that enhance the quality of human life. She has dedicated her professional career to various philanthropic initiatives, starting as a young child helping stuff envelopes in support of the American Brain Tumor Association, which her mother founded. From there, Liz served in numerous non-profit roles at Gallery 37, now known as After School Matters, and the Printers Row Book Fair. In 2006, Liz and her husband Eric established the Lefkofsky Family Foundation where she serves as president, advancing high-impact programs, initiatives, and research in the areas of education, women’s health, medical research and the arts. Liz spearheaded a unique partnership between Chicago Public Schools and the University of Chicago to create a performance-enhancing curriculum called Success Bound that aims to redesign the middle school experience to give all middle school students preparation for high school and beyond. She also founded the VING Project, an initiative that empowers teens to support people in their communities that could use a financial boost. The VING project is a national movement sparking the next generation of givers. Through VING, teens have an opportunity to give an individual in need an encouraging boost by surprising them with $1,000. We started The VING Project to empower teens to make a difference in the lives of those around them. From the organization: "By providing [teens] with small grants to give to people in need, we hope to provide an opportunity for them to experience the joys of giving – that feeling you get when you take the time to care about someone else who may be vulnerable. We hope we are giving teens more than just a $1,000 check to donate to someone in need. Our desire is to bestow young people with the confidence to lead with generosity and compassion. We recognize that more important than monetary donations is the consideration of others and the community around you. Our family is constantly inspired by the thoughtfulness and kindness we see from the VING community. With teenagers of our own, we see the power and influence that young people hold today. We hope the VING Project is a vehicle that allows teens to continue their journey of making the world a kinder, better place." In 2013, Liz and her husband became signees of the Giving Pledge, deepening their commitment to philanthropic causes. She also serves as a board member for the Museum of Contemporary Art, Peer Health Exchange, and Ravinia. Liz is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison and currently lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband and three children. To learn more, go to: https://lefkofskyfoundation.com/ (https://lefkofskyfoundation.com/)

5. 

   4 Nov 2025

   8. Eliminating Cervical Cancer

   From prevention to treatment, there are many entry points to intervene ranging from preventive HPV vaccination, promotion of screening and follow-up, and social mobilization. This presentation will focus on why cervical cancer elimination is an achievable goal, and lessons learned from small actions that are leading to major impact. Our speaker, Dr Isabel C. Scarinci, is a professor and Vice-Chair for Global and Rural Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Birmingham, Alabama. Professionally, she has dedicated her career to the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based programs in cervical cancer prevention and control among underserved populations. As a Rotarian, she has partnered with the Rotary Club of Colombo (Sri Lanka), and more recently with the Rotary Club of Guatemala-Sur, toward the elimination of cervical cancer in these countries. In 2023 Alabama became the first and only state in the U.S. to launch a statewide plan to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem through a partnership between the Rotary Club of Birmingham and other organizations. In 2021, Dr Scarinci was chosen as one of the six champions of health worldwide by Rotary International for her work in cervical cancer. To learn more, go to: https://operationwipeout.org/ (https://operationwipeout.org/)

6. 

   18 Sept 2025

   7. Indigenous Midwives Save Lives in Guatemala Using an Emory Univ. App

   ⁠Video showing our maternal-infant health app in action: https://vimeo.com/824788956⁠ (https://wuqukawoq.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Instagram-video.mp4) In the mountains of Guatemala, many indigenous women prefer to give birth at home with a midwife who speaks their language and understands them. Yet, sometimes, high risk complications occur. How can we lower maternal mortality that is 16 times higher than the United States when women live hours from the hospital and do not speak the language of the doctors? Wuqu’ Kawoq | Maya Health Alliance (https://www.mayahealth.org) is eliminating avoidable maternal and neonatal deaths by repairing the disconnects that prevent mothers from receiving timely hospital care. The Mobile Maternal Health Program equips indigenous midwives in the highlands of Guatemala with a checklist-based smartphone application to detect high-risk complications early and provides Maya care navigators to accompany mothers when hospital services are required. Midwives get the tools and clinical support they need to make timely referrals and mothers benefit from the security of having a knowledgeable advocate who speaks her language by her side. This solution, from the phone app to the navigation strategies, was co-designed and continues to be run by the communities it serves: indigenous Guatemalan women. Since the Program began as a pilot in 2016, successful hospital referrals among the approximately 800 births attended annually by participating midwives have increased by more than 50% and maternal deaths in the pilot region have dropped from 8 a year to 0-2 a year. Wuqu' Kawoq is a community-led organization created in 2007 to transform healthcare and foster health equity in rural Guatemala. As one of the only organizations in Guatemala providing comprehensive healthcare in indigenous Mayan languages, it serves more than 11,000 patients in over 35,000 visits annually in seven languages. More than 80% of the staff is indigenous, 85% are women and 95% are Guatemalan. Our speaker, Anne Kraemer, is an anthropologist and a co-founder of Maya Health Alliance (https://www.mayahealth.org) | Wuqu’ Kawoq, an organization created in 2007 to transform health in rural Guatemala. She has served as Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer since 2009. Her passion is amplifying the voices of women and girls to foster community-driven, high-impact, culturally and linguistically appropriate programs that promote health and reproductive rights in underserved indigenous Maya communities. Anne trained as a cultural anthropologist at the University of Kansas, where she received her master’s degree and completed doctoral coursework. She received a Fulbright scholarship in 2007. Anne lives in Guatemala with her daughters. She speaks Kaqchikel and Spanish. To learn more: https://www.mayahealth.org (https://www.mayahealth.org) The research page: https://www.mayahealth.org/research/ (https://www.mayahealth.org/research/) Maternal-infant health page: https://www.mayahealth.org/maternal-health/ ( https://www.mayahealth.org/maternal-health/) Video showing our maternal-infant health app in action: https://vimeo.com/824788956 (https://wuqukawoq.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Instagram-video.mp4)

7. 

   21 Aug 2025

   6. Magical Bridge Founder, Olenka Villarreal

   Celebrating 10 years since their first Magical Bridge playground opened in 2015, the foundation just completed its 10th custom playground this year. Olenka Villarreal is founder and CEO of Magical Bridge Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating the world's most inclusive playgrounds for guests of all ages and all abilities, far surpassing what is typically known as "accessible." With a passion for community-building, Olenka leads the foundation's efforts to create a more inclusive world through these innovative spaces coupled with their multi-generational programs. It's a child's first outdoor classroom, yet it's incredible that today's public playgrounds do not serve the needs of most children and their families. About 25% of us live with a visible or invisible disability, and data continues to show more outdoor time is critical to our mental health. So why aren't playgrounds built to be places of community connections that serve today's families, from the youngest to the oldest? As the only design that considers the whole family, Magical Bridge is committed to creating more inclusive communities through its truly magical playgrounds and multi-generational programs. Learn how we are different and we invite you to understand why "accessible" is no longer enough, and a Magical Bridge means every"body." To learn more, go to: https://www.magicalbridge.org/ (https://www.magicalbridge.org/)

8. 

   14 Jul 2025

   5. Azure Grimes, Libraries Without Borders

   Libraries in: Refugee Camps, Storm Shelters, Laundromats, Trailer Parks and more... Bibliothèques Sans Frontières (Libraries Without Borders, or LWB) is an international non-profit that strengthens the capacity of people in vulnerable situations by facilitating access to education, information, and cultural resources. In more than 50 countries, Libraries Without Borders creates innovative cultural and learning spaces that allow those affected by crisis to learn, to play, to strengthen their communities, and to construct their futures. Speaker: Azure Grimes For more Info: https://www.librarieswithoutborders.org/ (https://www.librarieswithoutborders.org/ ) https://www.librarieswithoutborders.us/ (https://www.librarieswithoutborders.us/) ⁠⁠More about the Rotary eClub of Silicon Valley⁠⁠ (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com/) Website: ⁠⁠Rotary.cool⁠ (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com) Meetings’ ⁠⁠Video Archive⁠⁠ (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com/meetings/) YouTubeChannel⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/@rotaryeclubofsiliconvalley824/videos) How to become a member in ⁠⁠this online Rotary eClub⁠⁠ (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com/join) ⁠⁠More about Rotary International:⁠⁠ (https://www.rotary.org/about-rotary) Website: ⁠⁠www.Rotary.org⁠⁠ (https://www.rotary.org/) Find a ⁠⁠local Rotary club⁠⁠ (https://tiny.cc/rotaryfind) Find an ⁠⁠online Rotary Club⁠⁠ (https://tiny.cc/rotaryonline) Podcast and Zoom Host: ⁠⁠Rushton Hurley⁠⁠ (https://tiny.cc/rushtonh) Podcast Producer: ⁠⁠Elton Sherwin⁠⁠ (https://tiny.cc/rotaryp1) Audio edited and enhanced with: ⁠⁠Descript Studio Sound ⁠⁠ (https://www.descript.com/) #PositiveChange #Inspiration #Rotary

9. 

   14 Jul 2025

   4. Dr. Sarika Khanwilkar, Protecting Rainforests

   Using AI, the Rainforest Connection (RFCx) is a science- and technology-driven nonprofit detecting and preventing deforestation and supporting biodiversity and ecosystem monitoring in 119 countries. Founded in 2014, RFCx accomplishes this work by combining the power of acoustics, AI, an international team of field workers, scientists, engineers, and data scientists, and on-the-ground collaborators. By utilizing acoustic data and AI, they can gather data on the presence, distribution, and behavior of a wide range of species, from birds and mammals to insects and frogs, as well as patterns of threats. This information can then be used to inform conservation and management decisions, including identifying key biodiversity areas, establishing protected areas, evaluating wildlife management initiatives, and developing conservation strategies tailored to different species. RFCx focuses on real-time threat detection of illegal activities, such as logging and poaching, using acoustic technology. To decrease illegal activity and protect threatened ecosystems, they developed recorders called Guardians, which are placed in the canopy and run in real time. The Guardians automatically detect the sounds of chainsaws or gunshots and send alerts to rangers or communities via the Guardian Mobile and Web App, who can then immediately take action to stop illicit activities. The threat detection pipeline developed by RFCx has been adopted and successfully deployed across 25 countries. To monitor biodiversity, RFCx aids partners end-to-end and/or in specific areas with their biodiversity monitoring projects using acoustics and AI with planning, executing, and understanding results. They produce long-term solutions to biodiversity monitoring by creating regional Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) that automate species detections of hundreds of species from sound recordings; they have classified almost 1,500 species around the world for automatic detection from 16 CNNs their team has developed. This allows on-the-ground collaborators to detect species and monitor their behavior long-term for the purpose of enabling data-driven conservation decisions and actions. Their team also conducts ecoacoustic analyses, combining species-specific and soundscape results from acoustic analysis with climatic and environmental variables to model ecological processes. Our speaker, Dr. Sarika Khanwilkar, has dedicated her career to conserving endangered species and improving planetary health through data-driven action. Before joining Rainforest Connection (RFCx), a conservation technology startup and nonprofit, she got her PhD in Ecology from Columbia University and was a Fulbright scholar. Dr. Khanwilkar has conducted research on the illegal wildlife trade, forest-based livelihoods, and forest health. She also is a founder of a nonprofit dedicated to tiger conservation and co-founder of one of India’s first research projects using sound to assess biodiversity. Most of her free time is spent in the forests of central India looking for tigers and admiring trees. At RFCx, she is Head of Partnerships and actively involved in using scalable technologies for high-impact conservation work across the globe. To learn more, go to: https://www.rfcx.org (https://www.rfcx.org ) https://www.arbimon.org (https://www.arbimon.org ) (https://www.arbimon.org )⁠⁠More about the Rotary eClub of Silicon Valley⁠⁠ (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com/) Website: ⁠⁠Rotary.cool⁠ (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com) Meetings’ ⁠⁠Video Archive⁠⁠ (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com/meetings/) YouTubeChannel⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/@rotaryeclubofsiliconvalley824/videos) How to become a member in ⁠⁠this online Rotary eClub⁠⁠ (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com/join) ⁠⁠More about Rotary International:⁠⁠ (https://www.rotary.org/about-rotary) Website: ⁠⁠www.Rotary.org⁠⁠ (https://www.rotary.org/) Find a ⁠⁠local Rotary club⁠⁠ (https://tiny.cc/rotaryfind) Find an ⁠⁠online Rotary Club⁠⁠ (https://tiny.cc/rotaryonline) Podcast and Zoom Host: ⁠⁠Rushton Hurley⁠⁠ (https://tiny.cc/rushtonh) Podcast Producer: ⁠⁠Elton Sherwin⁠⁠ (https://tiny.cc/rotaryp1) Audio edited and enhanced with: ⁠⁠Descript Studio Sound ⁠⁠ (https://www.descript.com/) #PositiveChange #Inspiration #Rotary

10. 

    14 Jul 2025

    3. Leanne Fan, Detecting and Treating Mid-ear Infections

    Leanne Fan is a high schooler from San Diego, CA. In 2022 she was named America's Top Young Scientist by 3M. Fan's invention can both detect and treat mid-ear infections, and at a low cost. Details: By 2050, 1 in 4 people will have hearing loss to some extent. In children, the majority of this hearing loss is caused by mid-ear infections. Loss of hearing that comes from repeated ear infections can also affect one's future and health. For a child, this can affect the ability to learn and develop social skills. Diagnostic and treatment may be too expensive and unavailable in lower income countries, as over 50% of the world’s population doesn’t have access to healthcare. Our speaker, Leanne Fan, was inspired by her mother's battles with multiple ear infections to invent the Finsen Headphones, a prototype that detects and treats mid-ear infections using acoustic reflectometry, machine learning, and phototherapy. These headphones can both detect and treat mid ear infections, and at a low cost. A high schooler from San Diego, Fan was named America's Top Young Scientist by 3M and Discovery Education in 2022 and rang the New York Stock Exchange opening bell. She strives to provide a low cost and non-medicinal ear infection treatment in place of antibiotics for kids to prevent hearing loss, control infections before surgery is needed, and reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance. Fan also encourages science and art in her community and in younger children by promoting her local science fairs and teaching children science at science expos. To learn more about Leanne's project in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, go to: https://wvnexus.org/?p=13513 ( https://wvnexus.org/?p=13513) ⁠⁠More about the Rotary eClub of Silicon Valley⁠⁠ (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com/) Website: ⁠⁠Rotary.cool⁠ (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com) Meetings’ ⁠⁠Video Archive⁠⁠ (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com/meetings/) YouTubeChannel⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/@rotaryeclubofsiliconvalley824/videos) How to become a member in ⁠⁠this online Rotary eClub⁠⁠ (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com/join) ⁠⁠More about Rotary International:⁠⁠ (https://www.rotary.org/about-rotary) Website: ⁠⁠www.Rotary.org⁠⁠ (https://www.rotary.org/) Find a ⁠⁠local Rotary club⁠⁠ (https://tiny.cc/rotaryfind) Find an ⁠⁠online Rotary Club⁠⁠ (https://tiny.cc/rotaryonline) Podcast and Zoom Host: ⁠⁠Rushton Hurley⁠⁠ (https://tiny.cc/rushtonh) Podcast Producer: ⁠⁠Elton Sherwin⁠⁠ (https://tiny.cc/rotaryp1) Audio edited and enhanced with: ⁠⁠Descript Studio Sound ⁠⁠ (https://www.descript.com/) #PositiveChange #Inspiration #Rotary

11. 

    13 Jul 2025

    2. Barb Demorest, Founder of Knitted Knockers

    “It was 12 years ago now, when I heard the words that no woman wants to hear: that I had breast cancer…” From a casual knitter to the founder of a global organization, Barb Demorest's story is one of passion, purpose, and service. More about Knitted Knockers: • www.knittedknockers.org (https://www.knittedknockers.org/) • www.facebook.com/knittedknockers (https://www.facebook.com/knittedknockers) • Knitted Knockers’ YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/KnittedKnockers) More about the Rotary eClub of Silicon Valley (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com/) • Website: Rotary.cool (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com/) • Current and Past Meetings’ Video Archive (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com/meetings/) • YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@rotaryeclubofsiliconvalley824/videos) • How to become a member in this online Rotary eClub (https://www.siliconvalleyrotary.com/join) • Podcast and Zoom Host: Rushton Hurley (https://tiny.cc/rushtonh) More about Rotary International: (https://www.rotary.org/about-rotary) • Website: www.Rotary.org (https://www.rotary.org/) • Find a local Rotary club (https://tiny.cc/rotaryfind) • Find an online Rotary Club (https://tiny.cc/rotaryonline) Our speaker this week is Barb Demorest, and three simple words from a caring surgeon changed her life. Out of the adversity of breast cancer, an organization was birthed that has impacted hundreds of thousands of women who have had a mastectomy and helped thousands of others find passion and purpose in their lives. Hear the personal story from the founder of Knitted Knockers Support Foundation, aka knittedknockers.org, of how the organization has grown to provide over 10,000 free breast prostheses per month, provide support to over 1,970 medical offices and have a presence in 61 countries. Barb is the founder of Knitted Knockers Support Foundation. She describes herself as a wife, mother, grandmother, and casual knitter residing in Bellingham, Washington. She retired from her 30-year career as a CPA and owner of a tax practice in order to pursue her passion of connecting volunteer knitters and crocheters with breast cancer survivors to provide free knitted knockers to those who can use them. After hearing the awful words, "you have cancer," and struggling with the impact of having a mastectomy, a simple gift of comfort and dignity knit by a caring friend changed her life. Her purpose and passion is now to inspire and equip the wonderful and caring fiber arts community to provide these gifts of love to their fellow women in their own communities. Like a Rotarian who has discovered the joy of active service, she says, "I no longer get paid in dollars for my work, but the rewards are priceless. Podcast Producer: Elton Sherwin (https://tiny.cc/rotaryp1) #PositiveChange #Inspiration #Rotary

12. 

    13 Jul 2025

    1. Alexa and Jacqueline Child, Founders of Dateability

    Dateability is the only dating app designed for the disabled and chronically ill communities. People with disabilities and chronic illness often encounter ableism on other dating apps. We understand the unique circumstances that present when dating with a disability, which is why we created a safe and accepting space to create meaningful connections for people with physical, intellectual, and psychiatric disabilities. Our speakers are Alexa and Jacqueline Child. Alexa graduated from College of the Holy Cross in 2012 and Georgetown University Law Center in 2015. After law school, she began her career in public service and is currently a public interest attorney. Alexa and her sister collaborated on Dateability after Jacqueline’s negative experiences dating with chronic illness. She enjoys all the typical Colorado things—hiking and skiing—but also loves to cook and binge watch TV. After becoming disabled due to chronic illnesses as a teenager, Jacqueline’s life was forever changed. She was quickly exposed to the ableist behaviors and expectations perpetuated by society. She found dating challenging and would always fear disclosing her disability. She constantly wished she could meet someone else who understood life with chronic illness and disabilities. Since there wasn’t an app to do that, Jacqueline and Alexa decided they would make one. Jacqueline Child graduated from Colorado College in 2016 with a degree in Psychology and received her master’s degree in Family and Human Development in 2017. She spends her free time playing music, volunteering at the local animal shelter, and hanging with family and her dog, Luna. To learn more, go to: https://info.dateabilityapp.com/ (https://info.dateabilityapp.com/) Download Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dateability/id6443474660 (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dateability/id6443474660 ) Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dateabilityapp&hl=en&gl=US (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dateabilityapp&hl=en&gl=US )

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