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Program Speakers A-Z

A
Sheikha Al Mayassa Sheikha Al Mayassa
Founder, Doha Film Institute
Sheikha Al Mayassa is the young and progressive force behind Qatar's mission to become the Middle East's foremost destination for the arts and culture. Session 5: Harmony and Discord
Wed Dec 8, 2010
2:45 – 4:30
Madeleine  Albright Madeleine Albright
Former US Secretary of State
Since leaving office as US Secretary of State in 2001, Madeleine Albright has continued her distinguished career in foreign affairs as a businesswoman, political adviser and professor. Session 6: Crescendo
Wed Dec 8, 2010
5:30 – 7:15
Rufus Griscom + Alisa Volkman Rufus Griscom + Alisa Volkman
Website co-founders
Rufus Griscom and Alisa Volkman co-founded Babble, a website for parents. He’s the CEO, she’s the VP of sales strategy and brand development, and they have three sons. Session 4: Duets
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:15 – 1:00
B
Kiran Bedi Kiran Bedi
Corrections pioneer
Kiran Bedi was one of India's top cops -- tough, innovative and committed to social change. Now retired from the national police force, Bedi runs two NGOs that benefit rural and urban poor. Session 5: Harmony and Discord
Wed Dec 8, 2010
2:45 – 4:30
Johanna Blakley Johanna Blakley
Media maven
Johanna Blakley studies the impact of mass media and entertainment on our world. Short talks
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:00 – 11:00
Cynthia Breazeal Cynthia Breazeal
Roboticist
At MIT, Cynthia Breazeal and her team are building robots with social intelligence that communicate and learn the same way people do. Session 3: Composers
Wed Dec 8, 2010
8:30 – 10:15
C
Amber Case Amber Case
Cyborg Anthropologist
Amber Case studies the symbiotic interactions between humans and machines -- and considers how our values and culture are being shaped by living lives increasingly mediated by high technology. Session 3: Composers
Wed Dec 8, 2010
8:30 – 10:15
Caroline Casey Caroline Casey
Advocate for disabled people
First, Caroline Casey put Ireland on the accessibility map. Now she's changing the global social landscape for people with disabilities. Session 6: Crescendo
Wed Dec 8, 2010
5:30 – 7:15
D
Liza  Donnelly Liza Donnelly
Cartoonist
New Yorker cartoonist Liza Donnelly tackles global issues with humor, intelligence and sarcasm. Her latest project supports the United Nations initiative Cartooning For Peace. Session 1: Overture
Tues Dec 7, 2010
2:30 – 4:15
Dr. Hawa Abdi + Dr. Deqo Mohamed Dr. Hawa Abdi + Dr. Deqo Mohamed
Somali doctors who treat women refugees
Dr. Hawa Abdi and her daughters, Dr. Deqo Mohamed and Dr. Amina Mohamed, treat Somali refugee women and children, often for free. Session 4: Duets
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:15 – 1:00
E
Fiona Eberts Fiona Eberts
Alternative medicine expert
Fiona Eberts studies the field of complementary and alternative medicine, with a focus on solutions and therapies that could be useful in countries with limited access to expensive Western drugs. Short talks
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:00 – 11:00
Mona Eltahawy Mona Eltahawy
Columnist
Mona Eltahawy writes on Arab and Muslim issues for news outlets around the world. Session 2: Life's Symphony
Tues Dec 7, 2010
5:15 – 7:00
Eve Ensler Eve Ensler
Playwright, activist
Eve Ensler created the ground-breaking "Vagina Monologues," whose success propelled her to found V-Day -- a movement to end violence against women and girls everywhere. Session 6: Crescendo
Wed Dec 8, 2010
5:30 – 7:15
H
Joan Halifax Joan Halifax
Author, Zen priest
Known for her compassionate work with the terminally ill, Joan Halifax is a driving force of socially engaged Buddhism. Session 6: Crescendo
Wed Dec 8, 2010
5:30 – 7:15
Suheir  Hammad Suheir Hammad
Poet, playwright
In her poems and plays, Suheir Hammad blends the stories and sounds of her Palestinian-American heritage with the vibrant language of Brooklyn to create a passionately modern voice. Music + performance
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:00 – 11:00
Sejal Hathi Sejal Hathi
Social entrepreneur
Sejal Hathi’s nonprofit, Girls Helping Girls, has helped train and mentor more than 30,000 girls to launch their own entrepreneurial projects. Session 6: Crescendo
Wed Dec 8, 2010
5:30 – 7:15
Arianna Huffington Arianna Huffington
Journalist
Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post, a nationally syndicated columnist, and author of thirteen books. She is the co-host of “Left, Right & Center,” a political roundtable radio program. BONUS Session: Voices at the Table
Tues Dec 7, 2010
8:00 – 10:00
I
Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo
Poet, recording artist
A poet, singer and songwriter, TED Fellow Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo explores the potential of human creativity. Music + performance
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:00 – 11:00
J
Beverly + Dereck Joubert Beverly + Dereck Joubert
Conservationists, filmmakers
Documentary filmmakers Beverly and Dereck Joubert have worked to conserve wildlife for more than 25 years. As National Geographic Explorers in Residence, the couple influences public policy and perceptions. Session 4: Duets
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:15 – 1:00
K
Donna  Karan Donna Karan
Fashion designer, health-care activist
Fashion designer Donna Karan dresses the modern everywoman in smart, luxuriously simple clothes. She uses her professional visibility for social good, as in her urban zen effort to provide integrated care for cancer patients. Session 6: Crescendo
Wed Dec 8, 2010
5:30 – 7:15
Angelique Kidjo Angelique Kidjo
Musician, Activist
With an impassioned and joyful voice, Angélique Kidjo delights audiences around the globe with her music–and speaks out in support of the well-being of women and children. Music + performance
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:00 – 11:00
Naomi Klein Naomi Klein
Author, Activist
In her latest work, Naomi Klein wonders: What makes our culture so prone to the reckless high-stakes gamble, and why are women so frequently called upon to clean up the mess? Session 5: Harmony and Discord
Wed Dec 8, 2010
2:45 – 4:30
Heather Knight Heather Knight
Roboticist
Heather Knight runs Marilyn Monrobot, which creates socially intelligent robot performances and sensor-based electronic art. (and she helped build the amazing Rube Goldberg machine for OK Go’s “This Too Shall Pass.") Session 3: Composers
Wed Dec 8, 2010
8:30 – 10:15
Sia Nyama Koroma Sia Nyama Koroma
First Lady of Sierra Leone
Together, Sia Nyama Koroma of Sierra Leone and Madame Callista Mutharika of Malawi want to turn the world’s attention to the health of mothers. BONUS Session: Voices at the Table
Tues Dec 7, 2010
8:00 – 10:00
L
Yang Lan Yang Lan
Media mogul, TV host
Yang Lan is often called “the Oprah of China.” The chair of a multiplatform business empire, Yang is pioneering more-open means of communication in the communist nation. BONUS Session: Voices at the Table
Tues Dec 7, 2010
8:00 – 10:00
Jacklyne Mantaine Lemeria + Lemeria Ole Leperes Jacklyne Mantaine Lemeria + Lemeria Ole Leperes
Maasai father and daughter
At 14, Jacklyne Mantaine Lemeria ran away from an arranged marriage in her Maasai community. Returning to her village this year, she and her father, Lemeria Ole Leperes, have reached a new understanding. Session 2: Life's Symphony
Tues Dec 7, 2010
5:15 – 7:00
Elizabeth Lesser Elizabeth Lesser
Writer, healer
For more than three decades, Elizabeth Lesser has worked with leading figures in the field of healing self and society. Session 2: Life's Symphony
Tues Dec 7, 2010
5:15 – 7:00
Stephen  Lewis Stephen Lewis
Global health advocate
Stephen Lewis advocates for the victims of Africa’s HIV/AIDS pandemic, and believes that gender lies at the heart of the problem—and the solution. Session 6: Crescendo
Wed Dec 8, 2010
5:30 – 7:15
Elizabeth Lindsey Elizabeth Lindsey
Explorer, ethnographer
Elizabeth Lindsey is a fellow of the National Geographic Society. Her mission: to keep ancestral voices alive by recording indigenous wisdom and traditions. Session 1: Overture
Tues Dec 7, 2010
2:30 – 4:15
M
Courtney E. Martin Courtney E. Martin
Blogger, Internet entrepreneur
Courtney E. Martin chronicles -- and encourages -- the current generation of young activists and feminists. She's an editor at Feministing.com and the author of "Do It Anyway: The New Generation of Activists." Session 2: Life's Symphony
Tues Dec 7, 2010
5:15 – 7:00
Morley Morley
Singer-songwriter
Composer, singer and producer Morley breathes sensuality into activism with her worldly lyrical stance. Music + performance
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:00 – 11:00
Madame Callista Mutharika Madame Callista Mutharika
First Lady of Malawi
Together, Sia Nyama Koroma of Sierra Leone and Madame Callista Mutharika of Malawi want to turn the world’s attention to the health of mothers. BONUS Session: Voices at the Table
Tues Dec 7, 2010
8:00 – 10:00
N
Annet Namayanja Annet Namayanja
Bean breeder
Annet Namayanja has created two new kinds of field beans well-suited to the growing conditions in Uganda. Session 3: Composers
Wed Dec 8, 2010
8:30 – 10:15
Shirin Neshat Shirin Neshat
Iranian visual artist
Shirin Neshat has lived much of her life outside her native Iran. Her photographs and films offer a glimpse of the cultural, religious and political realities that shape the identities of Muslim women worldwide. Session 5: Harmony and Discord
Wed Dec 8, 2010
2:45 – 4:30
Jacqueline Novogratz Jacqueline Novogratz
Philanthropist
Jacqueline Novogratz founded and leads Acumen Fund, a nonprofit that takes a businesslike approach to improving the lives of the poor. In her new book, The Blue Sweater, she tells stories from the new philanthropy, which emphasizes sustainable bottom-up solutions over traditional top-down aid. Session 5: Harmony and Discord
Wed Dec 8, 2010
2:45 – 4:30
O
Asphalt  Orchestra Asphalt Orchestra
Orchestra
The NYC-based Asphalt Orchestra redefines and re-contextualizes music from the concert halls, rock stages and jazz clubs of the world and brings it to new international audiences in ways never before experienced. Music + performance
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:00 – 11:00
Kate Orff Kate Orff
Landscape architect
Kate Orff asks us to rethink “landscape”—to use urban greenspaces and blue spaces in fresh ways to mediate between humankind and nature. Session 3: Composers
Wed Dec 8, 2010
8:30 – 10:15
Sally Osberg Sally Osberg
Champion of social entrepreneurs
As president of the Skoll Foundation, Sally Osberg identifies the brightest new social enterprises and lends much-needed support to innovative problem-solvers. Short talks
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:00 – 11:00
P
Nancy Pelosi Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House
Nancy Pelosi is in her second term as Speaker of the House of Representatives, having been elected in 2007 as the first woman in American history to serve as Speaker of the House. BONUS Session: Voices at the Table
Tues Dec 7, 2010
8:00 – 10:00
Aicha el-Wafi + Phyllis Rodriguez Aicha el-Wafi + Phyllis Rodriguez
9/11 mothers
Aicha el-Wafi and Phyllis Rodriguez met around a shared tragedy -- and their friendship has become a powerful symbol for forgiveness and dialogue. Session 5: Harmony and Discord
Wed Dec 8, 2010
2:45 – 4:30
Heather + Tony  Podesta Heather + Tony Podesta
Lobbyists, art collectors
Heather and Tony Podesta wield serious influence in America. Beyond being plugged-in DC lobbyists, the power couple owns one of the country’s most important contemporary art collections. Session 4: Duets
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:15 – 1:00
Tony Porter Tony Porter
Educator, A Call to Men
Tony Porter is an educator and activist who is internationally recognized for his effort to end violence against women. Session 2: Life's Symphony
Tues Dec 7, 2010
5:15 – 7:00
R
Deborah Rhodes Deborah Rhodes
Physician, cancer researcher
Deborah Rhodes is an expert at managing breast-cancer risk. The director of the Mayo Clinic’s Executive Health Program is now testing a gamma camera that can see tumors that get missed by mammography. Session 3: Composers
Wed Dec 8, 2010
8:30 – 10:15
Judith Rodin Judith Rodin
Philanthropist
As President of the Rockefeller Foundation, Judith Rodin supports and shapes innovations to ensure that more people can access globalization’s benefits and strengthen resilience to risks, affirming the Foundation’s pioneering philanthropic mission since 1913 to “promote the well-being” of humanity. Short talks
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:00 – 11:00
Hanna Rosin Hanna Rosin
Journalist
Hanna Rosin isn’t afraid to shine a skeptical spotlight on people’s cherished ideals, whether it’s politically correct dogma or the conservative Christian agenda. Session 1: Overture
Tues Dec 7, 2010
2:30 – 4:15
Hans Rosling Hans Rosling
Global health expert; data visionary
In Hans Rosling’s hands, data sings. Global trends in health and economics come to vivid life. And the big picture of global development—with some surprisingly good news—snaps into sharp focus. Session 1: Overture
Tues Dec 7, 2010
2:30 – 4:15
S
Sheryl Sandberg Sheryl Sandberg
COO, Facebook
As the COO at the helm of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg juggles the tasks of monetizing the world’s largest social networking site while keeping its users happy and engaged. Session 2: Life's Symphony
Tues Dec 7, 2010
5:15 – 7:00
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
President of Liberia
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is president of Liberia (and the first modern, and currently the only elected, female head of state in Africa). The Economist called her "the best president the country has ever had." Session 1: Overture
Tues Dec 7, 2010
2:30 – 4:15
T
Halla Tomasdottir Halla Tomasdottir
Change agent, financial services
Halla Tomasdottir, co-founder of Audur Capital financial services, has been instrumental in rebuilding Iceland’s economy since its collapse in 2008. Her passion is releasing the incredible economic potential of women’s ways of doing business. Session 1: Overture
Tues Dec 7, 2010
2:30 – 4:15
Bernice Johnson and Toshi Reagon Bernice Johnson and Toshi Reagon
Musicians; mother and daughter
Bernice Johnson Reagon, a legendary musician and scholar of history, is also the mother of Toshi Reagon, guitarist, singer and producer. Collaboratively and separately, they make gorgeous, conscious music. Music + performance
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:00 – 11:00
Ahn Trio Ahn Trio
Piano trio
With cello, piano and violin, sisters Maria, Lucia and Angella Ahn are constantly redefining the art and architecture of chamber music. Music + performance
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:00 – 11:00
Ted Turner Ted Turner
Media entrepreneur, philanthropist
You may know him as the guy who started CNN. But Ted Turner, who once gave $1 billion to the UN, also ranks among the world’s most influential philanthropists. Session 1: Overture
Tues Dec 7, 2010
2:30 – 4:15
Penelope Jagessar Chaffer +  Tyrone Hayes Penelope Jagessar Chaffer + Tyrone Hayes
Documentary flmmaker and scientist subject
Penelope Jagessar Chaffer made the film "Toxic Baby," about environmental toxins; scientist Tyrone Hayes provided some visceral and shocking research. Session 4: Duets
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:15 – 1:00
W
Jody Williams Jody Williams
Nobel peace laureate
Jody Williams won a Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to eradicate landmines. Now she’s teaming up with five other female peace laureates to empower women to fight violence, injustice and inequality. Session 5: Harmony and Discord
Wed Dec 8, 2010
2:45 – 4:30
Lisa Witter Lisa Witter
Marketer
Lisa Witter is the Chief Strategy Officer of Fenton PR and author of "The She Spot: Why Women Are the Market for Changing the World and How to Reach Them." Short talks
Wed Dec 8, 2010
11:00 – 11:00
Citizen journalists of World Pulse Citizen journalists of World Pulse
Citizen journalists from around the world
Seated from left, Sunita Basnet, Nepal; Jacqueline Patino, Bolivia; and Malayapinas, the Philippines are part of Worldpulse, a network of women citizen journalists from every region of the world. Founder, standing in photo, is Jensine Larsen. BONUS Session: Voices at the Table
Tues Dec 7, 2010
8:00 – 10:00
Z
Lauren Zalaznick Lauren Zalaznick
Media executive
After wholly revamping the Bravo Network, media trendsetter Lauren Zalaznick is inventing fresh ways for NBC Universal to reach coveted new audiences across multiple media. Session 2: Life's Symphony
Tues Dec 7, 2010
5:15 – 7:00