Sheryl Palmer Trailblazer in Homebuilding Questions
Tip — Read your identified case 3 times! Chapter 17 “Sheryl Palmer: Newsmaker and Changemaker”
(general understanding, stakeholders, relationships and decisions)
Answer these two part:
Overview: Provide an introduction of your case
Define the Culture: Focus on who is the cultural group being discussed? Who are the people? What symbols, beliefs, norms are shared? How are some values of the group described implicitly or explicitly in the case
Make a Canva infographic(example provided)
Make 1-2 pages ppt(more pictures less words) & write 1 min speech
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Copyright
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AN: 3286796 ; Patricia Goodman Hayward, Sahar Rehman, Zirui Yan.; Women Community Leaders and Their Impact As Global Changemakers
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Women Community
Leaders and Their Impact
as Global Changemakers
Patricia Goodman Hayward
Northeastern University, USA
Sahar Rehman
Northeastern University, USA
Zirui Yan
Tsinghua University, China
A volume in the Advances in Religious and
Cultural Studies (ARCS) Book Series
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California State University-Dominguez Hills, USA
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and cultural identity and practice.
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Titles in this Series
For a list of additional titles in this series, please visit: www.igi-global.com/book-series
Global Perspectives on the LGBT Community and Non-Discrimination
Augustine Edobor Arimoro (University of Roehampton, UK)
Information Science Reference • © 2022 • 300pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781668424285) • US $195.00
Gender, Place, and Identity of South Asian Women
Moussa Pourya Asl (School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia)
Information Science Reference • © 2022 • 302pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781668436264) • US $195.00
Global and Transformative Approaches Toward Linguistic Diversity
Sarah E. DeCapua (University of Connecticut-Storrs, USA) and Eda Hanci-Azizoglu (Mediterranean University,
Turkey)
Information Science Reference • © 2022 • 330pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781799889854) • US $195.00
Cultural Encounters and Tolerance Through Analyses of Social and Artistic Evidences From History to the
Present
Meltem Özkan Altınöz (Art History Department, Ankara University, Turkey)
Information Science Reference • © 2022 • 329pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781799894384) • US $195.00
Addressing Issues of Systemic Racism During Turbulent Times
Jennifer T. Butcher (Abilene Christian University, USA) and Wilbert C. Baker (Lakeland Ministry Institute, USA)
Information Science Reference • © 2022 • 284pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781799885320) • US $195.00
Handbook of Research on Ethnic, Racial, and Religious Conflicts and Their Impact on State and Social Security
Emilia Alaverdov (Georgian Technical University, Georgia) and Muhammad Waseem Bari (Government College
University, Faisalabad, Pakistan)
Information Science Reference • © 2022 • 367pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781799889113) • US $245.00
Handbook of Research on Protecting and Managing Global Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Rendani Tshifhumulo (University of Venda, South Africa) and Tshimangadzo Justice Makhanikhe (University of
Venda, South Africa)
Information Science Reference • © 2022 • 461pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781799874928) • US $245.00
Black and Brown Leadership and the Promotion of Change in an Era of Social Unrest
Sonia Rodriguez (National University, USA) and Kelly Brown (Lamar University, USA)
Information Science Reference • © 2021 • 352pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781799872351) • US $195.00
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On a global level, we recognize the plights of many from around the world who seek transformational
leaders to positively support cultural resilience. From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic through the
vaccine roll outs around the world, we want to lift up scientists, health care workers, care givers, educators, and policy makers, who have carried a burden to solve challenges and empower communities.
Leaders have emerged with key characteristics of authenticity, responsibility, persistence, and service.
On a personal note,
Sahar wishes to dedicate this project to the many female managers I have had, and my fiance, Mustafa
Hssi, they encouraged me to continue to be brave and believe in myself, along with my little nephews,
Taimoor and Mikaal, may they continue to learn about the many great achievements by women seeing
them as the most respectable, resilient, and giving of beings;
Zirui wishes to dedicate this project to my two-year old son, Leo, who deserves a world full of love,
trust, and inspiration;
Patty wishes to dedicate this project to the strong women in my life encouraging my independence
and creativity, starting with my mom, Nancy Ritz, (currently suffering from Alzheimer’s disease), the
men in my life who have sparked my curiosity, intellect, and growth my father, N. William Ritz, brothers
Nick Ritz and Dan Ritz and my greatest supporter on all levels my husband, Taylor Hayward.
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Editorial Advisory Board
Kanwal Akhtar, Sidat Hyder Morshed Associates Pvt. Ltd., Pakistan
Elisabeth E. Bennett, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
Mayurakshi Chaudhuri, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, India
Ed Cunliff, University of Central Oklahoma, USA
Lin Gao, Yes Coach Me, China
Margaret Gorman, Denison Consulting, USA
Anne-Liisa Longmore, Pilon School of Business, Sheridan College, Canada
Donna Lubrano, United Planet, USA
Michael Marquardt, The George Washington University, USA
Mariam Shaikh, Florida State University, USA & Pakistan Mission to the UN, Pakistan
Meghan Steinberg, Steinberg HR, USA
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Table of Contents
Preface………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. xxx
Acknowledgment…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. xli
Section 1
Business, Politics, and Science
Chapter 1
Emma Watson: Supporting Unity for Human Rights…………………………………………………………………… 1
Laura M. Walker-Andrews, Western Carolina University, USA
Chapter 2
Irom Sharmila: The Curious Case of Manipur’s Human Rights Activist and the Politics of
Representation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Natasa Thoudam, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, India
Chapter 3
Jacinda Ardern: The Normalization of Empathy……………………………………………………………………….. 13
Lila Anna H. Sauls, Northeastern University, USA
Chapter 4
Jenny Wang: Bridging the Cross-Cultural Divide……………………………………………………………………… 19
Sonia Riverland, Australia Education Management Group, Australia
Chapter 5
Judith Okonkwo: Pioneering XR in Africa……………………………………………………………………………….. 24
Muhammed “Mo” Isu, University of Lagos, Nigeria
Chapter 6
Kathleen Kiernan: Breaking Through Barriers and Continuing to Give Back……………………………….. 29
Mary E. Williams, George Washington University, USA
Chapter 7
Kathy Harger: A Tale of Fighting Through Adversity to Find Success…………………………………………. 34
Mary E. Williams, George Washington University, USA
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Chapter 8
Laura Archuleta: Passion for Building Affordable Communities and Community Wellness…………… 39
Frawn Morgan, LDC Advisors, USA
Chapter 9
Lily Jin: HerValue and Its Team on Building a Home for Women in Finance in China………………….. 46
Jane Wu, HerValue, China
Jonathan Wu, HerValue, China
Emily Wang, HerValue, China
Shirley Liang, HerValue, China
Chapter 10
Lin Gao: Empowering Chinese Female Coaches with a Platform Economy…………………………………. 52
Lin Gao, YESCoachme, China
Chapter 11
Lisa Nesser: In-Power vs. Em-Power – Honoring the Agency of Lived Experience………………………. 59
Deborah J. Kramlich, Payap University, Thailand
Chapter 12
Michelle Mayorga: Women Building Political Networks……………………………………………………………. 64
Rita G. Cinelli, Northeastern University, USA
Chapter 13
Nadia Patel Gangjee: Empowering Fellow Women……………………………………………………………………. 69
Aisha Aamer, Mohammad Ali Jinnah University, Pakistan
Chapter 14
Paola Del Zotto Ferrari: Building Change Makers in Underserved Settings………………………………….. 74
Paola Del Zotto Ferrari, Accademia di Gagliato Globale, Italy
Chapter 15
Sarah Owusu: Creating the Conditions for Innovation……………………………………………………………….. 80
Ruth D. Deneke, We Will Lead Africa (WWLA), Ethiopia
Chapter 16
Saskia Bruysten: Advocacy, Perseverance, and Vision for Social Business During Challenging
Times…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 86
Stephanie E. Raible, University of Delaware, USA
Chapter 17
Sheryl Palmer: Newsmaker and Changemaker………………………………………………………………………….. 94
Frawn Morgan, LDC Advisors, USA
Chapter 18
Sri Mulyani Indrawati: A Globally Competent Indonesian Woman Leader…………………………………. 101
Rifka Fachrunnisa, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia
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Chapter 19
Svetlana Simonenko: Leading Digital Human Resources in Russia…………………………………………… 107
Eugénie Coste, Northeastern University, USA
Section 2
Education and Cultural Development
Chapter 20
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Effectively Communicating Cultural Complexity to Enact Change…. 115
Mika Morikawa-Zhou, Northeastern University, USA
Chapter 21
Claudia Tobar: Women Educators as Examples of Change Agents……………………………………………. 120
Claudia M. Tobar, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador
Chapter 22
Enakshi Sengupta: Entrepreneurship for the Economically Vulnerable………………………………………. 126
Elisabeth E. Bennett, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
Chapter 23
Fatima Sadiqi: Journey in Promoting Gender Studies in Morocco as a Berber Linguist……………….. 132
Bishu Tang, Northeastern University, USA
Chapter 24
Huma Baqai: Redefining the Role of Pakistani Women – Power of Resilience……………………………. 139
Seema Khalid, University of Karachi, Pakistan
Chapter 25
Huynh Thi Xam: Inspiring Woman……………………………………………………………………………………….. 145
Phan Thị Đông Hoài, Hoa Sen University, Vietnam
Chapter 26
Jinan Liu: As a Woman, as a Woman Leader………………………………………………………………………….. 152
Yin Li, Fujian Normal University, China
Rui Zhang, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain
Chapter 27
Kiran Martin: Breaking the Cycle of Generational Hopelessness Educating Children in the Slums
of India………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 158
Meghan Emilia Goodman, The French American Center, France
Chapter 28
Kristen Gresh: Storytelling Power of Photography and Redefining Photography for New and
Diverse Audiences………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 163
Sean Gresh, Northeastern University, USA
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Chapter 29
LaDonna Christian: Transforming the Landscape in the Field of Nursing – One Student at a
Time………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 170
Jocelyn Vierra Christian, Northeastern University, USA
Chapter 30
Lucy Hone: Building Personal and Community Resilience………………………………………………………. 176
Denise Quinlan, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Chapter 31
Malala Yousafzai: One Girl, One Hope, and One Mission – Education for All……………………………. 182
Sahar Abdul Rehman, Northeastern University, USA
Chapter 32
Rania Al-Abdullah: Building Cultural Bridges Between the West and the Middle East………………… 188
Yue Huang, Northeastern University, USA
Chapter 33
Regina Honu: Work in Driving Social Change Through Technology…………………………………………. 194
Lily Edinam Botsyoe, University of Cincinnati, USA
Chapter 34
Sarita Devi: A Mother’s Fight Against Her Community to Support Her Daughter’s Education…….. 199
Sakshi Shukla, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, India
Chapter 35
Sydney Savion: Immortalizing the Maori Koru by Bolstering Lifelong Learning in Aotearoa………. 205
Sydney Savion, The George Washington University, USA
Chapter 36
Torie Weiston-Serdan: Empowering Youth to Demand a Seat at the Table While Building Their
Own…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 212
Joy Y. Coates, JC Strategy Group, USA
Section 3
Social Service and Empowerment
Chapter 37
Agnes Kanyanya: Promoting Maternal and Infant Health in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 220
Julie Haizlip, University of Virginia, USA
Chapter 38
Anja Ringgren Lovén: Liberating the Mystical Children of Nigeria With Hope………………………….. 226
Radhika Marwaha, Northeastern University, USA
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Chapter 39
Annick Janson and Sylvana Mahmic: Ways to Wellbeing for Parents of Children With a
Disability……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 232
Rachel Taylor, Swinburne University, Australia
Margaret L. Kern, The University of Melbourne, Australia
Chapter 40
Catherine D’Amato: Origins and Inspirations – One Woman’s Journey Fighting Hunger……………… 238
Jessica McWade, McWade Group, Inc., USA
Chapter 41
Cynthia Betti: The Protection of Girls’ Rights in Brazil…………………………………………………………… 244
Claudine Brunnquell, Northeastern University, USA
Chapter 42
Helen Zia: Be the Change!……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 250
Yue Huang, Northeastern University, USA
Chapter 43
Leah Chase: Feeding the Flames of Change……………………………………………………………………………. 256
Jamie L. Chachere-Cheveralls, Vanderbilt University, USA
Chapter 44
Lili Ben Ami: Innovating the Way Domestic Violence is Combatted…………………………………………. 261
Rotem Elinav, Claremont Graduate University, USA
Chapter 45
Magali Lopes: Dialogue and Connection for Social Transformation………………………………………….. 270
Magali Cristina Gomes Lopes, Eight Diálogos Transformadores, Brazil
Chapter 46
Maggie Zhang: A Young Leader in the Golden Era of Women Empowerment in China………………. 275
Maggie Zhang, SheTalks, China
Chapter 47
Nada Alturki: Learning to Carve a Space – A Saudi Woman’s Journey to Change What’s Behind
the Boarder…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 280
Nada Alturki, Independent Researcher, Saudi Arabia
Chapter 48
Naomi Osaka: Authentic Global Changemaker as Advocate for Inequity, Mental Health, and
Wellness…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 286
Miki Yamashita, Reitaku University, Japan
Sue Shinomiya, Global Business Passport, USA
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Chapter 49
Natalie May: Putting Her Faith Into Action – Supporting Students Facing Homelessness……………. 292
Julie Haizlip, University of Virginia, USA
Chapter 50
Neema Namadamu: Influencing a Brighter Future for Women in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 298
Valerie Bagley, The Change Companies, USA
Neema Namadamu, Hero Women Rising, DRC
Chapter 51
Sheryl Sandberg: Building a Global Community to Help Women Achieve Their Ambitions………… 303
Zirui Yan, Tsinghua University, China
Chapter 52
Sheryl WuDunn: Shakes the World……………………………………………………………………………………….. 309
Joan Burkhardt, Northeastern University, USA
Chapter 53
Tanutchaporn Whand: Bringing Hope and Healing Through Home Therapy to Children…………….. 315
Deborah J. Kramlich, Payap University, Thailand
Chapter 54
Vivien Ji: A Leader in the Feminine Energy Revival Movement in China………………………………….. 320
Cui Lu, Life Blooms, China
Chapter 55
Yabome Gilpin-Jackson: Making Spaces for Voices of African Leaders…………………………………….. 326
Joann Anokwuru, University of British Columbia, Canada
Multi-Case Analysis Findings and Conclusion…………………………………………………………………….. 331
Glossary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 351
Compilation of References…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 355
About the Contributors……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 382
Index…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 395
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Detailed Table of Contents
Preface………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. xxx
Acknowledgment…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. xli
Section 1
Business, Politics, and Science
Chapter 1
Emma Watson: Supporting Unity for Human Rights…………………………………………………………………… 1
Laura M. Walker-Andrews, Western Carolina University, USA
This chapter outlines the activism of Emma Watson, a renowned actor. As a prominent advocate and
ambassador, her human rights initiatives are centralized in women’s rights, gender equality, and fashion
sustainability in which to focus as a result of her feminist perspective. Highlights include her work for
the HeForShe campaign, her involvement in the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, the launch of a
legal-advice hotline for sexual harassment in the workplace, and her emphasis on sustainable fashion
with Good On You. Emma has contributed significantly to the equality agenda through her work as an
ambassador and consultant on key human issues and is looked to as a spokesperson for gender equality
and imminent initiatives for human rights.
Chapter 2
Irom Sharmila: The Curious Case of Manipur’s Human Rights Activist and the Politics of
Representation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Natasa Thoudam, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, India
This chapter is on the human rights activist Irom Sharmila, who once spearheaded the anti-AFSPA struggle
in Manipur with her 16-year-old marathon fast. The chapter thus takes up for analysis her ‘failed’ attempt
to enter electoral politics after the conclusion of her fast and reads her defeat in the 2017 Manipur state
assembly election as what Sanjib Baruah would consider a crisis of legitimacy of India’s representative
institutions. It also interrogates the gendered constitution of democratic representative institutions while
simultaneously raising pertinent questions of gendered citizenship, gendered democracy, and gendered
representation in Manipur.
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Chapter 3
Jacinda Ardern: The Normalization of Empathy……………………………………………………………………….. 13
Lila Anna H. Sauls, Northeastern University, USA
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern was able to lead a country through crisis with empathy and reinforce a
national culture of overall strength and commitment to a strong shared value system. Her approach has
been paired with policies and results. Her leadership style continues to pair ethical values and compassion
into government and politics as other parts of the world face socio-political upheaval. She continues to
be seen as one of the world’s most powerful leaders – who just happens to be a woman.
Chapter 4
Jenny Wang: Bridging the Cross-Cultural Divide……………………………………………………………………… 19
Sonia Riverland, Australia Education Management Group, Australia
This chapter examines an educational entrepreneur who has built a large organization spanning across
Australia and China, taking on a role as a global facilitator of collaborative education partnerships
across a network of universities. The author explores the motivations, cores values, and lessons behind
the achievements of Jenny Wang, a female leader in international education. Reflections on leadership
and women in leadership roles show the importance of purpose, of personal happiness, the value of
education, and the impact of societal expectations around gender and identity.
Chapter 5
Judith Okonkwo: Pioneering XR in Africa……………………………………………………………………………….. 24
Muhammed “Mo” Isu, University of Lagos, Nigeria
The market size for extended reality is projected to grow from 18.6 billion dollars in 2019 to over a
trillion dollars by 2030, but still, bestselling virtual reality headsets are not available for sale in Africa.
This chapter tells the story of Judith Okonkwo, her work in pioneering an ecosystem for extended reality
in Africa, creating impact in education through virtual reality as a teaching aid, and how she prioritises
impact over income to ensure Africa doesn’t get left behind in the Extended Reality Race.
Chapter 6
Kathleen Kiernan: Breaking Through Barriers and Continuing to Give Back……………………………….. 29
Mary E. Williams, George Washington University, USA
This chapter explores the story of Dr. Kathleen Kiernan who rose through the ranks of federal law
enforcement breaking through the glass ceiling to reach the top. She then turned to entrepreneurship
to continue her service. Kathleen harnessed the energy produced from a defining event in high school.
She responded to low expectations by surpassing all expectation and climbing to the top of her game.
Kathleen uses her experiences and insights to mentor others and also inspires them to follow her lead
by giving back to their communities.
Chapter 7
Kathy Harger: A Tale of Fighting Through Adversity to Find Success…………………………………………. 34
Mary E. Williams, George Washington University, USA
This chapter explores the story of Kathy Harger, a woman who served her country in and out of uniform
and started businesses focused on transitioning technologies to support our warfighters. She had to fight
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through adversity at several points in her life beginning with finding a way to get an education, then
serving in the military, and finally starting her business. She found her path to success, every step of the
way, through tenacity and personal resilience. She continues to help others through mentoring, community
engagement, and coaching others in all aspects of business and government service.
Chapter 8
Laura Archuleta: Passion for Building Affordable Communities and Community Wellness…………… 39
Frawn Morgan, LDC Advisors, USA
In her 23-year tenure at Jamboree Housing, CEO Laura Archuleta has led her company through the maze
of governmental regulations, financing hurdles, and construction nightmares to build affordable housing
for nearly 30,000 homeless or housing-challenged residents, accomplishing this trifecta in California,
the most impacted state with respect to homelessness and one of the most difficult in which to develop
housing. With a new mission to serve the most challenging of this population—homeless veterans and
those living with mental illness—today she is making news and changing lives with each project she leads
Jamboree through. This chapter will trace Laura’s path as she led her organization to build supportive
housing in the most impacted and challenging state in the nation. Laura’s personal drive, leadership,
and vision has created supportive communities for some of the most housing challenged residents in the
state, has provided opportunities for businesses and other agencies to partner with her, and has inspired
other leaders to step up and meet challenges in their communities.
Chapter 9
Lily Jin: HerValue and Its Team on Building a Home for Women in Finance in China………………….. 46
Jane Wu, HerValue, China
Jonathan Wu, HerValue, China
Emily Wang, HerValue, China
Shirley Liang, HerValue, China
Merely 1 in 10 C-level positions in the asset management and broader finance industry are filled by
women. This statistic doesn’t just apply to the very top of the corporate ladder: women make up 14% of
all fund managers and 18% of total employees in private equity. Women on Wall Street, in the investment
management industry, and the international finance industry often face an increased unique structural
challenge as the industry typically thrives on, and rewards, traits that are associated with men. From
New York to Beijing, Lily Jin used her investment career experiences, resources, and influence to pave
the way for women in the broader finance and asset management industry by founding a community
and mutual assistance platform called HerValue. The sole mission of HerValue is to advance women’s
representation and development in the broader finance and asset management industry in China. She has
been joined by the 2021 HerValue working group and HerValue’s management team in 2022 to actively
build the community and achieve its mission.
Chapter 10
Lin Gao: Empowering Chinese Female Coaches with a Platform Economy…………………………………. 52
Lin Gao, YESCoachme, China
A growing number in the female corporate workforce in China are hoping to find a “slash” career or
become self-employed freelancer in coaching. However, they need help to overcome initial obstacles:
no clients and no experience in promotion/marketing. This story is about Lin Gao, who saw the market
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need and upgraded her training business to a platform economy model, which opens opportunity for
new coaches to start generating income, hone their craft, and market themselves. In this story, she talks
about her own journey as well as two women Jean and Cathy, who have successfully transformed their
careers through the platform.
Chapter 11
Lisa Nesser: In-Power vs. Em-Power – Honoring the Agency of Lived Experience………………………. 59
Deborah J. Kramlich, Payap University, Thailand
Initially, Lisa Nesser had a career path as a documentary photographer wanting to focus on telling the
stories of refugees. When she became embedded in a Tibetan refugee camp in Southern India, it was
clear that they wanted to learn English and have teacher training. They didn’t need to wait on another
foreigner to tell their story. She returned to the US to get training as an educator with the goal of inpowering refugees—guiding them in finding their power with-in, rather than em-powering them by
granting authority or power to them. Her wish was that personal stories—specifically the heartbreaking
ones—were to be told with the voice of those who had experienced them. This focus on in-powerment
shifted her life’s trajectory to one of a social entrepreneur to fund her educational programs.
Chapter 12
Michelle Mayorga: Women Building Political Networks……………………………………………………………. 64
Rita G. Cinelli, Northeastern University, USA
Michelle Mayorga’s story is one of drive, self-determination, and unwavering tenacity. Becoming
interested in politics while in high school, Mayorga decided then that she wanted a career in that field and
began her quest to achieve that goal. During her college years, she made a discovery when she became
active in local politics-there were few, if any, people involved in that world who looked like her. It was
that realization that motivated her and changed the course of her life. Michelle Mayorga has spent more
than two decades since that time creating a noteworthy career in political strategy and research, while
encouraging, training, and mentoring young people of color to follow their aspirations to create their
own careers in politics.
Chapter 13
Nadia Patel Gangjee: Empowering Fellow Women……………………………………………………………………. 69
Aisha Aamer, Mohammad Ali Jinnah University, Pakistan
Nadia Patel Gangjee is a therapeutic counselor and marketer turned tech entrepreneur and women
enthusiast, who provided a platform to many housebound and aspiring women entrepreneurs to initiate
their own ventures within their own capacity from their house boundaries. Nadia is a strong advocate
of women’s economic empowerment and has led successful initiatives to increase financial and digital
inclusion of women in the entrepreneurial space. She empowered and supported many women who
mostly gave up on their professional life prioritizing their families over it. After what she experienced,
she initiated a WhatsApp group leading it to a Facebook group community for women by women. Her
efforts are remarkable. Starting her journey as community leader to consultant, Nadia did her best to
empower fellow women.
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Chapter 14
Paola Del Zotto Ferrari: Building Change Makers in Underserved Settings………………………………….. 74
Paola Del Zotto Ferrari, Accademia di Gagliato Globale, Italy
Talent is universal; opportunity is not. Millions of children, especially girls, born in peripheral,
disadvantaged settings lack the opportunities to develop their potential. Access to quality education,
role models, mentoring, and economic support are necessary resources to aspire to knowledge-based
careers and to social mobility. Unfortunately, such resources are out of reach for too many, both in the
least developed countries and in underserved communities in the so-called developed world. Though
part of the group of the seven richest countries in the world, Italy too counts many small rural and
urban communities challenged by poverty of economic and education resources. Calabria is one of the
poorest regions. Here, from 2008, a highly successful experiment of dissemination of frontier science to
young children and the lay public has led to the creation of the Accademia di Gagliato Globale Model.
Participatory activities between outside scientists and the local population have activated a movement
of regeneration of the community and in support of the children’s future.
Chapter 15
Sarah Owusu: Creating the Conditions for Innovation……………………………………………………………….. 80
Ruth D. Deneke, We Will Lead Africa (WWLA), Ethiopia
Sarah is a multicultural changemaker and transformational leader who creates platforms to engage and
connect people from different walks of life, equipping them to be innovators from exactly where they are.
It is exactly by virtue of her multicultural background, multifaceted experience, and multidisciplinary
expertise that she is an effective guide in transformation efforts. Using dialogue as the entry-point to
collaboration, cocreation, and coordinated action, she enables people to take control of bringing about
the future. Rather than positioning innovation as something for the few, she wants to change who gets
to innovate and who gets to shape our past, present, and future.
Chapter 16
Saskia Bruysten: Advocacy, Perseverance, and Vision for Social Business During Challenging
Times…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 86
Stephanie E. Raible, University of Delaware, USA
Co-founder and CEO of Yunus Social Business (YSB), Saskia Bruysten, is one of the world’s most
prominent leaders within the field of social business, which centers on both solving social or environmental
problems and being financially sustainable. While YSB’s social businesses showed steady progress for
nearly a decade, the COVID-19 pandemic compelled Bruysten to intervene in ways she never imagined
before. Her leadership showcases her ability to build an international coalition and advocate for YSB’s
global portfolio of social businesses. Beyond her efforts during the pandemic, she also works to make
the business and social business worlds more inclusive for women globally. Bruysten’s efforts throughout
her career have garnered various awards and accolades, which have allowed her to have a seat at some of
the world’s most influential tables to promote her belief that social business should be the new normal.
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Chapter 17
Sheryl Palmer: Newsmaker and Changemaker………………………………………………………………………….. 94
Frawn Morgan, LDC Advisors, USA
Sheryl Palmer makes news. Not just because she is the only chairwoman of a publicly traded homebuilder
in the United States, but because she has forever changed the landscape for women in the traditionally
male-dominated world of construction. Her meteoric rise to her role as chairwoman and CEO of the
nation’s fifth largest homebuilder with more than $7.5 billion in 2021 revenues is a testament to her
business acumen, and the opportunities she has created for women in her industry is legendary. Sheryl
embodies what is referred to as “authentic leadership.” Everything about how Sheryl does business, how
she shows up, is authentic. She elevates others regardless of gender, laying the foundation for their pathways
to success. Sheryl is changing the face and nature leadership and doing so by example. This chapter will
trace Sheryl’s ascent to her unprecedented role in homebuilding, expose the challenges she has faced,
and spotlight the leadership opportunities she has created for other women in the homebuilding industry.
Chapter 18
Sri Mulyani Indrawati: A Globally Competent Indonesian Woman Leader…………………………………. 101
Rifka Fachrunnisa, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia
Sri Mulyani Indrawati, the current Minister of Finance of Indonesia, is an Indonesian figure whose
work is not only known in Indonesia but internationally. Her education and career levels place her as the
most influential female leader. This chapter will highlight Sri Mulyani’s short life from the perspective
of her leadership, struggles, and how she influenced the global competence of Indonesian people with
the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). In addition, there is also a brief reflection from
the author on how Sri Mulyani influenced her life and transformed her perceptions about globalization.
Chapter 19
Svetlana Simonenko: Leading Digital Human Resources in Russia…………………………………………… 107
Eugénie Coste, Northeastern University, USA
In this chapter, the author discusses the evolution of digitalization in the Russian human resources
field. Long before COVID-19 hit, Dr. Svetlana Simonenko saw the necessity for improving personnel
assessments. In an industry dominated by men at that time, her research, combined with her knowledge and
experience in the field, led her to develop tools that enhance talent management systems. Her innovative
and forward-thinking mindset have allowed her to always stay ahead of the curve. Now, more than ever,
her reliable methods to assess employees through the use of technology are being used by some of the
largest companies, making her an international leader in the field of human resources.
Section 2
Education and Cultural Development
Chapter 20
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Effectively Communicating Cultural Complexity to Enact Change…. 115
Mika Morikawa-Zhou, Northeastern University, USA
In this chapter, the author tells some significant moments of the story of a notable Nigerian author and
speaker, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose work inspires her as effectively communicating cultural
complexity to enact change. Her first encounter with Adichie’s work was her TED talk, “The Danger
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of a Single Story,” which beautifully acknowledges the power of cultural complexity through the lens
of storytelling. Her journey and background as a Nigerian woman educated in America are interwoven
throughout the talk, as well as her publications. Adichie explores the human experience and expression of
culture, recognizing the importance of acknowledging intersectionality. She talks about being Nigerian,
a feminist, an international student in the U.S., a person who grew up under repressive governments, an
author, and more. She articulates the layering of these identities through storytelling.
Chapter 21
Claudia Tobar: Women Educators as Examples of Change Agents……………………………………………. 120
Claudia M. Tobar, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador
Leadership includes power, impact, and self-confidence. Many leaders are not aware that they profile these
traits to become change agents in their communities. This chapter shares the story of a woman in Quito,
Ecuador that thought that her role as an educator was not considered leadership. Imposter syndrome,
more common in women than in men, is a frequent factor that limits decisions and opportunities for
many individuals around the world. This case exemplifies how Claudia navigated the syndrome along
with the projects she envisioned at her local community. Learning to gain self-confidence in her skills,
knowledge, and attitude is key to success. Addressing the imposter syndrome in a woman could potentially
reduce gender gaps in most industries.
Chapter 22
Enakshi Sengupta: Entrepreneurship for the Economically Vulnerable………………………………………. 126
Elisabeth E. Bennett, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
This chapter profiles the story of Dr. Enakshi Sengupta whose mission seeks to develop entrepreneurial
skills for the economically vulnerable, particularly refugees and women living in gender-restrictive
cultures. Through her own navigation beyond prohibitive cultural expectations, Sengupta burgeoned in
business and academics. She daringly served in Kurdistan, where she developed a novel entrepreneurial
program jointly sponsored by an international charity and The American University. This program taught
entrepreneurial skills and leveraged a business case process so that students received essential feedback
from international business leaders and competed for seed money to fund viable business plans. Sengupta
is presently associate professor and interim chair of business and director of the Centre for Teaching
and Learning at American University of Afghanistan, and formerly dean of The American University of
Kurdistan, and she has called her approach to entrepreneurship of the economically vulnerable in these
positions “livelihood development.”
Chapter 23
Fatima Sadiqi: Journey in Promoting Gender Studies in Morocco as a Berber Linguist……………….. 132
Bishu Tang, Northeastern University, USA
Fatima Sadiqi, now a senior professor of Linguistics and Gender Studies at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah
University, in Fez, Morocco, has had multiple identities in her long academic journey. Along with her
growth and education, Dr. Sadiqi gradually developed an intellectual sensitivity to both language and
gender identities. She studied Berber verb and the complex sentence structure in Berber when pursuing
Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in England and wrote the first grammar system of Berber. In the 1990s, Dr.
Sadiqi built the first-ever Center for Studies and Research on Women in Morocco and developed the
postgraduate program on gender studies in 2000. She also advocated for policy reformation to advance
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Moroccan women’s rights and firmly practices her teaching and research philosophy nowadays, which
made her an undoubted role model for women advocates in Morocco and even the Arabic world.
Chapter 24
Huma Baqai: Redefining the Role of Pakistani Women – Power of Resilience……………………………. 139
Seema Khalid, University of Karachi, Pakistan
The world is buzzing around the ever-increasing complexities of organizational life due to the expanded
spans across the globe, and technology disruption has created an increased velocity and pace. The aftermath
of the pandemic has further worsened the business and global scenario. This all calls for all leaders in
general and women in particular to show up with resilience to mark the land with success. Women with
power have less acceptance in general, and this demands us to give due projection to all those who have
been successfully through with all the challenges with a visible show of resilience. Dr. Huma Baqai is
a symbol of perseverance, a person who succeeded to consolidate her footprints with dignity on almost
all grounds she stepped! Drawing on the enlightening stories of Dr. Baqai, the author brings together the
best of both Western management thinking and Eastern philosophy to provide a holistic yet hands-on
approach that can easily be replicated by those women who want to proceed with dignity and success
both in their personal and professional lives.
Chapter 25
Huynh Thi Xam: Inspiring Woman……………………………………………………………………………………….. 145
Phan Thị Đông Hoài, Hoa Sen University, Vietnam
Huynh Thi Xam, a disabled woman with one working limb, is getting over her difficulties to achieve
her special success that a usual person even finds hard to try. She learned to write, paint, and use the
needle and the computer by foot. Then she even got a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She was one of
three Vietnamese female representatives revealed by the BBC as one of 100 inspirational and innovative
women for 2017. Her hardworking, determination, and desire was a great inspiration to all other disabled
people to keep learning and believing in themselves for a brighter life.
Chapter 26
Jinan Liu: As a Woman, as a Woman Leader………………………………………………………………………….. 152
Yin Li, Fujian Normal University, China
Rui Zhang, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain
Jinan Liu was born in Xiaogan city, Hubei province, China in February 1939. After graduating from
Peking University in 1965, she was chosen to work as a teacher at Communication University of China
(CUC). From 1990 to 2006, she had been the president of CUC. Being a female university president for
more than a decade, Jinan Liu was deeply inspired by so many excellent women presidents and leaders
all over the world she encountered and also gained a profound understanding of the struggles that a
woman would go through on the path to success. In 2001, the first World Women University Presidents
Forum (WWUPF) founded by President Liu finally took place against all odds in order to create an
international platform for women university presidents to exchange their valuable ideas and strengthen
female leadership in higher education. Now the WWUPF has successfully become an influential brand
in the international higher education community. This chapter talks about President Liu’s motivation for
the establishment of the WWUPF and reveals the dilemmas she has faced as a woman and as a woman
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leader during this process, giving a great example of how the female leadership and wisdom could have
important impacts on the international community.
Chapter 27
Kiran Martin: Breaking the Cycle of Generational Hopelessness Educating Children in the Slums
of India………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 158
Meghan Emilia Goodman, The French American Center, France
India’s slum communities are known around the world as areas of extreme poverty and destitution. Dr.
Kiran Martin made it her life’s mission to make a difference for hundreds of thousands of New Delhi
families living in slums. She created the Asha organization to help families get healthcare, micro loans,
and education. Because of her work, hundreds of young people who come from the slums go to university
every year, giving themselves and their families hope for a better life. Her background in pediatric medicine
is what started her venture to aid these communities. Many lives have been touched in the process.
Chapter 28
Kristen Gresh: Storytelling Power of Photography and Redefining Photography for New and
Diverse Audiences………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 163
Sean Gresh, Northeastern University, USA
Museums are under siege and struggling to increase finances, attract new audiences, and diversity
curatorial staff. Curator Kristen Gresh, an outlier, hired by Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts in 2012, set
the museum world on fire with an exhibit of 12 women photographers from Iran and the Arab World.
She overcame skeptics. Her exhibit inspired other museums across the country to create more innovative
shows, attracting new audiences, and gaining widespread attention. Working with her MFA colleagues,
she launched a curator mentoring program for students of color across the country interested in exploring
careers in museums. Next on her agenda is partnering with other museums and working with colleagues
of color to engage with institutions in ways to make diversification work for all.
Chapter 29
LaDonna Christian: Transforming the Landscape in the Field of Nursing – One Student at a
Time………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 170
Jocelyn Vierra Christian, Northeastern University, USA
This chapter includes information regarding the transformational leadership of Dr. LaDonna Christian,
Director of the Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program at Simmons University. A nurse, educator,
and mentor, Dr. Christian’s background and experiences have led her to where she is today. She has
persevered through countless barriers and maintained a commitment to serve the marginalized and
underserved populations – especially within the U.S. educational system. Experiencing a disadvantaged
education firsthand, as a person of color, Dr. Christian’s mission is to provide support and resources to
underserved groups; and through the Dotson Program, she, alongside mentors, faculty, and numerous
others, has empowered countless students to realize their dreams of becoming nurses. Dr. Christian has
led the Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program to become a well-recognized and sought-after program
throughout the U.S. and beyond.
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Chapter 30
Lucy Hone: Building Personal and Community Resilience………………………………………………………. 176
Denise Quinlan, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Dr. Lucy Hone is recognised as a leading global authority in the field of resilience psychology. This
chapter reviews her personal journey through academic study and traumatic personal experiences to
demonstrate why she is a leading global change-maker and the impact her work is having on the world
today. While there are many resilience researchers in the world, the death of her 12-year-old daughter in
a tragic road accident makes Lucy Hone’s approach quite unique. She writes books, academic articles,
and blogs; creates conferences, webinars, and online courses to spread her insights far and wide; and,
since the impact of her TED talk, she has become a sought-after global public speaker. Co-founder and
co-director of the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience and adjunct senior fellow at the
University of Canterbury, her research is published in international peer-reviewed journals, and her PhD
thesis was acknowledged for its outstanding contribution to wellbeing science.
Chapter 31
Malala Yousafzai: One Girl, One Hope, and One Mission – Education for All……………………………. 182
Sahar Abdul Rehman, Northeastern University, USA
Malala Yousafzai was shot in her head by Taliban for practicing her basic human right to receive education.
After months in hospitals and rehabilitation, she overcame the pain of her body and heart in a new land.
She made a choice to become a beacon of light for many other young girls (and children in general) in
oppressive, conservative, fundamentalist, and gender discriminating societies where there are threats to
girls’ education, their own identity, and sometimes, general survival. Malala is the youngest Nobel Peace
Prize winner. She believes that there are great opportunities for girls. She founded the Malala Fund with
the help of a network of stakeholders and like-minded activists, which works for free, safe, and quality
education for girls in developing countries.
Chapter 32
Rania Al-Abdullah: Building Cultural Bridges Between the West and the Middle East………………… 188
Yue Huang, Northeastern University, USA
This chapter tells the story of Rania Al-Abdullah, the Queen of Jordan, who has been working hard
to improve the lives of Jordanian youth and women by creating and supporting initiatives that bring
opportunities for their advancement. Locally, she is committed to breathing new life into the education
system, empowering the local communities through innovation and entrepreneurship. Internationally,
she has been an advocate for tolerance, compassion, and promoting cross-cultural understanding. This
chapter will focus on her efforts on how she empowers her community through education and how she
challenges stereotypes of Arabs and promotes greater understanding and acceptance between people of
all cultures and background with her influence as a queen and the power of technology and social media.
Chapter 33
Regina Honu: Work in Driving Social Change Through Technology…………………………………………. 194
Lily Edinam Botsyoe, University of Cincinnati, USA
This chapter details the professional career of Regina Honu, who founded a coding initiative for girls in
communities and expanded it into the Soronko Academy, established in 2017 as the first human-centered
design academy in West Africa. The chapter also highlights inclusion and diversity, which are at the
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heart of Regina’s work with a major focus on meaningful participation for women and persons living
with disability through her organisation’s partnership with others to run projects that train women in
digital skills as well as training for hearing impaired and autistic children.
Chapter 34
Sarita Devi: A Mother’s Fight Against Her Community to Support Her Daughter’s Education…….. 199
Sakshi Shukla, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, India
Globally, the stature of women has risen more in the past few decades than, arguably, the rest of human
existence. We have seen quite a few women leaders emerge in the corporate-industrial space. Their
navigation through the gendered walls inspired girls to step against the gendered structure of social and
cultural norms active in the industry at various scales. However, there are hundreds of women worldwide
persistently battling against their own community for the fundamental human rights of their daughters
for themselves. We might overlook the stories of such women as their contribution appears insignificant
on the global front, although critical to creating a revolution in their community. This chapter shares one
such inspiring voice, Sarita Devi, who fought against her family and community’s women’s oppressive
practices and transformed the face of an entire village. The voices like Sarita Devi build the foundation
of who we are – individually, in this world, and who we are as a collective.
Chapter 35
Sydney Savion: Immortalizing the Maori Koru by Bolstering Lifelong Learning in Aotearoa………. 205
Sydney Savion, The George Washington University, USA
This chapter transports you along with the author-the protagonist 14,000 kilometers from a rural farming
community on the East Coast of the United States to the diverse landscapes, beautiful, lush deep green
forests of New Zealand to surface and purposefully and collaboratively solve literacy and numeracy inequity
in iconic Air New Zealand workforce that is reflective of the broader community. Though Aotearoa is
a magical place, that magical force has not yet influenced events to affect material change in bolstering
adult literacy and numeracy for Māori and Pacifica peoples and lower social economic communities
where a large portion of the talent pool comes from for back-of-the-house roles in the workforce.
Chapter 36
Torie Weiston-Serdan: Empowering Youth to Demand a Seat at the Table While Building Their
Own…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 212
Joy Y. Coates, JC Strategy Group, USA
Juggling multiple roles as the executive director of a youth development non-profit, school of education
program coordinator, public lecturer, and diversity and inclusion trainer may not have been what Dr.
Torie Weiston-Serdan envisioned over 10 years ago as a third-year teacher in California’s Inland Empire,
but the intersection of these roles is representative of the myriad critical needs of the youth in her
community and the emotional dexterity it takes to address them all. This chapter provides a glimpse of
how a young public school teacher and student advocate refused to accept the blatant lack of services
and supports for her students remained committed to educating them while leveraging her role as an
educator and scholar practitioner to create an acclaimed non-profit, Youth Mentoring Action Network,
that has garnered national and international recognition by putting youth in charge of their own agency,
while generating her own funding as a speaker and trainer in the US, the UK, and Ghana. Hers is a story
of tenacity and fierce advocacy for young people of color.
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Section 3
Social Service and Empowerment
Chapter 37
Agnes Kanyanya: Promoting Maternal and Infant Health in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 220
Julie Haizlip, University of Virginia, USA
Anges Kanyanya lost her mother when she died giving birth to her younger sister. As a result of this
tragedy, Agnes was called to do everything she could to prevent this happening to other families. After
training as an advanced midwife herself, she founded a non-profit organization named PROSAMI whose
mission is to educate advanced nurse midwives and to serve the women of the Democratic Republic of
the Congo. This chapter details the story of a highly motivated woman who is committed to saving the
lives of women and their children.
Chapter 38
Anja Ringgren Lovén: Liberating the Mystical Children of Nigeria With Hope………………………….. 226
Radhika Marwaha, Northeastern University, USA
Through the medium of this chapter, the author attempted to highlight the superstition of witchcraft that
has plagued some of the African nations and how a Danish social worker is fighting these superstitions
through advocacy, education, and rehabilitation. The chapter underscores the story of Danish social worker
Anja Ringgren Lovén, and how the rescue of the infamous toddler Hope has shed light on a severe issue
and pushed it into the public sphere. The chapter describes Lovén’s personal journey, how it led to the
creation of the Land of Hope, and what she aims to achieve from the foundation.
Chapter 39
Annick Janson and Sylvana Mahmic: Ways to Wellbeing for Parents of Children With a
Disability……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 232
Rachel Taylor, Swinburne University, Australia
Margaret L. Kern, The University of Melbourne, Australia
Globally, more than a billion people experience disability. Disability affects not only the individual, but
also their families. Parents and carers of a child with a disability have increased risk of economic and
health burdens and tend to encounter systems focussed on the child’s deficits. As parents of children with
a disability and professionals in the disability sector, Annick Janson and Sylvana Mahmic wanted to help
empower these families. They created Now and Next, a community and program for parents and carers
of a child with disability. Now and Next is led by peer-facilitators, has run in four countries in a range
of languages, and has grown into a thriving community of parents and carers actively supporting each
other. An independent evaluation found that Now and Next improved parents’ ability to set and achieve
goals and their levels of wellbeing, hope, and empowerment. Annick and Sylvana provide an example
of how by focussing on a child’s strengths, transformation in disability is possible.
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Chapter 40
Catherine D’Amato: Origins and Inspirations – One Woman’s Journey Fighting Hunger……………… 238
Jessica McWade, McWade Group, Inc., USA
This chapter inspires readers with the story of one woman’s lifelong commitment to fight hunger and to
lead teams able to imagine actually ending hunger one day. At an early age, Catherine D’Amato found
inspiration in her father’s belief system, translating his generosity and sense of civic purpose into a
vision that has helped feed hundreds of thousands of hungry and needy people. She came to understand
the essential roles of advocacy, education, and storytelling in the practice of leadership, especially since
so many people do not realize how deep the “silent epidemic” of hunger pervades our communities. In
turn, she continues to inspire subsequent generations of leaders equally committed to eradicating the
scourge of hunger.
Chapter 41
Cynthia Betti: The Protection of Girls’ Rights in Brazil…………………………………………………………… 244
Claudine Brunnquell, Northeastern University, USA
This chapter tells the story of Cynthia Betty, a female Brazilian leader who fights to protect girls’ rights
in Brazil. In a country where thousands of girls don’t have their rights guaranteed, Cynthia found her
calling as the Executive Director of the NGO Plan International Brazil by educating, protecting, and
empowering girls to transform their realities. After 30 years working in the corporate sector, in 2018
Cynthia quit her job as the Human Resources Director. Since then, as the leader of the Plan International
Brazil, she has dedicated efforts to ensure that girls live and grow free from violence, make decisions
about their own lives, have control over their bodies, and make informed decisions about their identities
and relationships. By describing Cynthia’s life experience, this chapter illustrate the self-awareness
process she went through when deciding for the career transition and the challenges she faces that inhibit
her actions and progress.
Chapter 42
Helen Zia: Be the Change!……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 250
Yue Huang, Northeastern University, USA
This chapter tells the story of Helen Zia, a second-generation Chinese American woman. Zia has a
lifelong career as a journalist, activist, author, and feminist. For decades, she has advocated for civil
rights for racial minorities, LGBTQ rights, Asian American’s representations, and other social issues.
Zia was named one of the most influential Asian Americans of the decade by A. Magazine, one of USA
Today’s Women of the Century, and she was one of three recipients of the NAAAP100 Award from The
National Association of Asian American Professionals. In this chapter, readers will learn more about
Zia’s background, the life event that changed her life and career as an activist, and her contribution as
a resilient community leader.
Chapter 43
Leah Chase: Feeding the Flames of Change……………………………………………………………………………. 256
Jamie L. Chachere-Cheveralls, Vanderbilt University, USA
Leah Lange Chase, or Mrs. Chase as the locals in New Orleans knew her, was a cultural icon, culinary
master, artist, civil rights activist, change agent, and preservationist. She was perhaps best known as
the executive chef of the renowned Dooky Chase’s restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana. Over the
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span of eight decades, Mrs. Chase’s restaurant has served the community in a variety of pivotal roles.
Dooky Chase’s has been a touchstone of local and national politics, was fundamental in the civil rights
movement, serves as a beacon of hope for the city after catastrophe, and proudly displays one of the
finest collections of Black art in the United States.
Chapter 44
Lili Ben Ami: Innovating the Way Domestic Violence is Combatted…………………………………………. 261
Rotem Elinav, Claremont Graduate University, USA
This is a story of the motivating powers of purpose driving Lili Ben-Ami to turn an unconceivable personal
tragedy into a social change. It is a story of a feminist who, after 20 years of noteworthy activism, chose
to change direction and pave a new, innovative path devoted to the prevention of domestic violence.
Through her pioneering social-change initiatives, Lili teaches us that the power of making a difference
resides in each of us – it requires no special superpowers (though Lili did get some help from an actual
Justice League Superheroine). Lili’s story offers you an opportunity to join a historical revolution and
an invitation to start your own.
Chapter 45
Magali Lopes: Dialogue and Connection for Social Transformation………………………………………….. 270
Magali Cristina Gomes Lopes, Eight Diálogos Transformadores, Brazil
In this chapter, the author highlights how she has been working within organizations and social groups in
order to help them to address complex problems such as recurring economic crises, political polarization,
social inequality, structural racism, and climate change. Mrs. Lopes is an advocate of dialogue and
connection, achieved through the power of questions, empathetic listening and collaboration, creating
bonds capable of unlocking the collective intelligence, meeting human needs, and finding sustainable
solutions for the most different and unpredictable challenges businesses and communities are facing in
this 21st century.
Chapter 46
Maggie Zhang: A Young Leader in the Golden Era of Women Empowerment in China………………. 275
Maggie Zhang, SheTalks, China
Having a chauvinist father who favored boys over girls, Maggie Zhang had chose not to obey the typical
rules and life paths that set up by her father. Holding strong belief in women’s strength and potential, she
did not follow the stereotypical expectations set by society and others. In this chapter, Maggie shared
personal stories over her ten-year journey improving women’s empowerment initiatives in China, how she
witnessed the rise of “she power” and “she economy” phenomenon, and how she eventually reconciled
with her father, who then became one of her biggest supporters for women’s empowerment.
Chapter 47
Nada Alturki: Learning to Carve a Space – A Saudi Woman’s Journey to Change What’s Behind
the Boarder…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 280
Nada Alturki, Independent Researcher, Saudi Arabia
Through this chapter, the author aims to change the narrative of her home country, Saudi Arabia. As a
journalist, she has made it her mission to ensure that no Saudi has to look across borders to see or read
about interesting women. This chapter intends to amplify the voices that have been deemed oppressed
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and non-worthy of inflating. The author can’t help but affiliate this initiative for change with her mother.
She is one of the first Saudi women to hold many positions and has really inspired her view of how far
women can go in their chosen industries. She’s the person who showed her daughter how to carry herself
and carve out a space in a world designed for men and male consumption. This chapter touches on the
tradition of power dynamics between genders and the generational passing-down of lessons in strength
and resiliency amongst women.
Chapter 48
Naomi Osaka: Authentic Global Changemaker as Advocate for Inequity, Mental Health, and
Wellness…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 286
Miki Yamashita, Reitaku University, Japan
Sue Shinomiya, Global Business Passport, USA
“It’s OK to not be OK.” With this simple sentence, which has become a rallying cry for a pandemicweary world, Naomi Osaka secured her place as a leader and global changemaker. Today, she is a worldrenowned celebrity, being the first Asian tennis player, male or female, to reach number one, winning
four Grand Slam tournaments and becoming one of the highest paid athletes of all time, global brand
spokesperson, social media sensation, and fashion trend-setter in her own right. More importantly, though,
she is celebrated as a champion of social justice and racial equality, lighting the Olympic Cauldron at
Tokyo 2020 and unwittingly ignited a global movement for mental health openness, all before the tender
age of 24. She stands out as one of the most important female sports figures and rising women leaders
of our times.
Chapter 49
Natalie May: Putting Her Faith Into Action – Supporting Students Facing Homelessness……………. 292
Julie Haizlip, University of Virginia, USA
This chapter details the story of Natalie May and the origin of Change the World RVA, a non-profit
organization supporting high school and college students facing homelessness. It describes Dr. May’s
desire to act upon her faith and values to make a difference in the lives of others. Following a chance
encounter with a church member, Dr. May was called to help a small group of students who were
experiencing homelessness and food insecurity while trying to succeed in high school. This led to the
establishment of an organization that is now recognized as one of the best volunteer organizations in
the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Chapter 50
Neema Namadamu: Influencing a Brighter Future for Women in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 298
Valerie Bagley, The Change Companies, USA
Neema Namadamu, Hero Women Rising, DRC
Neema Namadamu is the founder of Hero Women Rising, an organization that advocates for women and
girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. From birth, the odds have been stacked against Neema,
whose life began in a remote village in the war-torn High Plateau of Itombwe in East Congo. Stricken
with polio at age 2, Neema used a stick to help her walk the many kilometers to and from school each
day. With the early help of a strong-willed mother and her own determination, Neema has become an
international influencer and a leader of hero women in her communities.
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Chapter 51
Sheryl Sandberg: Building a Global Community to Help Women Achieve Their Ambitions………… 303
Zirui Yan, Tsinghua University, China
This chapter introduces Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In community, which includes why and how she started
Lean In and the impacts that the community has made on a global scale. The author concludes the
chapter with her own story with Sheryl Sandberg and her work impacted by the Lean In community.
The chapter’s purpose is to take a closer look at Sheryl Sandberg as a female community leader and her
transformational leadership, as well as the cultural transformation that the Lean In community made
on the globe.
Chapter 52
Sheryl WuDunn: Shakes the World……………………………………………………………………………………….. 309
Joan Burkhardt, Northeastern University, USA
Sheryl WuDunn is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, world shaker, and change maker. She has spent her
career promoting social change, responsibility, and entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on global
women’s issues. Her work seeks to address the problem of how to “make a difference” when faced with
such a daunting aggregation of charitable organizations and causes. Where does one begin? WuDunn
has co-authored several books that breathe life into the stories of women in crisis worldwide, giving
them voice, and followed these narratives with concrete ways average people can take action—right
now—toward meaningful change. She inspires hope and engenders efficacy, emphasizing the immense
power of partial solutions via grassroots efforts. This chapter highlights her contributions and resilience
as a culturally transformative global leader who shows how one person really is capable of making the
world a better place.
Chapter 53
Tanutchaporn Whand: Bringing Hope and Healing Through Home Therapy to Children…………….. 315
Deborah J. Kramlich, Payap University, Thailand
The Dulabhatorn Foundation was founded in 2009 by Brian and Marianne Doberstyn in Chiang Mai,
Thailand to work with children and youth who have physical, emotional, and/or mental disabilities.
The foundation is open during the day for parents to bring their children. It provides vocational training
through a local coffee shop and offers special education training for teachers in local schools. Tanutchaport
(Nok) developed a special occupational therapy (OT) program for parents to use with their children at
home since disadvantaged families have scant access to therapy. Somsang is one child that had additional
barriers to access care in Thailand because he is stateless. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when
he was 1 year old and came to the foundation when he was two and one-half years old because he could
not sit without support. Somsang’s mother quickly learned the home OT program which equipped
him to learn to walk. Tanutchaporn’s work in the foundation brings agency and autonomy both to the
disadvantaged, disabled, and stateless.
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Chapter 54
Vivien Ji: A Leader in the Feminine Energy Revival Movement in China………………………………….. 320
Cui Lu, Life Blooms, China
This chapter tells the story of Vivien Ji, the founder of Lifeblooms. Vivien’s calling is to awaken one
million Chinese women to change their own lives with radical self-love. In the last five years, Vivien
Ji has served nearly 5,000 Chinese women to help them start the journey of self-love, despite coming
from a traditional culture where a woman’s role in society and family is more or less sacrificial. She has
created a holistic detox wellness retreat program, called Lifeblooms, to teach women how to fall madly
in love with themselves physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually so that every woman can take
back her power and bloom into her authentically beautiful self. Vivien and her business partner initiated
virtual workshops with many female community leaders, who care about women’s well-being, growth,
and leadership to collaboratively promote this feminine energy revival movement in China.
Chapter 55
Yabome Gilpin-Jackson: Making Spaces for Voices of African Leaders…………………………………….. 326
Joann Anokwuru, University of British Columbia, Canada
The chapter brings to the fore the lived experience of Yabome Gilpin-Jackson in sharing the journey of
setting up the We Will Lead Africa (WWLA) series. Yabome was inspired to start the We Will Lead
Africa (WWLA) initiative after a call for submissions to the 3rd Biennial Kwame Nkrumah International
Conference in 2014. This call created dissonance for Yabome as it did not include the narratives of
Africans in leadership. This chapter shares how Yabome disrupted the paper submissions, leading to
more African leadership voices being read, seen, and heard.
Multi-Case Analysis Findings and Conclusion…………………………………………………………………….. 331
Glossary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 351
Compilation of References…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 355
About the Contributors……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 382
Index…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 395
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Preface
GETTING STARTED
As coeditors for this book, Patty, Sahar, and Zirui have a unique connection (Figure 1). Sahar and
Zirui both graduated from Northeastern University College of Professional Studies, Master Program in
Corporate and Organizational Communication, different years, yet both had Professor Patty Goodman
(now Hayward) for multiple courses. The following writing offers insights into how these three spirited
individuals came together to question their understanding, explore culture and leadership concepts, and
accomplish this research project.
Figure 1. Editors’ origins
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Preface
INITIATION OF THE RESEARCH: PATTY’S PERSPECTIVE
The discussion for this research started at the end of 2018. I had submitted a proposal to the 2019
Twelfth Global Studies Conference in Poland, titled Examining Three International Women: Resilience
in Building Local Cultural Influence (Goodman, Rehman, & Yan, 2019). My initial colleagues ended
up backing out. After discussing the proposal with Sahar, one of my brilliant graduates, the original
three international women were reconsidered based on our joint reflection of impactful female leaders.
I offered to recruit another one of my extraordinary students, Zirui. The following email invitation to
Zirui speaks to the tone of our team:
I think you (Zirui) would be a perfect partner with Sahar Rehman, COC [Master Program in Corporate
and Organizational Communication] alumni and current PT Lecturer, and myself. Below, is the approved
proposal (a message sharing the details from the conference planning team). In speaking with Sahar,
we have decided for the three women to be Sheryl Sandberg (Lean In), Malala Yousafzai (I am Malala
Abridged Quick Reads Edition: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban), and
Dr. Kiran Martin (Indian NGO – Asha CEO). Knowing your advocacy for Lean In, we thought you might
be interested in this case analysis presentation. (P. Hayward, personal communication, January 16, 2019)
With that ask, a research team was born. Although I am, as some may say, the mature one in the
group, I have tried to make a conscious effort in our team to celebrate our diversity and share equally
throughout our collaboration. Admittedly, the three of us mutually respect each other, value our talents
and different backgrounds and experiences. Literally, some may look at us and see more differences than
similarities. We grew-up in different parts of the world, at different times, and different career paths.
However, through our shared learning environment at Northeastern University, especially in cultural
communications, we developed a bond to strengthen our understanding and recognition of the phrase “we
do not know what we do not know.” From my perspective, our curiosity about how some people could
move their passions into action set me on a path of inquiry. Dare I say, we have had fun throughout our
research journey. We pose our questions, push our boundaries, and accept our limitations. I was proud
to represent the three of us at the 2019 Global Studies Conference in Poland. Our topic prompted deeper
questions from the audience, such as “are there leadership traits that consistently influence cultural
transformation?” This energized us to think big. We needed more cases to review. We needed diverse
cases from different perspectives. We needed to explore developing the research through a collection of
narratives, an edited book. With that query, a book proposal was born.
DEVELOPING AN EDITED BOOK: SAHAR’S PERSPECTIVE
Looking for publishers was a unique experience for us, it was our first time. I had worked as an event
manager and a conference producer before, so I had some background of looking for sponsors, but this
was different. We needed a certain number of stories to build justification and to be able to present the
idea to the potential publishers. We started with sharing the book idea in our own personal and professional circles—we spoke with friends, acquaintances, and colleagues—we dedicated research on women
leaders in different communities, and sent targeted messages via email and LinkedIn. The idea was
being shaped, but powerful. We wanted to put the spotlight on the women leaders who may not be in
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Preface
the limelight, but who are doing amazing work for their local, and had the potential to inspire or serve
global communities.
We heard back from some colleagues and, after gathering around 8-10 such draft stories, we started
reaching out to publishers for proposals. Another important aspect was that our idea was this would not
to be a casual book, but at the same time, not a fully academic research-based textbook, either. It would
be a unique combination of two elements: We would research real life stories to build a framework that
might be replicated to motivate others. We sought dedicated chapters on change agents, keeping each
chapter to no more than 2-4 pages. Our objective was for the reader to get inspired, motivated, and
encouraged, even if they picked up the book and read just one chapter out of it. This needed special arrangement with the publisher, as the minimum word count was mostly between 3000 and 10000 words.
After submitting several proposals and speaking with different publishers, we signed the contact with
IGI Global. It was a big milestone for us, it gave us a renewed excitement and energy, and we knew that
we needed to speed up our outreach for the call for proposals. During this time, the world was faced with
the COVID19 pandemic. Even though most of our communication was virtual, the emotional stress of
the pandemic caused things to slow down. The struggle was real, so we found it necessary to draw on
our tenacity to keep moving forward.
As part of our case analysis methodology, we recognized the need for real-life stories to be in a similar format, with a systematic approach to understand them. Additionally, we needed for the cases to be
written in a template format to ensure our consistency in discovering the data points across the stories.
In this regard, we adapted the narrative framework by taking inspiration from Luna’s (2013) scientific
storytelling framework. Through this narrative framework, we asked coauthors to focus on key elements
of the story they were highlighting. We shared the narrative framework in our call for proposals to help
contributing authors draft the narratives.
The elements of the narrative framework included (Luna, 2013):
•
•
•
•
•
Scene: It encompasses the description of the space and demographics of the change agent.
Character Development: It highlights the change agent’s values, passions for impact, and barriers preventing a resolution.
Climax: It is the event that provided verification for the resolution and/or the result for the described conflict.
Falling Action: It is the validation of the results after the climax actions that led to the resolution.
Resolution: It is the conclusion of the story, thus what had been put into place to solve the initial
challenge.
This uniform framework also supports the narratives to be reader-friendly. By asking the authors
to focus on key elements, such as setting the scene and character development, the descriptions of the
change agents helped us understand the diversity across the stories. Additionally, we sought a specific
event or climax to illustrate what the change agent went through in their life and how they demonstrated
resilience to come out of it. The last sections are the outcomes and how the change agent built a network
of support to help others and generate resilience.
The three themes that were emerging from the narratives were (1) Education and Cultural Development, (2) Social Service and Empowerment, and (3) Business, Politics, and Science. These themes
became the three main sections in the book. We provided an overview at the opening of each section,
describing the types of narratives in the section, highlighting the diversity among the change agents,
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Preface
and encouraging the reader to investigate some of the similarities about the change agents. Definitely,
these are the areas where women in today’s world are making an impact. Interestingly enough, we did
not receive many stories associated with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM),
but we are hopeful to see such stories emerging in the near future.
BUILDING A COMMUNITY: ZIRUI’S PERSPECTIVE
Developing an edited book is a whole new world to me. I enjoyed every aspect of the work and learned
so much from Professor Patty and Sahar. One thing that truly thrilled me was to witness a global community emerge as the project evolved. The eleven Editorial Advisory Board (EAB) members, coauthors
of 70 narrative chapters, and many more professionals across the industry gathered to contribute their
ideas because they shared a passion for this very important topic, namely women’s leadership influencing their communities.
We connected periodically online with our dedicated EAB members (almost half from outside of
the USA) to provide them with updates on our progress and gather their feedback. Our EAB members
brought experiences from multiple perspectives (i.e., academic, professional, global, and personal insights). After seeking their professional advice, each time we intentionally carved out a space for them to
reflect and share their thoughts on the narrative chapters they reviewed. Their sincerity and authenticity
shaped our community. There were times when the EAB members voiced concern about how a narrative was focused and the quality. We took this to heart working with our contributors and investing in
professional copy editors. We feel our work is overall stronger because of their trust and respect for us,
along with their encouragement.
We also arranged a virtual networking event for our contributing authors after all chapters had completed the rigorous review process. More than half of them participated from all corners of the world.
We asked each participant to share three key traits that they see in the woman leader about whom they
wrote. Hearing so many powerful words supported our vision in developing a common language of empowerment and commitment to expand the lessons beyond our current community. While they spoke of
gratitude for the three of us (i.e., Professor Patty, Sahar, and me) in creating this opportunity for them,
we extended our profound appreciation to each of the authors for identifying amazing leaders, sharing a
challenge and impact, and voicing their reflections. Their contributions are the threads weaving together
such a supportive, inspiring, and beautifully diverse community.
As the book was completing the professional copy-editing process, we sought to expand our reach
by engaging with a broader community. We have created groups on LinkedIn and Facebook–Recognizing Women Community Leaders on a Global Scale. The groups celebrate the influence women leaders
are making in their communities, in turn growing our community. This is a safe and brave environment
for learning and lifting up voices in a positive way. To our surprise, more than 140 members joined the
LinkedIn private group just in one week and have been actively growing from day one.
This book is only the start of our efforts to provide a space for people to recognize women community
leaders through the lens of cultural transformation. We hope to inspire more discussion and research on
this topic through the community that we built. Our goal is to have this book in every library around the
world, making it accessible to many communities. The qualitative research method has been laborious,
based on a grounded theory method and coding analysis. Yet, we are confident in our findings and that
the process can be replicated. Moreover, the book is targeted to audiences associated with education,
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Preface
either higher education or secondary education. The specific topics cover women studies, transformational leadership studies, intercultural studies, gender studies, intersectionality, nonprofits empowering
women/girls, along with entrepreneurs and start-ups with women leaders.
EXAMINING THE RESEARCH PROCESS: DEFINING
CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION
Collectively, we are living in an era where knowledge can be at our fingertips and systems change seemingly within moments. Some share concerns that traditions will be lost as cultures globalize. Others
voice the human need to find a common ground to save our planet. As authors of this exploration, the
three researchers recognized their own divergence in multiple demographic criteria. They also marveled
in their convergence to understand more about how people influence cultures, while honoring cultural
values. When this exploration started in 2018, the three women who were identified (Kiran Martin,
Malala Yousafzai, and Sheryl Sandberg) had positively impacted their communities, there was no formal
definition for cultural transformation associated with a community. However, during the research process,
the researchers came across a concept that Margaret Mead (1956) had originally coined. Mead referred
to cultural transformation in her anthropological research of human behavior. The researchers’ working
definition of cultural transformation was supposing a combination of more recent theories advocated by
Stuart Hall’s (1993) somewhat controversial interpretation of culture and Jack Mezirow’s (1991) claim
of transformative learning.
The concept of culture is widely defined as mixing concepts of one’s beliefs, traditions, symbols, and
values. It is important to consider that, on an individual level, the researchers followed multiple cultures
based on their own needs, social through self-actualization (Kunc, 1992). Interestingly, Hall (1993)
described the fundamentals of community culture exhibited through political and economic collective
values considering ideology, identity, and practices. The researchers grounding in culture encompasses
a holistic approach to understanding the community’s way of being. This multilevel perspective is illustrated through cultural norms, continuous artifacts, and shared linguistics. With the recognition that
one’s culture is learned, not instinctually based on DNA, the process of learning the community’s culture is vital for the survival of the culture and often the community. As this culture becomes embedded
within the language and decision-making of a community, it is the foundational spin for society. Culture
is exceedingly difficult to change quickly, almost impossible (Crane, 2010; Ferraro, & Briody, 2013).
With this grounding of culture, the book editors examined Mezirow’s (1991) theoretical framework
of transformative learning as a process. The process is prompted by a disorienting dilemma causing
one to question their own meaning perspectives, then critically discern added information until the new
knowledge influences one to change a behavior. This is the full cycle of learning. Transformative learning is based on a combination of experiential learning and critical cognitive reflection (Cranton, 2016).
Having the descriptions of culture and transformative learning, the researchers construct the meaning
of cultural transformation as a process by which cultural norms are unsettled through a cultural disruption
(Figure 2). In the midst of this community disruption is discourse impacting interdependent relationships. The community may reach a common ground based on new initiatives adopted, which in turn
influence aspects of the community’s values. The evolution of community culture is a result of cultural
transformation. As one of the main research and study areas was cultural transformation, the researchers
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Preface
wanted to make sure that they were focusing on the positive aspect of cultural transformation, as it may
be perceived as a negative process, in some cases (Williams, 2015; Wilms, Hardcastle, & Zell, 1994).
The researchers’ supposition is that a change agent, who poses transformative leadership traits (Northouse, 2016) of growing a vision and influencing others through coaching, empowering, motivating,
inspiring, fostering opportunities, and sharing mutual respect, has a critical role to cultural transformation. Additionally, the community demonstrates cultural resilience in balancing the vulnerability of the
ecosystem with the normative values.
Figure 2. Description of cultural transformation
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
How did the researchers initially construct this supposition? This methodology is based on Strauss and
Corbin’s (1994) grounded theory and an iterative research method (Denzin & Lincoln,1998). The book
editors initially explored three women through a case analysis process. Based on their knowledge and
research of the three women leaders, the editors deduced their positive impact on their communities
through the lens of the researchers’ defined cultural transformation process. They were selective both
in the initial cases they identified and the data available. Yet, they achieved triangulation through the
inquiries of personal and institutional Web sites, public articles, and blogs. In the first cycle coding,
specifically described as initial coding, the editors sought the similarities and differences in the cases
(Saldaña, 2016). As they previously mentioned, the three …
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