Elevating Experience: The Skill of Empowering Others and Leaning into Beauty

Cheryl Durst expressed feeling honored to have interviewed Rebecca Walker, a writer, feminist, and activist, and to have had the opportunity to learn directly from her. During their conversation, Walker shared insights into her personal experience, including the impact her parents had on her love of art, craft, and memorializing a life well-lived. In a poetic manner, she encouraged listeners to embrace beauty and empower others to use their voice to initiate change. Drawing from historical lessons, Walker reminded everyone to believe in people, recognize the power of legacy, and stay curious.

Rebecca Walker is a highly acclaimed author, known for her profound contributions to the global conversation on race, gender, power, and family dynamics. She has been a prominent figure in various fields, including literature, film, activism, and education, for over three decades. After graduating from Yale, Rebecca has authored and edited seven bestselling books that cover a wide range of topics, including intergenerational feminism, multiracial identity, ambivalent motherhood, and the evolving concept of the American family.

In addition to her literary achievements, Rebecca has made significant contributions to film and television, working with esteemed studios such as Warner Brothers, NBCUniversal, Amazon, HBO, and Paramount in developing and producing projects. Her work has received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking insights and powerful messages. Furthermore, Rebecca is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered lectures and presentations at over four hundred universities and corporate campuses worldwide, including renowned institutions such as Harvard and The Whitney Museum, as well as TEDx Lund.

Rebecca's impact extends beyond her creative and academic pursuits. At the age of 21, she co-founded the Third Wave Fund, an organization that provides grants to support social justice initiatives led by women and transgender youth. Her exceptional achievements have earned her prestigious awards, such as the Women Who Could Be President Award from the League of Women Voters, and she has been recognized by Time Magazine as one of the most influential leaders of her generation. Rebecca Walker continues to inspire and empower others through her writing, activism, and educational endeavors, including her masterclass, The Art of Memoir, which she teaches at captivating locations around the world.