Vital Voices and the Celebration of Women

Xiye Bastida

Xiye Bastida is an Indigenous Mexican climate activist from the Otomi-Toltec nation who has become a prominent voice for environmental justice and indigenous representation. Hailing from San Pedro Tultepec, Bastida's environmental awareness was sparked by witnessing the devastating impacts of climate change firsthand—experiencing severe drought followed by extreme flooding in her hometown. Today, she is a key organizer of Fridays for Future New York City, and has emerged as a powerful leader in the climate movement.

Dame Donna Langley

As Chairwoman of Universal Studios and Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Dame Donna Langley is a British film executive who has distinguished herself as one of the most influential leaders in global cinema. As one of the few female leaders in her industry, she prioritizes the need for empathy, and is inspired by the young generation of women who are making their way into the industry.

Amani Ballour

Dr. Amani Ballour embodies extraordinary courage and compassion in the face of adversity. As a Syrian pediatrician, she became a beacon of hope during the Syrian Civil War by managing an underground hospital that provided critical medical care to thousands of civilians caught in the conflict's crossfire. Her story of humanitarian service gained international attention through the Oscar-nominated documentary "The Cave," which revealed the heroic efforts of medical professionals working in impossible conditions.

Christine Lagarde

Christine Lagarde stands as a pioneering global economic leader, breaking barriers in international finance and policy. A French politician and lawyer by training, Lagarde is the first woman to lead both the IMF and the European Central Bank. Throughout her career, she has become an inspiration to many young girls, and because of her, many organizations have reformed leadership and managerial roles around the world.

Oby Ezekwesili

Obiageli "Oby" Ezekwesili is a multifaceted Nigerian leader who has dedicated her career to transforming governance, championing transparency, and advocating for social change. As an economic policy expert and humanitarian, Ezekwesili has emerged as a powerful voice for accountability and human capital development in Africa and beyond. Ezekwesili gained international recognition as the founder of the Bring Back Our Girls Movement, which drew global attention to the kidnapping of schoolgirls by Boko Haram.

For Assouline, Vital Voices is not an isolated endeavor; it is part of a greater commitment to documenting and amplifying female narratives. We are a platform for the stories of pioneering women—be they in fashion, global policy, or humanitarian efforts. By doing so, we’re solidifying not just our role as tastemakers, but as guardians of culture and progress.