Planet Women staff at our 2022 retreat. Pictured from left: JoJo Marshall, Lisa Sheffer, Karl Morrison, Janet Nguyen, Kimberly Absher, Kristine Zeigler, Marisela Martinez, Liza Keānuenueokalani Williams.

What is your vision for 2023? Do you have a sense of possibility? As we’ve seen, it’s not enough to push back against what we don’t want. We need to actively create the world we want to live in, whenever and however we can. That’s why the theme of our 2022 Annual Report is “Creating the World We Want to See.”

To chart our path to create a healthy planet, we’re drawing from our knowledge as well as our individual and collective imaginations—and their manifestations in art and creativity! Songs, books, and films give us energy and keep us learning and reimagining. Here is the media that inspired our staff this year. We hope that it will inspire you too!

Songs

"A Beautiful Noise" from Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile

Marisela Martinez, Chief Operating Officer, is inspired by the lyrics of this powerful song performed as a duet in 2020.

"I have a voice
Started out as a whisper, turned into a scream
Made a beautiful noise
Shoulder to shoulder, marching in the street
When you're all alone, it's a quiet breeze
But when you band together, it's a choir
Of thunder and rain, now we have a choice
'Cause I have a voice.”

“I Am Woman” by Emmy Meli

This song reminds Kimberly Absher, Marketing & Communications Associate, of the power, depth, and beauty of womanhood. Kimberly said, “I came across this song after Roe v. Wade was overturned in June. When our struggle for gender equity feels extra tough, this song gives me a boost and a sense of solidarity with all who identify as women.”

Books

Lessons to Lead From the Heart: Transformative Leadership for the 21st Century by Mark C. Crowley

Janet Nguyen, Senior Vice President of the 100 Women Pathway, found inspiration in this book’s leadership advice. She loved quotes like this one:

"Long after you remember the actual work or the targets you met along the way, what's sustained in your memory is the effect you had on people's lives. By this one measure above all others, you'll know the true impact you had as a leader."

Learn more about Mark C. Crowley and the book in this article.

Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by adrienne maree brown

This book has a compelling description: “Self-help, society-help, and planet-help to shape the futures we want…a wild feminist and afro-futurist ride!”

Dr. Liza Keānuenueokalani Williams, Director of Cultural Transformation, loves adrienne maree brown’s work and felt inspired by studying Emergent Strategy this year.

What Strange Paradise by Omar El Akkad

For Kristine Zeigler, CEO, fiction is the best way to build one’s own empathy. What Strange Paradise opened her eyes to what it might feel like to be thousands of miles from home – hungry, cold, wet, and considered illegal, a criminal. The protagonists are children, and when the reader sees how little compassion the local police and government authorities have for the plight of the immigrants escaping from civil strife, bombs, and drought, it reminds us that the vulnerable, marginalized communities of our planet call upon us to demonstrate more care and consideration, not less.

My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem and Mankiller: A Chief and Her People by Wilma Mankiller

This is a two-part recommendation from JoJo Marshall, Director of Development and Marketing. These two autobiographies pair beautifully—and both books were given to her by her dad! JoJo said:

“In My Life on the Road, Steinem’s humble, kind and quick-witted personality shines through her writing and makes her feel like a friend. Much of the American history that she touches on is playing out in real-time in 2022, so this book is a timely read!

One of the most moving parts of Steinem’s book is her connection with Wilma Mankiller, the former Chief of Cherokee Nation. Mankiller: A Chief and Her People is a beautiful, inspiring and eye-opening story from the perspective of a powerful leader whose inner strength is almost unimaginable. She shares a deep and personal look at the history of the Cherokee Nation, the largest tribe in the United States today.”

Films

My Octopus Teacher (Netflix)

This stunning movie tells the story of a filmmaker observing an octopus living in a South African kelp forest. For Lisa Sheffer, Director of Individual Giving, this film had a lasting impact. “It showed me that when we slow down and reflect on our experiences with the environment, we become more empathetic and have a deeper connection with nature.”

Maiden

Maiden is the true story of trailblazing women who entered the most dangerous sailing competition on earth. Karl Morrison, Senior Advisor for Program Strategy, Gender & Allyship, said: “As a sailor, and as the father of a daughter going off to college this year to begin her own adventure, I found Maiden particularly inspiring. We watched it as a family and I must admit I got teary eyed more than once as I saw my daughter’s strength reflected in these pioneering young women.”

We want to hear what inspired YOU this year! Let us know by tagging us in your Instagram post or story @planetwomenorg.

We wish you a happy new year and a healthy 2023!

For Your Inspiration: Staff Edition