Photo: Lisa in Nepal with coalition member Upasana Rana
Dearest friends,
Some news! In December, I’ll be shifting from my role as CEO to “Founder in Residence” at Every Woman. After 13 years, this is no small shift—but it is a joyful one. I believe with all my heart that it will strengthen our mission for the years ahead.
The past year has shown us how dramatically the world can change. Political violence and rollbacks on women’s rights, climate collapse, war, and authoritarianism—all converging at once. And still, women everywhere are rising: leading frontline movements, demanding dignity, safety, and freedom in the most impossible conditions. Their courage reminds us that meeting the moment means evolving, stretching, and sharing power in new ways.
For me, this means stepping aside from the CEO role to make space for leadership that reflects the true diversity of our global movement. I’ve always been mindful of “founder’s syndrome,” and I know that Every Woman’s greatest flourishing will come from the collective genius of a global team. It makes sense to hold the mission at the center, surround it with leaders from across the world, and let them shape the future.
Lisa in Somalia with Every Woman cofounder Fartuun Adan and friends.
As I step into this next chapter, I am thrilled to share that Lisa Ellis will serve as our Interim CEO. Lisa has been a trusted advisor to Every Woman since 2018, bringing deep expertise, and a profound commitment to human rights and women’s rights. She has spent years supporting communities affected by conflict, cultivating leadership among coalition members, and building trusted relationships across continents. You will be hearing more about Lisa from the Every Woman Board of Directors in the days to come.
This isn’t a departure. I still feel this work in my bones. I will continue to be in this trench, beside our extraordinary team and coalition of leaders, visionaries and activists I am deeply honored to call sisters-in-arms. I’ll remain engaged, while also stepping into a new chapter that allows me to pour energy into creative work: writing my book Flock (about how we come together in times of epic stress), launching a podcast, mentoring the next generation of activists, and yes, tending dahlias.
Every Woman was born from the belief that we could do what the world told us was impossible: build a binding international instrument to end violence against women and girls. Today, the coalition is thousands strong, spanning 165 nations. We have drafted a treaty, moved governments, and continue to play an essential role in making the world safer for women and girls. This work will always have my steadfast support, and this transition is part of ensuring it can thrive for decades to come.
And there is one truth I want to underline: none of this could have happened without you. From the very beginning, I’ve carried a vision that “success” would mean at least a thousand people could say, “Without me, that never would have happened.” You are one of those links. You are a crucial part of our collective genius. Each decision, each word of encouragement, each act of solidarity has carried us forward.
The world is calling us to rise higher, to lead more bravely, to share power more fully. This is one way I am answering that call—with gratitude for the chain of hands and hearts that made it possible.
With love,
Lisa
