Conversations that move people - and policy.
Stephenie Foster brings global perspective, lived experience, and principled leadership to conversations on women’s rights, foreign policy, and gender equity.
- Trusted voice on women’s leadership, security, and economic empowerment
- Global perspective shaped by work in over 100 countries
- Decades of experience at the intersection of policy, diplomacy, and advocacy
- Thought-provoking, values-driven dialogue — not canned speeches
Are you interested in having Stephenie speak to your team, group, or organization?
Drawing from decades of work in law, diplomacy, and advocacy, Stephenie engages audiences with insight that is both grounded and galvanizing — connecting complex global issues to the values and decisions that shape real, lasting change.
- Trusted voice on women’s leadership, security, and economic empowerment
- Global perspective shaped by work in over 100 countries
- Decades of experience at the intersection of policy, diplomacy, and advocacy
- Thought-provoking, values-driven dialogue — not canned speeches
Are you interested in having Stephenie speak to your team, group, or organization?
Featured Conversation
"Lasting change isn’t driven by power alone—it’s shaped by purpose, courage, and the willingness to listen to women’s voices."
-Stephenie Foster
In this episode of A Soulful Pause, Stephenie Foster reflects on leadership rooted in purpose, courage, and inner clarity. Drawing on her experience in diplomacy, feminist foreign policy, and humanitarian response, she explores what it truly takes to create lasting change — especially when women’s voices are centered rather than sidelined.
This soulful conversation invites listeners to pause and consider how conviction, lived experience, and moral clarity shape bold, principled action.
In this episode of A Soulful Pause, Stephenie Foster reflects on leadership rooted in purpose, courage, and inner clarity. Drawing on her experience in diplomacy, feminist foreign policy, and humanitarian response, she explores what it truly takes to create lasting change — especially when women’s voices are centered rather than sidelined.
This soulful conversation invites listeners to pause and consider how conviction, lived experience, and moral clarity shape bold, principled action.
2025 Stephenie Foster Advocate of the Year Program
Bridging Cultures, Building Futures: Women’s Empowerment in Action
On November 6, 2025, the Stephenie Foster Advocate of the Year Program brought together global and local voices committed to advancing opportunities for women and girls. This year’s discussion highlighted the transformative work of Hands Along the Nile Development Services (HANDS) in fostering collaboration, economic empowerment, and social progress for women in Egypt.
Through shared experiences and a collective vision, our panel explored how cross-cultural partnerships create pathways for lasting change. Together, these distinguished leaders brought a wealth of experience in education, advocacy, and women’s empowerment. Their insights illuminated how collaboration across borders can spark opportunity, resilience, and progress.
Check back soon to watch highlights of the conversation.
Meet the leaders who shared their stories & perspectives during this year’s program:
About the 2025 Advocate of the Year Event Participants
Honoree
Jennifer Cate
Jennifer Cate is the Executive Director of Hands Along the Nile Development Services (HANDS), a US-based nonprofit that works to raise the quality of life for underserved communities in Egypt in partnership with local organizations. Among the groups they seek to empower are women and girls.
Jennifer holds an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University, an MA from the American University in Cairo, and a BA from Wheaton College. Currently residing in Washington DC, she spent some of her most formative years in Iran, Egypt, Kazakhstan, and Egypt, where her career was inspired by women who were invested in uplifting their communities and societies.
Moderator
Stephenie Foster
Stephenie Foster is a leading advocate for women and girls, recognized for her expertise in gender equality, women’s leadership, and feminist foreign policy. A Founding Partner of Smash Strategies, she has advised governments, nonprofits, and foundations and has held multiple senior roles at the U.S. Department of State, including work on Afghan relocation and prior service with the Office of Global Women’s Issues and the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.
Her career includes senior positions in the U.S. Senate, the federal government, and the nonprofit sector, along with a foundation in law as a former litigation partner. She is the author of Take Action: Fighting for Women & Girls and co-author of Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice. Stephenie also serves on the boards of Foreign Policy for America and the Mead Center for Performing Arts, continuing her lifelong commitment to advancing women’s rights.
Panelist
Ivana Smucker
Ivana Veselinovic-Smucker is the Director of Programs at Hands Along the Nile (HANDS), a U.S.-based non-profit organization. With more than 25 years of experience in international development and non-profit management gained through professional engagements in the Balkans, the Middle East, and the United States, Ms. Smucker has been at the forefront of developing and expanding programs and strategies aimed at effectively facilitating economic and social development in Egypt and the broader region. She has also played a key role in creating strong partnerships and fostering intercultural understanding and cooperation between the United States and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
As Director of Programs, Ms. Smucker oversees existing initiatives and launches new programs and partnerships that empower marginalized communities and groups—particularly women, persons with disabilities, and youth—through on-the-ground projects and professional exchange programs between the United States and MENA region countries, including Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt.
She has cultivated partnerships with major institutional donors such as USAID, the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations, the European Union, and numerous private foundations, resulting in successful realization of projects totaling more than $6 million throughout HANDS’ engagement in the region. Ms. Smucker has also strengthened and expanded collaborative relationships with numerous implementing partners, including civil society organizations across Egypt and the region, private sector companies, and relevant government institutions in both the MENA region and the United States.
Ms. Smucker holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from George Mason University in Virginia.
Panelist
Enas Hamdy
Enas Hamdy is a gender expert working on gender equality and women’s empowerment for more than 15 years. Enas received her bachelor’s degree in Statistics in 2008, and her master’s degree in Gender and Development in 2018 from Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University, in partnership with International Development Studies (IDS) Sussex University, UK.
Currently, Enas is a gender advisor for GIZ, mainly in a project aims to enhance youth access to labour market and decent employment. This project pays huge attention to women, and Enas will support Ministry of Labour in Egypt to implement the national plan for gender equality at workplace. Previously, she was the head of the Empowerment and support unit at Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA). In addition to that, Enas held different positions such as Gender Advisor for Aga Khan Foundation in Egypt, Co-Founder and Chief Operation Officer at RES Solutions, Executive Director for HarassMap, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at the National Heart Institute Fellows Association, and Researcher at Social Research Center at the American University in Cairo.
Furthermore, Enas is passionate about creating safe working environment for women to support their participation in the labor market. She supports businesses in developing and implementing their tailored anti-discrimination and harassment workplace policy. Since 2016, Enas supported more than 10 private sector companies and NGOS through developing their anti-discrimination and harassment policies and building the capacities of hundreds of employees from different positions in safe workplaces. Recently, she delivered training for employees from banking sectors to support their efforts in sustaining safe working environment for women.
Panelist
Aisha Khallil Haddad
Aisha Khalil Haddad (born 1985 in Alexandria, Egypt) is a multidisciplinary awarded artist, curator, and creative entrepreneur. She began her journey as a visual artist and furniture designer, using her work to tell cultural and heritage stories. In 2007, she founded Konti Gallery®️, a platform supporting artists,artisans and creators.
Aisha’s career took a transformative turn over 12 years ago when she was selected by HANDS to join the YEP program. This experience reshaped her path as a creative business leader, allowing her to study creative industries management in Washington DC, engage with inspiring projects, and connect with individuals who helped elevate her work to a global level. Visits to creative hubs such as Torpedo Factory Art Center and Ten Thousand Villages further influenced her vision for Konti.
Guided by this vision, Aisha developed Konti in Egypt and later expanded to Dubai. Over the years, Konti has supported hundreds of artists, artisans, and creatives across Egypt, the UAE, and the MENA region, helping them develop their skills and access international markets. She is now leading a cultural and artistic exchange program between the UAE and Japan, focused on developing ceramic and pottery artisans in the Middle East and North Africa.
She is passionate about creating more inclusive opportunities and advancing women’s empowerment in the creative sector, especially having witnessed firsthand the challenges that women artists and artisans continue to face, and she aspires to create a better future.
Past Events
Speaker/Fireside Conversation, “ Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” PLEN Global Policy Seminar, Washington, DC, January 8, 2025.
Guest, A Soulful Pause podcast hosted by Josette Diaz, December 18, 2025.
Guest Lecturer, “Feminist Foreign Policy,” Class on Gender and Security, George Washington Elliott School of International Affairs, Washington, DC, November 13, 2025.
Book Talk, “Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” Wednesday Morning Group, Bethesda, MD, November 12, 2025.
Guest Lecturer, “Feminist Views on the Role of the U.S. in Global Governance,” Course on Global Governance and International Organizations, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, Monterey, CA, October 1, 2025.
Speaker, “Feminist Foreign Policy,” Consulting Women Network, virtual, May 22, 2025. View Recording (Passcode: yX5pZD8+).
Speaker/Workshop Leader, “Leadership, Advocacy and Coalition Building,” International Visitor Leadership Program (International Women of Courage awardees), US Department of State, Washington, DC, April 4, 2025. Event Picture.
Speaker/Fireside Conversation, “Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” PLEN Global Policy Seminar, Washington, DC, March 18, 2025. Event Picture.
Guest Lecturer, “Role of Gender in Foreign Policy,” Class on Feminist Foreign Policy, Bard College, New York, NY, March 10, 2025.
Speaker, “Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” International Development Partners Group, virtual, February 21, 2025.
2024 Events
Speaker/Presenter, “Stephenie Foster Advocate of the Year Award: The Power of Girls’ Education and Advocacy in Global Change,” Boston, MA, November 21, 2024.
Guest Lecturer, “Feminist Foreign Policy,” Class on Gender and Security, George Washington Elliott School of International Affairs, Washington, DC, November 14, 2024.
Speaker, “Feminist Foreign Policy: A Conversation with Stephenie Foster,” UN and Global Studies (UNMA) Global Policy Forum, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, October 23, 2024.
Inaugural Speaker, “Feminist Foreign Policy,” Feminist Foreign Policy Fellowship, The Asia Foundation/Impact and Policy Research Institute (India), virtual, October 18, 2024.
Guest Lecturer, “Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” Course on International Actors and Issues, Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, virtual, October 16, 2024.
Guest Lecturer, “Importance of a Gender Perspective in Foreign Policy,” Policy and Gender Workshop, Carnegie Mellon University, Washington, DC, September 21, 2024.
Panelist, “Feminist Foreign Policy: Views from the Field,” American Society of International Law, virtual, July 24, 2024.
Panelist, “Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice: An Introduction,” Woman’s National Democratic Club, Washington, DC, July 9, 2024.
Guest Lecturer, “Feminist Foreign Policy,” Course on Gender, War and Peace, George Washington University, Washington, DC, June 27, 2024.
Inaugural Speaker, “Feminist Foreign Policy: Past, Present and Future,” The Asia Foundation/Impact and Policy Research Institute (India), virtual, June 24, 2024. See shortened Video. See full recording.
Panelist, “ Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” PLEN Global Policy Seminar, Washington, DC, May 13, 2024.
Panelist, “Approaches to Gender Inclusion: Discussing Strategies for Building a More Inclusive Future,” Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, Washington, DC, May 7, 2024.
Guest Lecturer, “Feminist Foreign Policy,” Class on Gender, War, and Peace, George Washington Elliot School of International Affairs, Washington, DC, April 24, 2024.
Moderator, “Innovation in Philanthropy,” Concordia Americas Summit, Miami, FL, April 23, 2024.
Speaker/Trainer, “Articulating the Impact of the Local Level in Economic Development and Women’s Empowerment, National Democratic Institute, Prishtina, Kosovo, April 17, 2024.
Panelist, “Rethinking Security through Adequate Financing: Advancing Effective Approaches to Tackle Security Threats,” Women Peace and Security Forum, Prishtina, Kosovo, April 16, 2024.
Speaker, “A Conversation with the Authors of Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” Georgetown Institute of Women, Peace and Security, Washington, DC, March 27, 2024.
Guest Lecturer, “Feminist Foreign Policy,” Class on Gender, Sex & Power, Ohio State University, virtual, March 26, 2024.
Speaker/Workshop Leader, “Leadership, Advocacy and Coalition Building,” International Visitor Leadership Program (International Women of Courage awardees), US Department of State, Washington, DC, March 7, 2024.
Panelist, “Rights. Resources. Representation – Why We Need Feminist Foreign Policy,” Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Washington, DC, March 4, 2024.
Panelist, “Shaping Tomorrow’s World with Feminist Foreign Policy,” Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with Women’s Foreign Policy Group and Meridian International Center, Washington, DC, February 7, 2024.
Panelist, “A New Way Forward: Feminist Foreign Policy,” DACOR Bacon House, Washington, DC, January 24, 2024.
Additional Speaking Engagements
2023
- Speaker/Book Talk, “Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” Heinrich Boll Foundation, Washington, DC, December 14, 2023.
- Panelist, “Feminist Foreign Policy,” George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs, Washington, DC, December 11, 2023.
- Speaker, “Women’s Leadership,” Women’s Entrepreneurship in US Markets: A Project for Gabon, International Visitor Leadership Program, Meridian International Center, Washington , DC, December 5, 2023.
- Speaker/Book Talk, “Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” University of Denver Josef Korbel School of International Studies, Denver, CO, November 8, 2023. Video.
- Speaker/Book Talk, “Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” Feminist Foreign Policy Community Festival, The Hague, October 31, 2023.
- Speaker/Book Talk, “Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” Nina McLemore, Bethesda, MD, October 28, 2023.
- Speaker/Book Talk, “Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” Vital Voices Poland Delegation, Washington, DC, October 26, 2023.
- Guest Lecturer, “Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy: International Frameworks and Local Realities,” From Crisis to Compassion: Humanitarian Action, Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, virtual, October 19, 2023.
- Speaker/Book Talk, “Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” Foreign Policy for America, Washington, DC, October 17, 2023.
- Speaker/Book Talk, “Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC, October 4, 2023.
- Keynote Speaker, “Women in Manufacturing: Building Back Better, A Sub-Regional Project for Canada and Mexico,” International Visitor Leadership Program, Meridian International Center, Washington, DC, October 3, 2023.
- Speaker/Book Talk, “Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” Baroness Goudie Blog Breakfast, Washington, DC, October 3, 2023. Video.
- Speaker, Roundtable on Feminist Foreign Policy, Embassy of Croatia, Stockholm, Sweden, September 27, 2023.
- Moderator, Roundtable: “The Changing Nature of Philanthropy,” Concordia Summit, New York, NY, September 18, 2023.
- Moderator, “Book Discussion: Dinners with Ruth by Nina Totenberg,” Sagamore Beach Colony Club, Sagamore Beach, MA, July 17, 2022.
- Keynote Speaker, “Women as Agents of Change,” Women as Drivers of Social and Economic Change International Visitor Leadership Program, Meridian International Center, Washington, DC, June 13, 2023.
- Book Talk, “The Future is Female: Take Action Fighting for Women and Girls,” Rosen, Bien, Galvan & Grunfeld, San Francisco, CA, April 10, 2023.
- Host and Moderator, “Take Action: Stop Violence Against Women and Girls,” StephenieFoster.com, virtual, April 5, 2023.
- Guest Lecturer, “Overview of Advocacy Landscape and Importance of a Gender Perspective in Policy Development,” Policy and Gender Workshop, Carnegie Mellon University/Heinz College, Washington, DC, April 1, 2023.
- Moderator, “Breaking the Cycle of Violence Against Women,” Women’s Forum USA, Washington, DC, March 29, 2023.
- Featured Speaker, “Advocacy Challenges: Overcoming Roadblocks & Building Coalition Support,” General Federation of Women’s Clubs, virtual, March 22, 2023.
- Mentor, “Army War College International Strategic Crisis Negotiation,” University of Pennsylvania Law School/Army War College, Philadelphia, PA, March 16-18, 2023.
- Speaker, “Femina Vox: International Women’s Rights Day,” UNESCO, March 7, 2023, virtual.
- Guest Lecturer, “Interdisciplinary Health Policy,” Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, School of Nursing and School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, February 17, 2023.
2022
- Speaker/Book Talk, “Take Action: Fighting for Women & Girls,” Baroness Goudie Blog Breakfast, Washington, DC, December 7, 2022.
- Moderator, “Breaking the Barrier Between Work and Home: What Role for the Corporate Sector Against Domestic Violence,” Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society, Paris, France, November 30, 2022.
- Speaker, “Women’s Leadership in Politics and Civil Society,” International Visitor Leadership Program (India), Meridian International Center, Washington, DC, November 16, 2022.
- Speaker, “Advocating for Policy Change,” She’s the First, virtual, November 12, 2022.
- Panelist, “Women of Courage,” Executive Women’s Leadership Program, George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership, virtual, October 21, 2022.
- Moderator, “Take Action for Girls: International Day of the Girl and the Importance of Girls’ Education, StephenieFoster.com, virtual, October 12, 2022. Link to recording.
- Panelist, “Education in Emergencies,” Global Campaign for Education, virtual, October 11, 2022.
- Speaker, “Take Action: National Voter Registration Day,” University of Richmond College Democrats, virtual, September 20, 2022.
- Moderator, “Legacy and the Role of Women’s Voices in Shaping Generation Amazing and the Future of Sports for Development,” Concordia Summit, New York, New York, September 20, 2022.
- Speaker, “Taking Action for Pay Equity and Equal Representation of Women in Leadership,” EDGEtalks, EDGE Certified Foundation, virtual, September 15, 2022. Link to video clips.
- Keynote Speaker, “The Importance of Women’s Leadership,” Empowering Roma Women, International Visitor Leadership (IVLP) Program, Meridian International Center, Washington, DC, September 13, 2022.
- Keynote Speaker, “Take Action: Fighting for Women & Girls,” General Federation of Women’s Clubs Annual Board Dinner, Washington, DC, August 18, 2022.
- Speaker, “Conversation with the Author: How to Take Action for Women and Girls,” Circle of Sisterhood, virtual, August 2, 2022.
- Book Talk, “Take Action: Fighting for Women and Girls,” Sagamore Beach Colony Club Arts on the Beach, Sagamore Beach, MA, July 29, 2022.
- Speaker, “A Framework for Advocacy & Action,” Mikva Challenge Summer Fellows, Washington, DC, July 22, 2022.
- Speaker/Workshop Facilitator, “Advocacy 101: Take Action, Make Change,” Girl Up Leadership Summit, Virtual, July 13, 2022.
- Moderator, “Security in the Western Hemisphere,” Concordia Americas Summit, Miami, FL, July 13, 2022.
- Speaker/Workshop Leader, “Leadership, Advocacy and Coalition Building,” Women in Politics and Civil Society International Visitor Leadership Program, American Councils for International Education, Washington, DC, June 15, 2022.
- Speaker, “Opportunities for Future Strategy Within the Human Domain” National War College, virtual, June 1, 2022.
- Guest Speaker, “Legislative Advocacy,” NEW Leadership Program, John Glenn College of Public Affairs, Ohio State University, virtual, May 25, 2022.
- Speaker, “Women Changemakers: Social and Business Entrepreneurs Remaking Communities,” International Visitor Leadership Program, Meridian International Center, Washington, DC, May 17, 2022.
- Keynote Speaker, PLEN Global Policy Seminar, Washington, DC, May 16, 2022.
- Briefing, “Take Action: Women in Leadership During Crisis,” San Francisco Gender Breakfast, virtual, May 11, 2022.
- Book Talk, “Take Action: Fighting for Women and Girls,” Launch of Vital Voices Global Headquarters for Women’s Leadership, Washington, DC, May 6, 2022.
- Guest Lecturer, “Advocating for Women and Girls Globally,” Course: Women, Peace and Security, Harvard University Extension School, virtual, May 2, 2022.
- Speaker, “Women: Conflict, Peace & Security,” Soroptimists International, virtual, April 28, 2022.
- Panelist, “Girl Talk: How to Be an Advocate for Climate Justice,” Girl Up, virtual, March 31, 2022.
- Speaker, “Take Action: Fighting for Women and Girls,” Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital, Silver Spring, MD, March 24, 2022.
- Speaker, “Take Action: Fighting for Women and Girls,” Way Forward Lunch Break, Cleveland (Ohio) Leadership Center, virtual, March 23, 2022. Link to the video.
- Speaker, “Advocacy for Women and Girls,” Mikva Challenge Election in Action Fellows, virtual, March 16, 2022.
- Speaker, “Take Action: Fighting for Women and Girls,” World Affairs Council of Greater Reading, virtual, March 16, 2022. Link to the video.
- Book Talk, “Take Action: Fighting for Women and Girls,” Hogan Lovells, virtual, March 3, 2022.
- Panelist, “The Book In You,” International Women’s Forum (IWF) – DC, virtual, February 23, 2022. Link to the video.
- Book Talk, “Take Action: Fighting for Women and Girls,” Baroness Goudie Blog Event, virtual, February 17, 2022. Link to the video.