Women's Leadership Speaker
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.
As a women’s leadership speaker drawing from decades of work in law, diplomacy, and advocacy, Stephenie Foster 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?
As a women’s leadership speaker drawing from decades of work in law, diplomacy, and advocacy, Stephenie Foster 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?
Women’s Leadership Speaker on the Global Stage
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.
Upcoming Events
2026 Stephenie Foster Advocate of the Year Program
Live Webinar
Advocacy in Action: From Seeing a Gap to Creating Systems Change
Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 | 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM EST
The 2026 Stephenie Foster Advocate of the Year Program will celebrate the people who recognize an unmet need and choose to take meaningful action on behalf of women and girls. Moderated by Stephenie Foster, this virtual program will bring together 2026 award recipient Lauren Bean Buitta, Founder and CEO of Girl Security, and runners-up Leanne Listman, Founder and Executive Director of The Period Pantry, and Stacey High, Founder and Executive Director of HighHER TogetHER.
The program will also feature Jennifer Cate, Executive Director of Hands Along the Nile Development Services and the 2025 Advocate of the Year recipient, for a special “Award in Action: One Year Later” conversation. Jennifer will reflect on the impact of receiving the award, how the funding has supported her work, and what she and HANDS have accomplished over the past year.
Together, these advocates will explore the journey from seeing a gap and choosing to act to building voice and leadership, widening the circle of support, and creating broader systems change. Their conversation will offer an honest look at the persistence, collaboration, and resourcefulness required to turn individual action into lasting impact.
*NOTE: Advance registration is required. Webinar access will be provided through Zoom after registration.
Events
2026 Events
Guest, “Thriving Women Talk,” Thriving Women TV/e360TV, August 25, 2026.
Speaker, “Leadership and Advocacy,” Girls Gearing Up Summer Academy 2026, virtual, July 12, 2026.
Presenter, “2026 PLEN Alum Award,” PLEN Mentor Awards, June 9, 2026, Washington, DC.
Podcast Guest, “Business Mentorship: Keepin’ It Real,” Trish Tonaj podcast, May 15, 2026. View Episode.
Guest, “What Is the One Skill That Helped You Succeed in Life? with Dr Sadiyo Siad,” podcast, April 20, 2026.
Featured Guest, Book-ish Talk, Thriving Women TV, April 3, 2026.
Available Live and on demand on E360TV App and ThrivingWomenNetwork.com.
Panelist, “Women in Public Leadership: Power, Participation, and Political Representation,” The Collaborative Advancing Leadership, Policy, Advocacy & Global Exchange, virtual, March 28, 2026.
Welcoming Remarks, “Journalists on the Frontlines,” Meridian Council Salon, Washington, DC, February 25, 2026.
Guest Lecturer, “Advocating for Global Women’s Issues,” course on Women and Advocacy, American University Women & Politics Institute, School of Public Affairs, Washington, DC, February 1, 2026.
Speaker/Fireside Conversation, “ Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice,” PLEN Global Policy Seminar, Washington, DC, January 8, 2026.
2025 Events
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.
Moderator, “Bridging Cultures, Building Futures: Women’s Empowerment in Action,” 2025 Stephenie Foster Advocate of the Year Award Program, Washington, DC. November 6, 2025. View Program.
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.