Diane von Furstenberg and YouTube joined forces to host “InCharge & The Power of Kindness,” DVF’s annual celebration of International Women’s Day and Women InCharge, powered by JPMorganChase. Emceed by YouTube creator Cleo Abram, the day brought together trailblazing women across industries and issue areas for a series of conversations, panels and performances.
Diane von Furstenberg kicked off the event by saying, “Kindness is a currency. Generosity is the best investment.”
Dedicated to amplifying female voices and inspiring positive action, the audience was guided through the InCharge Pillars – Connect, Expand, Inspire, Advocate – to explore their relationship with the power of kindness. Panels and conversations throughout the day included:
- Intention Setting with US National Youth Poet Laureate Salome Agbaroji.
- Being InCharge Is Owning Who We Are: Actress and activist Sophia Bush with founder of Brother Vellies, Aurora James, discussed one-on-one what it truly means to be InCharge and how staying true to yourself can help drive success.
- Design Your Life: Embracing The Unknown: An executive producer and former President of MSNBC Rashida Jones shared insights on reinvention, the courage to walk away, how to live with uncertainty and what it truly means to design a life that aligns with your values and ambitions.
- The Multiplier Effect: Shiza Shahid, Co-Founder, Our Place, Malala Fund and Now Ventures; Nelle Miller, Co-CEO of the New York Region, J.P. Morgan Private Bank; and YouTube creator Kinigra Deon joined together for a panel discussion moderated by co-host of MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” Alicia Menendez, where they explored the power of women’s leadership in action—how innovation, finance, storytelling, and entrepreneurship are being used to drive economic growth.
- Commitment To Ourselves & The Power Of Kindness: YouTube creators Jackie Aina and Cleo Abram discussed how kindness begins with the commitments we make to ourselves. Guests were invited to write a promise to themselves—a commitment to show up, to trust their strength, and to embrace their worth.
- In Our Sports Era: With female athletes capturing global attention, women’s sports are experiencing an unprecedented surge. YouTube sports creator Katie Feeney moderated a panel with former USWNT soccer player Ashlyn Harris; Founder & CEO of VOICEINSPORT, Stef Strack; New York Sirens hockey player Elle Hartje; Chief Brand Officer of the New York Liberty, Shana Stephenson; and US Olympic Team track & field athlete Taliyah Brooks to discuss the driving force behind this momentum and how to sustain it.
- Inspire Without Limits: Co-Founder and CEO of Curious Cardinals Audrey Wisch took the stage to share how she is reimagining mentorship and expanding access to knowledge. In her remarks, she explored how meaningful connections bridge generations, build confidence, and unlock limitless potential—proving that the right mentor can change everything.
- Women Building Tomorrow: President and CEO of Vital Voices, Alyse Nelson moderated an inspiring panel about the vital role of women in shaping a stronger, more resilient future. The trailblazing panelists included Nika Kovač, Founding Director, 8th of March Research Institute; Mariam Jalabi, Co-founder of the Syrian Women's Political Movement; Leymah Gbowee, Founder and President, Gbowee Peace Foundation; and Aya Chebbi, Founder, Nala Feminist Collective (Nalafem).
- Redesigning Our Lives: Masters of bold reinvention Diane von Furstenberg, Tina Brown, and Ms. Tina Knowles joined the stage in conversation with CEO of The Meteor, Cindi Lieve, to share stories of embracing uncertainty and how they’ve redefined what it means to be a matriarch, exploring the pivotal role they’ve all taken in shaping the next generation.
The audience was treated to a surprise appearance and performance from New York Liberty’s Ellie the Elephant and the BKSteppers. The special day culminated in an intimate acoustic set by singer-songwriter Jensen McRae followed by a cocktail reception which featured a set by DJ Tiana Verhagen.
Image credit: Getty Images for Diane von Furstenberg, YouTube and JPMorganChase
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