Hello, I’m Dr. Gayle Pohl, the Academic President of the Global Listening Center (GLC). GLC is an international nonprofit organization committed to promoting the vital art of listening across the globe. Through fostering collaboration between individuals, organizations, and institutions, we seek to address some of society’s most pressing challenges by encouraging a culture of active, empathetic listening.
In today’s world, where communication is often dominated by noise, distractions, and misunderstandings, the need for genuine listening has never been greater. Recognizing the importance of this skill, one of GLC’s annual initiatives is the selection of the Top 25 Outstanding Women Listeners. This event celebrates women from across the globe who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities through their dedication to listening and creating positive change.
Honoring Women Who Lead with Their Ears
The women recognized by GLC are carefully vetted, chosen for their selfless dedication and the impact they’ve had on society. Here are a few past honorees who exemplify the power of listening:
- Alice Wairimu Nderitu
A Kenyan national, Alice serves as the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide. In a field largely dominated by men, she has worked tirelessly to advocate for peacebuilding, ensuring women’s voices are included in international dialogues. Her ability to listen deeply has been instrumental in her efforts to prevent atrocities and foster peace. - Andrea Marsili
As the composer and artistic director of the contemporary tango orchestra, Les Fleures Noires, Andrea Marsili invites listeners to explore deeper narratives through her music. Her compositions speak to the struggles and triumphs of women, demonstrating that listening extends beyond words, encompassing the emotions and stories told through music. - Angela W. Buchdahl
Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, the first Asian-American ordained as both a cantor and rabbi in North America, leads the Central Synagogue in New York City. Her leadership reaches far beyond her congregation, extending through live-streams, podcasts, and interfaith dialogues. Rabbi Buchdahl encourages mindfulness and meditation, teaching her congregation to listen more attentively to the natural world and to one another. - Haben Girma
As a disability rights advocate and the first deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School, Haben Girma has worked to make digital services accessible to all. She continues to fight for the rights of those whose voices are often marginalized or ignored, listening to their needs and advocating for systemic changes. - Laura Lundy
Co-Director of the Centre for Children’s Rights and a professor at Queen’s University Belfast, Laura Lundy developed the “Lundy Model” for child participation in decision-making. This model has been adopted by international organizations like UNICEF and the European Commission, emphasizing the importance of listening to all voices, particularly those of children.
Recognizing Celebrities
We also would like to recognize women closer to home who embody the spirit of listening and work for women’s empowerment. Among these are well-known figures who’ve used their platforms to amplify the voices of others:
- Emma Thompson
An outspoken advocate for women’s rights, Thompson made headlines when she walked away from the animated film Luck after the studio hired an executive with a history of sexual harassment allegations. In her open letter, she expressed her belief in standing up against centuries of entitlement to women’s bodies, advocating for real change in society. - Mindy Kaling
Kaling, with her infectious confidence and sharp wit, has created a path that proves feminism is about having the freedom to be whoever you want. From her hit sitcom The Mindy Project to her roles in Ocean’s 8 and A Wrinkle in Time, Kaling uses her platform to encourage women to follow their dreams, just as she did. - Reese Witherspoon
Witherspoon continues to elevate diverse female voices through her production company, Hello Sunshine. Known for her involvement in initiatives like Time’s Up, she has helped amplify the message that women’s voices matter. Her advocacy extends into various women’s rights organizations, standing up for women who feel unseen and unheard.
The Global Listening Center’s Mission
The Top 25 Outstanding Women Listeners event is not about proclaiming who the absolute best listeners in the world are. Rather, it’s a celebration of those who exemplify exceptional listening and have made a significant impact through this skill. By honoring these women, GLC aims to raise global awareness about the critical importance of listening in all areas of life.
This year’s event will take place in Mumbai, India, before December 31st, 2024. However, to make this gathering possible, we need your help. Your support will allow us to recognize these incredible women who, through listening, have transformed the lives of so many.
Will you join us in standing up for the power of listening? Will you be the one to say, “I am listening,” and help us honor those who have mastered this vital skill?
Thank you for supporting the women who make our world a better place.
Please send all inquiries to: Dr. Gayle Pohl @ gayle.pohl@uni.edu.
Please send all donations to: Global Listening Center
c/o Gayle Pohl, Academic President PO Box 85353,
Albuquerque, NM 87198, USA