Virtual Panel Discussion
International Women's Day
Every year on International Women’s Day we celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievement of women.
This day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality around the globe. Women are disproportionately affected by disaster. During disaster all forms of violence against women increase, their livelihoods are hit harder, and often put the survival of others above their own.
This year, to mark this day, ShelterBox is hosting our first ever virtual International Women’s Day panel online!
Join us live online and hear from an inspiring and diverse panel of female leaders as they share their personal experiences and insights into the daily disparities and challenges women face and the ways in which we can collectively work together to change that narrative by empowering women around the world.
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Join us Monday March 8th, 2021, 3pm EST
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Meet The Panelists
Valarie Wafer
Rotary International Director, 2020-22
Valarie Wafer joined Rotary in 2005 in order to fuel her passion for making an impact that matters. Valarie was District Governor of RI district 7070 covering the Greater Toronto Area in 2013/14. She is an International Trainer, a member of the Host Organizing Convention Committee Toronto 2018, representative of the Rotary International President, and is an elected member of the Rotary International Board for 2020-2022.
Marie Kagaju Laugharn
International Development and Corporate Social Responsibility
Marie Kagaju Laugharn combines her background in diplomacy, international project management, financial oversight, international community building skills acquired during her tenure at the United Nations. A native of Rwanda, Marie has lived and worked in Africa, Europe, and the United States. Marie worked for ten years for the United Nations Development Program in four African countries (Rwanda, Central African Republic, Kenya, and Mali) on issues ranging fromHIV/AIDS, Education, NGOs, Peacebuilding, and Elections and Democratic Governance.
Elizabeth Silva
Assistant Director, Women's Empowerment and Gender Equality at The Asia Foundation
Elizabeth Romanoff Silva is a gender equality specialist with more than 10 years of expertise working on the intersection of women’s and girls’ rights and economic growth, education, and health. She has spoken at various international convenings and facilitated gender equality workshops and trainings on topics including women’s economic empowerment and gender analysis for staff, partners, and young professionals from across Asia.
Andrea Sreshta
LuminAID Co-Founder
Andrea Sreshta is a Co-founder of LuminAID, a company dedicated to innovative renewable energy solutions for humanitarian aid and outdoor recreation. Outreach projects with charitable partners have put donated lights on-the-ground for use in projects in more than 100 countries.
Leslie Zemeckis
Author, Actress, Writer and Documentarian
Leslie Zemeckis is a best-selling author, actress, writer and award-winning documentarian. Leslie’s critically acclaimed films include Behind the Burly Q, the true story of old-time burlesque in America which ran on Showtime. Leslie is currently working on a mentorship program of professional female storytellers mentoring under-served young women ages 18-25 called Stories Matter.
Kate Bollinger
Gender Advisor, USAID
Kate Bollinger is the Senior Gender Advisor in USAID’s Asia Bureau and the Acting Division Chief of the Policy and Strategic Planning Division. Kate supports integration of gender across USAID’s programming in Asia with a focus on areas including gender-based violence; women’s economic empowerment; and women’s leadership. In her role as Acting Division Chief, she supports USAID in Asia’s strategy and policy development and implementation. Middlebury Institute of International Studies Monterey ’11 graduate.
Jennifer Lynch
Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Paramount Studios
Jennifer specializes in Urban Economic and Community Development, currently serves on the board of the Environmental Media Association, and is a member of the LA Sustainability Executives Roundtable and the Sustainable Production Alliance. Jennifer co-founded LA Community Leaders, which seeks to expand the positive impact of business on Southern California communities by connecting corporate responsibility professionals across the region. She has served as a mentor in both Step Up’s Professional Mentorship Program and for Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy and has been a featured speaker at LA Social Media Week; the West Hollywood Women’s Leadership Conference and at the StubHub Center’s Women in Entertainment Lunch.
Moderated by: Kerri Murray
President, ShelterBox USA
Kerri Murray is President of ShelterBox USA, an international disaster relief charity that delivers shelter and essential supplies to people affected by natural disaster or conflict. She regularly speaks on issues of philanthropy, international development, and female empowerment. She resides in Santa Barbara with her 17-year old daughter.
Women Surviving Disaster
Learn more about the struggles and accomplishments of women surviving disaster.