Bio

Stephenie Foster (she/her) has deep and broad expertise in women’s economic and political empowerment with decades of experience on Capitol Hill, in the Executive Branch, the non-profit sector, and in the law. She has been fighting for women and girls her entire career; Empowering women in Afghan war zones (U.S. Embassy, Kabul), monitoring elections in Ukraine, representing the U.S. State Department in meetings with government and civil society leaders (Office of Global Women’s Issues), and serving as a Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate. Having traveled, lived, or worked in over 100 countries, she has consistently used her voice and actions to change discriminatory laws and policies and help shift cultural norms and inequalities. She is a founding partner of Smash Strategies, which provides strategic advice to corporations, institutions and philanthropists to ensure that their investments in women and girls are effective and transformational. Based on her unique experiences, she understands the political and policy landscapes relevant to empowering women and girls, in order to increase their opportunities for leadership and growth and promote a more equal world.

Foster is the author of a well sourced and important toolkit, Take Action: Fighting for Women and Girls which covers the basics of activism and advocacy and gives the reader specific information about four issues related to girls, women and gender equality. The power and importance of education, expanding economic opportunities, eliminating gender-based violence and participating in public life and politics. Foster's book will help aspiring activists begin their work and stay focused and goal-oriented.

Sub-specialties:

The Nexus of Success: How Women’s Political and Economic Empowerment are Intertwined
Importance of Investing in Women and Girls at Home and Abroad
Women, Peace and Security: An International Perspective
Gender and Peace-Building: the U.S. Experience - Advancing Women’s Leadership and Participation in Peace-Building and Disaster Risk Reduction
The Many Ways and Platforms to Advance Gender Equality
The Role of Women: What Does Innovation with a Gender Lens Look Like?
Increasing the Number of Women in STEM

Articles, Publications, Appearances