Sarah Haacke Byrd: What Makes Women Such Good Givers

Jan 25

Kristine Michie - Playfull podcast interview - Sarah Haacke Byrd

Sarah Haacke Byrd: What Makes Women Such Good Givers

Listen in as Kristine and Sarah discuss:

Why New York is the world’s ultimate playground
Philanthropy, playfulness, and promoting gender equity around the world with women at the center
How joy improves giving – Sarah says: “Philanthropy is joy, and no number of zeroes are required”
Why every problem is a woman’s problem and every solution needs a woman’s touch – as Sarah says, “inspire and encourage women to step into their resource power … owning the power they have and the change that they can realize when they come together”
How Women Moving Millions balances its members’ interests while elevating what they hear from leaders on front line who tell us what they need to do the work – Sarah says: “We don’t need to make it up, let’s hear from the experts and have them tell us what works, what they’re seeing, what could be possible.”
Curiosity and ambiguity is ok; embrace and center possibility as the key to making change

Key Takeaways:

America Ferrera had it right. The challenge to incorporate play amid serious work creates tension, especially for women – Sarah says: [It’s like the actress’ quote in the Barbie movie]: “For women, experiencing barriers to professional growth, it’s like be confident but not assertive, not make any mistakes, but don’t be a perfectionist, be adaptable, be playful, be serious - [this tension] contributes to attitudes and beliefs that hold women back from being who they fully are.”
In the vibrant global community of Women Moving Millions, play becomes a catalyst for breaking down barriers, fostering collaboration, and infusing joy
Play breaks down barriers from folks with different lived experiences, cultural backgrounds, as an important part of movement building
Climate, healthcare, migration, education, these and all problems impact women first, most, and most severely. Women are also the key to solving these challenges.
Women Moving Millions leverages the playful spirit of its diverse members, using innovative approaches like speed-dating and creative ice-breakers to create a supportive and joyful space for women to explore challenges, experiment with philanthropy, and drive positive change.
Foster a culture of possibility in leadership, draw inspiration from role models, mentors, and contemporaries, recognize the importance of play and humor, to break barriers and promote a more inclusive and authentic work environment.

Sarah’s Call-to-Action:

"Contribute whatever you can to your local women's foundation. They are the backbone of the movement. If you don't know where it is or if you have one [where you live], Google it, find it. They need your support now more than ever." — Sarah Haacke Byrd