For International Women’s Day, we’ve turned to some of the women we’re proud to work with to hear words of inspiration, encouragement and joy. From scientists working in remote places, to actors and artists exploring city streets and adventure-seekers who summit awe-inspiring peaks, we’ve asked questions big and small. Because at its heart, International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on all the ways we shape our identities—and come together to build a future that’s more inclusive and empowering.
Sophie Darlington, Cinematographer – United Kingdom
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Like so many people I have such a primal fear of the deep ocean. And later this year, I’m going to go on the smallest boat in the world—ah, it’s not that small—but I’m going on a very small boat across the roughest passage of sea. And that feels pretty adventurous.
Kimberly Drew, Author, Curator & Activist – United States
When has the support of another woman empowered you?
Every day I feel empowered by other women, informed by other women, enlightened by other women. That’s just how I like to live my life!
Sarain Fox, Indigenous Activist & Artist – Canada
Who are the women that inspire you the most?
Each and every day I’m inspired by the women of my community. By young women who are standing up to protect this earth. By my own daughter, whose future I protect each and every day. But I am inspired most by my mom: the woman who brought me into this world. I’m inspired by her more and more every day. I’m inspired by the resilience and the beauty and the gift that it is to be a woman. To be a protector.
Qiu Tian, Actor – China
What are some of your selfcare essentials?
Meditation. I imagine myself swallowing the sun to feel its energy. Or I think of where there are trees—because I think through the roots of the tree, the energy can transfer up my feet then to my whole body.
Alisha Boe, Actor – USA
When do you feel the most beautiful?
I feel the most beautiful when I’m surrounded by nature, lots of sunlight and with the people that I love.
Suzette Brissett, Choreographer/Creative Director – United Kingdom
How do you practice mental wellness?
I practice mental wellness everyday by religiously doing my affirmations, giving thanks, speaking out, thinking out into existence, giving gratitude! That’s what I do every day.
Anna Filipova, Photojournalist and Filmmaker – France
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I’ve stood alongside the magnificence and fortitude of polar bears in their natural habitat.
Sadie Whitelocks, Writer and Photographer – United Kingdom
Describe being a woman in one word?
If I could describe being a woman in one word, it would probably be empowering. In the UK I’m fortunate to be in a position as a woman to empower others. So, that’s my hope with what I do: to empower other women who might not be in that position
Helga Hengge, Speaker, Author & Mountaineer – Germany
How do you motivate yourself when things get tough?
Dream big. Start out with a lot of enthusiasm. And when things get tough, I always challenge myself to find something new, something exciting, something that will inspire me to work through the hard times on the mountain and then go beyond the next ridge and see what is there, what is coming up. It has a lot to do with trust.
Greta Scarano, Actor – Italy
When do you feel the most beautiful?
I feel beautiful when I’m travelling, because that’s when I feel totally free.
Kelly Chan, TV Presenter – Hong Kong
How do you disconnect and recharge?
I think it’s hard to find a serene moment in Hong Kong because of this hustle and bustle of city life. But there are many ways to disconnect. Like to get a coffee, go running, do yoga, go hiking—any kind of opportunity that you can spend time with yourself.
Alysa McCall, PBI Staff Scientist – Canada
How do you Live in the Open?
My favorite way to live in the open is to listen. So, whether I’m sitting on Arctic sea ice and listening to the ocean or walking through the forest and listening to the crunching snow—I just love listening to what’s around me. No noises, just nature.
Xiaoyangbure, Fashion Influencer – China
When do you feel most beautiful?
Every time I look in the mirror and can see confidence shining through.
