From beginning her activism amid the social movements of 1960s Berkeley to dedicating more than four decades to peacebuilding, philanthropy, and women’s leadership, Cynda Collins Arsenault’s story is a reminder that peace is more than the absence of war—it is reflected in the systems, relationships, and everyday conditions that allow people and communities to thrive. Cynda Collins Arsenault is the co-founder, board chair, and president of Secure World Foundation and a longtime advocate for women’s leadership in peace and security. In this episode, she shares why women’s participation produces stronger and more sustainable decisions, how trusting local leaders can transform philanthropy, and why connection, hope, and collective action remain essential to building a more peaceful and equitable world. What you’ll take away Why including women and those directly affected by policies leads to stronger decisions and more sustainable peaceHow peace encompasses economic, environmental, personal, and community security—not simply the absence of conflictWhy trusting local women, building meaningful connections, and recognizing our shared power can turn hope into collective change Join us: World Pulse Global Town Hall — From Voice to Power Inspired by what becomes possible when women have community and support? Join women from around the world to hear directly from changemakers, connect across borders, and explore how individual action becomes collective power. 📅 Tuesday, November 17, 2026 🕘 9:30 AM PT / 12:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM UTC 🔗 Reserve your spot: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4DMfbSCCS_u69qb6ciUHAg About the podcast From Her to All of Us is a podcast by World Pulse, a social impact network of 90,000 women changemakers. Every episode brings you inside the life of a woman building change. Real stories. New perspectives. Inspiration and tools for your own journey. About World Pulse World Pulse is a global nonprofit connecting and supporting 90,000 women changemakers across 195 countries. From advancing education and economic opportunity to addressing gender-based violence, humanitarian crises, climate resilience, and digital inclusion, our community is leading solutions to some of the world's most urgent challenges. By investing in women's leadership, donors help accelerate lasting change where it matters most: within communities themselves. Explore their stories, connect with the community, and discover how you can get involved at worldpulse.org. Support us If these stories matter to you, the best thing you can do is hit subscribe, it makes sure more women find this space. Then come join us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, where you can get in touch with more women leaders and changemakers. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldpulse/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldpulse Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldpulsemedia Join the conversation Who should we talk to next? Tell us in the comments, the topics and countries you want to hear from. Have a story to share? No matter your background, whether you are a grassroots leader, in the corporate world, interested in women's leadership or inclusion, there is a place for you here. Women's voices deserve an audience. 📩 Reach out to info@worldpulse.org - we would love to hear from you. —— (00:00:00) Start (00:00:39) Intro (00:02:29) Early influences and activism in Berkeley (00:04:38) Serendipitous moments and space governance (00:06:50) The Women, Peace, and Security agenda (00:08:40) Evidence of women’s impact on decision-making (00:09:57) Stories of women peacebuilders worldwide (00:11:14) Trusting local women in philanthropy (00:12:08) Leadership lessons from women on the ground (00:13:56) Remaining hopeful amidst global challenges (00:16:59) Connecting issues for meaningful change (00:18:52) The growth of Women Powering Change (00:20:25) Mentors and supporters in her journey (00:22:56) One message for women listening
