World Pulse Townhall: 20th Anniversary Celebrations

October 18, 2024.

Mark the date in your calendars: The day World Pulse's Community Dented the Universe! Or as the unparalleled Kat Haber would say: ROAAAAAAAAARR!!

The brilliant Jill got us all going with her motivation to weave in encouragement on chat - a feat that kept going with pure energy all the way till we closed the session!

Marking our 20th Anniversary, we began with a nod to the past. All that has been, all that was done, all the moments we cherish, and all the moments we learned from - were beautifully wrapped up and presented by the inimitable Jensine Larsen. We then grounded in World Pulse today, with our brilliant CEO Lourdes Rivas talking about her vision and what we are stepping into in the years ahead. In her words: "Technology is just a paintbrush, we are the artists. We are now ready to paint the lifelines that connect us, to draw those digital bridges that carry the social capital needed for global impact, to design the horns that amplify the voices of those silenced. Only then will the aggregate of our local efforts become a global reality."

We then had a Voices of Change roundtable from a circle of voices who have shaped World Pulse over the past 2 decades. We heard from the fantastic Beatrice Achieng Nas, Urmila Chanam, Kat Haber, Karen Axalan, Carolyn Seaman, and Arrey Echi. The electrifying roundtable left everyone in awe and amazement - each of these women have accomplished so much and continue to keep the flag flying high!

After a moment of gratitude where we looked back at every hand that has played a role in bringing us here, to this point in our journey, we had a special ritual to honour the leadership transition. A bright array of candles and lights and lamps lit up the screen as Jensine passed the flame to Lourdes.

We then looked to the future and heard about World Pulse's plans - and some of our newest members spoke about their stories and experiences at World Pulse. We ended with inspiring ways to take action to support World Pulse as we expand the pulse of our collective impact across the globe.

This was a moment of radical celebration. In the midst of so much global disruption and pain, it was a profoundly revolutionary act to create space for reflection and celebration in community. As Yvonne beautifully summed up this journey: "When this community was born, a new chapter for women opened. And from Nigeria to New York City, our voices continue to echo – rising from digital roots  in an unsilenceable chorus of change. To each of you, from founding leaders, to the newest members. Thank you for authoring The future with us."

Missed it? Want to relive it? Want to dance with all of us again? Check out the recording below: