To Judith Rodin, who first recommended I write this book and arranged a residency at Bellagio, the Rockefeller Foundation’s conference center on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, where I began to compile the memories and consider a memoir, encouraged by Pilar and my fellow Bellagians.
To Betsy Rapoport, whose collaboration supported me through the doubts and delays, whose editor’s eye greatly improved the storytelling, and whose curious mind pushed for more meaning in every memory and experience.
To my editor, Laura Mazer, whose personal enthusiasm, professional counsel, and unwavering faith completed my journey to discover the value in this narrative for others.
And to Scott Seydel, who encouraged me, as he does every day in every way, with his unconditional love and support.
To Rutherford, Rosina, Lael, Scotto, Clark, and Mark, our sources of parental joy and pride, and their life partners, Laura, Tess, Nick, and Miranda.
To our grandchildren, Catharine, Michelle, John R., Vasser, Laura Elizabeth, Sullivan, Cole, John, Stella and May, Lizzie, Marisol, and Justin, who love me as Gigi and now know the rest of my story.
I am blessed to know so many dangerous women and brave men, and acknowledging them all would require another book. To end this one, I want to acknowledge with admiration and gratitude: Jennifer and Peter Buffett for the ways they are modeling a values-led life and transforming philanthropy; Jeff Skoll whose innovation, risk-taking, and vision are compelling social change; and to all my colleagues giving time, talent, and treasure to support the work of the Sundance Institute, the Women’s Media Center, the Skoll Foundation, Acumen, Participant Media, Alliance for Artisans, Women without Borders, and V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls—thank you for carrying your torches high and bright for others to follow.
WITH SPECIAL GRATITUDE to the Dangerous Women who answered my questions and accepted my invitation to be a part of the book and with admiration for the parts they play in creating a better world.
Here’s a list of their organizations, which I invite you to learn more about and support.
Stacey Abrams
FairFightAction.com
Ai-jen Poo
domesticworkers.org
Ava DuVernay
Arraynow.com
Mary Robinson
Mary Robinson Foundation–Climate Justice
MRFCJ.org
Abigail Disney
Peaceisloud.org
City of Joy
Vday.org
Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw
African American Policy Forum
AAPF.org
Zoya
Vday.org
Monique Wilson
OneBillionRising.org
Laura Flanders
http://lauraflanders.org/donate
Jacqueline Novogratz
Acumen.org
Sandi Toksvig
Womensequality.org.uk
Ruth Ann Harnisch
The Harnisch Foundation thehf.org
Meagan Fallone
Barefootcollege.org