Soha Ellaithy: Our Impact is in Community 

If you won the lottery, how would you spend it? It’s a question many development professionals consider privately. For me, I’ve always wanted to invest in using culture to reshape what society views as “common sense."

I grew up in the Middle East, acutely aware of issues of injustice and always thinking of how to achieve equality. While the concept of narrative wasn’t always explicitly defined in my vision, as I advanced in my career, I became strongly convinced that changing societal narratives is key in expanding human rights. 

That’s why I felt very fortunate to join The Opportunity Agenda as the Vice President of Advancement. As a new member of the organization, I was eager to understand the real-world impact of TOA's efforts. The value of our research, messaging guidance, and trainings were clear. But how did it all come together to create tangible change?

I did not have to wait long for the answer.

Seeing the work first-hand—from attending Creative Change to meeting our Narrative Innovators Lab fellows—brought home for me that narrative change is not just about providing tools, but more importantly about leveraging the power of convening. We are cultivating generational leaders from all corners of the social justice movement who gain fresh strategies and join forces to spark innovative solutions.

The great thing about narrative change is that you don’t have to win the lottery. Yes, large-scale cultural change will require significant investment, but leaders like Qainat and Priscilla give me hope that we can make change happen now.

Culture Corner: Staff Recommendations

To wrap up our Culture Corner recommendations for 2023, we wanted to curate a mix of music and films to celebrate the power of representation, find strength, and nurture your soul. Our first recommendation needs your support today, so let's get to it:

WHO WE BECOME (2023) – Directed by PJ Raval, this feature documentary follows three young, Filipina-American women in Texas as they navigate the difficult time and intergenerational conversations about Asian-Black solidarity, rising anti-Asian hate crimes, and civic engagement during the pandemic.  

For our TOA colleagues Rachel Reyes and Sunee Kate Quirante, it’s a big deal to see the stories of Fil-Ams on Netflix, and we need everyone’s help today, December 1st, to make big ratings splash when it releases. Hear from star Monica Silverio how you can help and watch the trailer. For conversations with your community and family, you can also lean on our tips for difficult holiday conversations and talking about anti-Asian racism. 

LIFT LIKE A GIRL (2020) - Directed by independent Egyptian filmmaker Mayye Zayed, this documentary chronicles the journey of teenage athlete Zebiba as she rises from a scrappy neighborhood in Alexandria to becoming a national weightlifting champion. 

Hailing from Cairo, Soha Ellaithy loved how the film succeeds in highlighting evolving gender perceptions in Egypt and the sheer grit, determination, and perseverance of young women from working-class families. In a society where all odds are stacked against them, it offers a different perspective on what it means to be a woman. Also streaming on Netflix, you can watch the trailer on YouTube. 

Water Made Us (2023) - Inspired by how water taught her to let go, Jamila Woods’ latest album features songs like “Tiny Garden” and “Practice” that speak to the importance of tending to yourself and being present in the moment with others, without feeling like everything needs to be “right” (an homage to Allen Iverson). 

Although it dropped in mid-October, it’s been playing on repeat in Kate Starks’ home and caused her to revisit Woods’ poetry. Through her music and poetry, Woods tells stories about her life and the Black experience in ways that empower others to find a sense of belonging and understanding. Watch the music video for “Tiny Garden” on YouTube and pre-order her album on CD, vinyl, or tape. She’ll also be touring in early 2024.