Interview with Vanessa Edwards Foster

If there were a Mount Rushmore for transgender activism, Vanessa Edwards Foster’s face would be chiseled into the stone, probably mid-speech, passionately lobbying a senator who just realized he’s woefully outmatched. A seasoned activist, a relentless advocate, and a veteran of the political trenches, Vanessa has spent decades fighting for transgender rights, knocking on doors (sometimes having them slammed in her face), and ensuring that the voices of Trans people aren’t just heard but taken seriously.

 

As the board chair of the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition (NTAC), Vanessa has been at the forefront of the movement, navigating the tangled web of Washington politics with a mix of tenacity, humor, and an unshakable sense of purpose. She’s lobbied the U.S. government more times than she can probably count, pressing for policy changes that affirm and protect transgender lives. And let’s not forget her pioneering leadership as the first transgender individual elected president of a chapter of the National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC) in Harris County, Texas. If breaking barriers were an Olympic sport, Vanessa would be a gold medalist.

Interview with Melissa Reames

Monika: Some people are natural-born leaders, while others grow into leadership through experience and self-discovery. Melissa Reames, an inspiring transgender woman, mentor, public speaker, and General Manager at National Vision Inc., embodies both. Her journey is one of resilience, transformation, and a deep commitment to helping others navigate their own paths. From overcoming shyness to confidently addressing audiences, and from self-doubt to self-acceptance, Melissa has carved out a space where she can uplift and empower. Today, she shares her experiences, insights, and the lessons she has learned along the way. Hello Melissa!

Melissa: Thank you, for having me here.

Monika: Could you say a few words about yourself?

Melissa: I am a 54-year-old transgender woman. I’m married to the most beautiful trans gal, Scarlet! We will be celebrating our year anniversary in April. That is a story in itself. I have a son who just turned 16. His mother, my ex (before transitioning) is a big ally and friend. I’ve been in the optical field all my life. A summer job turned into a career that I love. I began to medically transition four years ago. I’ve been out fully for 3.5 years. Although the world is a little dark politically, I have never been so invigorated or happy since coming out as myself. I love sharing my story and mentoring.

Interview with Tashnuva Anan Shishir

Breaking barriers and rewriting history, Tashnuva Anan Shishir has become a powerful voice for transgender rights in Bangladesh and beyond. As a model, actress, activist, and news anchor, she has shattered societal norms, proving that representation is not just necessary - it is transformative. On March 8, 2021, she made headlines as Bangladesh’s first openly transgender news anchor, delivering the news on International Women’s Day - a symbolic moment for visibility and change.

 

Her journey has not stopped there. From gracing the runway at New York City Fashion Week to being elected as the first Bangladeshi member of the ILGA World board, Shishir continues to advocate for equality, breaking new ground with every step. Her work in the arts, media, and activism has positioned her as an inspiration not only in South Asia but around the world.

Interview with Ada Arencibia

Monika: Few voices in transgender and LGBTQ+ advocacy resonate as powerfully as Ada Arencibia. As the host of Out of the Closet, Into the World, she has created a platform where authenticity is celebrated, empowering listeners to embrace their truth. Born in Cuba, Ada's journey has taken her across borders and personal evolutions. After moving to the U.S., she navigated cultural shifts, bullying, and self-discovery. Coming out first as gay and later as a transgender woman, she has faced rejection and adversity but emerged as a fearless advocate.

Ada openly shares the realities of the transgender experience, from mental health to relationships, offering insight and hope. Her honesty about her own struggles makes her a guiding light for others seeking their path. Today, I have the privilege of exploring Ada’s journey, advocacy, and the lessons she has learned along the way. Let’s step Out of the Closet, Into the World with Ada Arencibia. Welcome to my blog, Ada!

Interview with Mia F. Yamamoto

Monika: Some people break barriers; others shatter them entirely. Mia F. Yamamoto is firmly in the latter category. A distinguished criminal defense attorney, civil rights activist, and fearless advocate for justice, she has spent decades fighting for fairness in the legal system. Born in the Poston War Relocation Center during World War II, Mia’s journey, from co-founding the Asian Pacific Islander Law Student Association at UCLA to receiving prestigious awards like the Harvey Milk Legacy Award and the Liberty Award by Lambda Legal, is nothing short of inspiring. Beyond her legal accomplishments, Mia is a proud transgender woman who has dedicated her life to uplifting marginalized communities. She has served on California’s Judicial Council Task Forces and has been recognized by numerous organizations for her unwavering commitment to equality. Today, I have the honor of speaking with Mia about her life, career, and activism. Hello Mia!

Mia: Hello Monika! Thanks for having me!

Interview with Gabriela Augusto

Monika: Gabriela, it's such a pleasure to sit down with you today. As a fellow transgender woman and activist, I have long admired your incredible journey and the impactful work you've accomplished. I’m nowhere near your level, but I’m so excited to learn from you and share your story with my audience!

But before we dive in, let me properly introduce you.

You are an extraordinary woman who has broken barriers and set new standards for transgender visibility and leadership in Brazil and beyond. You made history as the first transgender person to be recognized in Forbes Brazil’s Under 30 list, and your impact has only grown from there. Bloomberg Línea named you one of the 50 Women of Impact in Latin America, and Billboard recognized you in their Over 30 list.

You founded Transcendemos Consultoria, a company that helps businesses create truly diverse and inclusive environments. Your work has touched major organizations like Natura, Kraft-Heinz, and Dasa, and it’s not just limited to Brazil - you’re making a difference across Latin America. On top of that, you’ve been a speaker at major events, including ones organized by UN Women and ILO, and you even teach at top institutions like FAAP and Fundação Dom Cabral.

Interview with Victoria Kolakowski

Monika: Victoria Kolakowski is a true pioneer in the legal world. Since 2011, she’s served as a judge on the Alameda County Superior Court, making history as the first openly transgender person to hold a trial court judgeship of general jurisdiction in the United States. But she didn’t just break barriers, she crushed them, probably while wearing fabulous heels. After coming out as transgender, she had to sue just to take the bar exam in Louisiana, but that didn’t stop her from pursuing her passion for law. Her impressive journey includes degrees in science, engineering, law, and divinity, as well as major roles advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. On top of that, she’s been an ordained minister and a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, serving as the president of the International Association of LGBT Judges.

Victoria, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today. As a fellow transgender woman, I truly admire your groundbreaking work and the impact you've had on the legal field and beyond. Welcome to my blog, Vicky!

Vicky: I’m excited to finally answer all of your questions!

Interview with Emilia Rüttinger

Monika: Today, I have the privilege of speaking with the inspiring Emilia Marina Rüttinger, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist at MEAG, the asset manager for Münchener Rück. Emilia's career has been shaped by her unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive environments.

Before joining MEAG in 2007 as the Head of the Credit Team, she worked at Union Investment, where she led the Non-Financial Credit Team. In 2022, she transitioned into her current role as a DEI specialist at MEAG, bringing her expertise and passion for equity and inclusion to the forefront. But Emilia’s journey is more than just professional, it is deeply personal. She has navigated the complexities of gender identity with resilience and grace, shaping not only her career but also her life.

As a fellow transgender woman, I’m especially excited to hear about her personal journey to womanhood, the challenges she has overcome, and the freedom she now enjoys by living as her true self. Emilia, thank you so much for being here today!

Emilia: Thank you, Monika, for the kind invitation!

Interview with Jennifer Marie

Monika: Today, I have the absolute pleasure of speaking with an incredible advocate, leader, and inspiration in the transgender community - Jennifer Marie. With over a decade of success in sports marketing and financial services, Jenn was known for her ability to foster meaningful business partnerships. But her true passion has always been about connection - both in the corporate world and in community service, where she continues to serve as a dedicated board member for two non-profits.

In 2024, Jenn took her commitment to empowerment to the next level by founding Jennspire, a coaching service designed to uplift and guide transgender individuals and their families toward authentic joy and fulfillment. She is also the author of Ask Me Anything: My Transparent Transition Story (2024), a deeply personal and enlightening biography.

Interview with Maria Minakowska

Monika: Maria Jadwiga Minakowska is a historian, genealogist, and philosopher known for her groundbreaking work in Polish genealogy. She earned a PhD in classical philosophy from Jagiellonian University. Her biggest achievement is the "Great Genealogy by Minakowski," a massive database tracing the connections of nearly a million people. 

Her passion for history and ancestry has helped countless individuals discover their roots, and in recognition of her work, she received the Decoration of Honor Meritorious for Polish Culture in 2016. In 2024, Maria publicly embraced her identity as a transgender woman. In this interview, we are going to touch upon her fascinating career, personal journey toward womanhood, and the importance of knowing where we come from. Hello Maria!

Maria: Hello, it’s my pleasure to talk to you. I decided to make everything public regarding my professional career and my private life, especially my transition. It’s like writing memoirs, both for future and present generations, so I will happily share with you as much as possible.

Interview with Antonia Monopoli

Monika: Antonia Monopoli is my special guest today. She is a transgender activist, writer, YouTube video creator, and Italian stage actress. For years, she has been in charge of the Trans Desk at the Ala Association, an Italian organization that focuses on health protection, social inclusion, anti-discrimination, and cooperation both nationally and internationally. She is the author of “La Forza di Antonia: Storia di una persona transgender.” Hi Antonia! Thank you for accepting my invitation.

Antonia: Thank you for choosing me for this interview. It's an honor and a pleasure to be interviewed by you.

Monika: Many of us, myself included, live the lives of wives, mothers, and daughters, trying to forget our past. You decided to be an advocate for transgender rights and express our positive image in society. Have you ever felt tempted to hide your past and be just a woman, rather than a transgender woman?

Antonia: I think I hid myself for too long, and at a certain point in my life, exactly in 2002, I decided not to hide anymore. I chose to live my life in the light, not in the shadows, facing whatever life threw at me and trying to be an example for other transgender people. I hope I succeeded.