Social Change

“There were definitely teachers at Tabor who shaped me; Ms. [Louise] Kelly showed me how much history left women out,” reflects Amy Richards ’88.

Ms. Kelly’s lessons have influenced Richards’ journey well beyond the School by the Sea. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts from Barnard College in New York City, Richards became a member on a grant making committee for the New York Women’s Foundation, whose philanthropic efforts aim to advance justice for women and gender expansive people.

“Philanthropy is leveraging resources to ensure … our society is less divided … it’s important that we each make investments that reflect our values,” continues Richards, “People often think money is the hurdle to solving problems, but really, it’s a will to change things. Social change takes shifting attitudes as much as it takes money.”

She is also a notable author, producer, and consultant. Her book We Are MAKERS is based on the PBS documentary series, MAKERS that tells the stories of several trailblazing women.

Richards was also the Co-Executive Producer of the Emmy nominated series, WOMAN with Gloria Steinem for Viceland, and was a consulting producer on The HBO documentary, Gloria Steinem: In Her Own Words.

Over the years, Richards has managed an eclectic career. No matter what role she has played, there has always been one constant—activism is always its core. Today, Richards’ leadership and visionary work have made her a primary spokesperson and leading voice for modern feminist issues.