Princess Yasmin Aga Khan’s story begins at the intersection of Hollywood glamour and royal heritage. She is the daughter of screen legend Rita Hayworth — who earned her first film contract at age 16 after being raised by professional New York City dancer parents — and Prince Aly Salomone Khan. Their marriage, and Yasmin’s birth, […]
Escaping a trafficker is often seen as the finish line. In reality, it’s only the beginning. According to the 2023 Polaris National Survivor Study, 43 percent of survivors earn less than $25,000 annually, compared to 26 percent of the general U.S. population. Survivors emerge from exploitation with no income, limited education, no savings, and often […]
Have you ever wondered what happens to a ballet dancer after they take their final bow on the stage? In Christine Rocas’ case, fate intervened, and she ended up exactly where she was always meant to be. After almost 20 years dancing for the Joffrey Ballet, a Make It Better Foundation grant partner, she is […]
When I’m asked, “How are you?,” my knee-jerk reaction is to quickly just say, “Fine” or “Good.” But a couple of years ago, I remember being stopped in my tracks when an acquaintance paused after my automatic reply and asked me again, “How are you, really, dear?” She saw right through my hasty answer and […]
A decade of transformative impact was celebrated at ASCENSION, Surge Institute‘s 10th anniversary celebration, which brought together alumni, supporters, and special guests to honor the organization’s decade-long mission of empowering leaders of color in the education sector. Held Nov. 7, 2024 at WildmanBT in Chicago, the evening was a powerful blend of inspiring storytelling, meaningful […]
The holiday season invites us to reflect, express gratitude, and transform it into meaningful action. Giving Tuesday, observed this year on December 3, is more than a single day of generosity — it’s a global movement encouraging us to make a lasting impact through intentional giving. Established in 2012 by New York City’s 92nd Street […]
When Al-Nisa found out she was pregnant during her senior year of college, she faced overwhelming challenges. Newly married, in an abusive relationship, and without health insurance, she feared not just for herself, but for her unborn child — and she needed help. That help came in the form of her Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) nurse. “Just […]
As we enter the holiday season, the true spirit of joy is found in giving, especially to those who need it most. And there’s science behind this. Research has consistently shown that acts of generosity — whether it’s giving gifts, financial support, or donations — increase our happiness even more than spending on ourselves. At […]
I am approaching the 27th anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis. And while I have remained cancer-free, it’s been quite a ride. I am also approaching the 3rd anniversary of my preventative mastectomy and removal of my ovaries. Why the surgeries, might you ask, if I was cancer-free? In 1997, following a routine mammogram, I […]
In a time when technology seems to be streamlining everything from how we order food to researching complicated subjects, it might not seem important to sharpen your communication skills. Rapid-fire texts and emails may fill our inboxes and screens, but whatever the medium of written communication, don’t discount the impact of a concise, well-crafted message. […]
