Amy Richards

Here’s a 500-word summary of Amy Richards’ biography:

Amy Richards is a prominent feminist author, producer, organizer, and consultant who has made significant contributions to contemporary feminist discourse and activism. She is the president of Soapbox, Inc., a leading feminist lecture agency, and the affiliated Soapbox Foundation, which created Feminist Camp.

Richards co-authored the influential book “Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism & the Future” with Jennifer Baumgardner, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Her other works include “Opting In: Having a Child Without Losing Yourself,” “Grassroots: A Field Guide for Feminist Activism,” and most recently, “We Are MAKERS,” based on the PBS documentary series.

As a producer, Richards has been involved in several notable projects. She produced the Emmy-nominated series “WOMAN” for Viceland and executive produced “The Glorias.” She has also served as a consulting producer for various documentaries, including HBO’s “Gloria Steinem: In Her Own Words” and the PBS series “MAKERS: Women Making America.”

Richards’ activism began early in her career when she co-founded the Third Wave Foundation, a national organization for young feminist activists. During her tenure, she initiated public education projects and established the organization’s core program areas. This work launched her as a leading voice for contemporary feminist issues.

Since 1995, Richards has been running “Ask Amy,” an online advice column on feminist.com. Her writings have appeared in numerous publications, including The Nation, The LA Times, Bust, and Ms. Magazine, covering topics from plastic surgery to abortion politics.

As a sought-after speaker, Richards lectures at dozens of venues each year and has appeared on various media platforms, including Charlie Rose, Fox’s The O’Reilly Factor, Oprah, and CNN. She has been recognized for her leadership and vision by several organizations, including Ms. magazine, Women’s eNews, and the American Association of University Women.

Beyond her writing and media work, Richards is deeply involved in consulting and advisory roles. She works closely with Gloria Steinem on her writings and has served as a cultural attaché to the U.S. Embassy in Russia, consulting on women’s issues. She has also been involved in educational projects addressing race in America and the long-term health consequences of welfare reform.

Richards is committed to supporting various organizations through board and advisory committee roles, including the Sadie Nash Leadership Program, Chicken & Egg Productions, feminist.com, and Ms. Magazine. She has been recognized for her contributions, including being named one of twenty-five Young Visionaries by Who Cares magazine in 1995.

A graduate of Barnard College with a degree in Art History, Richards was also a NCAA Division I soccer player. She continues to demonstrate her passion for athletics as a four-time marathon runner. Richards balances her professional accomplishments with personal interests, including travel and cooking, while also being a mother.

Through her multifaceted career as an author, producer, organizer, and consultant, Amy Richards has established herself as a key figure in contemporary feminism, consistently working to advance women’s rights and inspire the next generation of feminist activists.