2013 Honoree

Katrina Vanden Heuvel

Editor and Publisher of The Nation

“From my perspective, power means you can speak your mind without fear of reprisal, that you have the right and the resources to be bold in pursuit of a more just and fair country and world, the freedom to be a dissident and challenge conventional wisdom…On many days, I confess, I have to redefine powerful before I accept the term applying to myself…because I think our culture too often means power to be successful in making massive amounts of money or loring it over people who work for you…I prefer collaboration in pursuit of building other’s power…especially building women power!”

What city best describes your personality?

NYC. Thrilling, engaged, find everything you can imagine, does it its own way, and has 24 hour everything.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever ignored, and the worst advice you’ve ever taken?

The best advice i’ve ignored: Go to law school.
The worst advice I’ve taken: To ignore my gut instinct.

What is your best read? What book would you want to be a character in?

Mikhail Bulgakov’s Master & Margarita. A character in Tolstoy’s War and Peace.

How do you define power? Do you enjoy it? How do you live with your success?

From my perspective, power means you can speak your mind without fear of reprisal, that you have the right and the resources to be bold in pursuit of a more just and fair country and world, the freedom to be a dissident and challenge conventional wisdom…On many days, I confess, I have to redefine powerful before I accept the term applying to myself…because I think our culture too often means power to be successful in making massive amounts of money or loring it over people who work for you…I prefer collaboration in pursuit of building other’s power…especially building women power!

When do we stop asking questions about gender equality? When will it be Power People instead of Power Women? Is gender more important than politics?

We’ve come a long way, but we still have a way to go before we stop asking those questions about gender equality. Working for the day when it will be people power…after all, democracy with women’s full participation isn’t a true or vital democracy. That’s how I think about the relationship gender to politics…both important to realize the full power of both.

What do you think of social media?

As an ardent and frequent tweeter (@katrinanation) I find social media exhilarating and vexing and maddening and valuable. Social media has been terrific for the Nation’s digital and circulation growth, so on balance I am a fan.

What’s one place you’ve always wanted to visit on your travels?

Guernica and Barcelona.

When sending a child out to see the world for the first time, where would you send them?

I’d want to know what the child is passionate about before suggesting a reply…After all, one of the great charms, beauty, and magic of children is how their imaginations are so alive, as in their sense of possibility. So, above all, I’d think of a place that would enhance those qualities.

What advice would you give to a young woman starting out?

Be bold. Take risks. Find work you value and which values you. Be caring and kind to all–powerful or vulnerable. Be engaged with your personal interests, your friends, and family–in whatever form you choose that to take–but also engage with the public life of your community. And if politically inclined, run for office!