Civic evangelist Isabel Gonzàlez Whitaker believes that voting is essential but just the start in fulfilling citizenship responsibilities. In this inspiring talk, Isabel, a first generation Cuban American, shares her civic awakening, and the four ways toward building stronger, more resilient communities and richer civic lives.. Isabel González Whitaker believes engaging civically is not only a right, it is every citizen’s responsibility.

She is a dynamic storyteller with a successful journalism and media career spanning over two decades. From covering the fashion runways of Paris and Milan to exploring the cultures of South America and Asia, Isabel has interviewed some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Jennifer Lopez, Oprah Winfrey, and Beyoncé, as well as political figures like former President Bill Clinton.

Her mother’s sudden death when Isabel was 35 years old set her on a transformative journey from civics neophyte to evangelist. Today, she is the chief operating officer of All in Together, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping voting-age American women with action-oriented, nonpartisan civic education so that they may realize their full potential as leaders shaping our nation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx