“I was instilled with this idea that I come from a lot of privilege and lot of ease in my own life, and to use that as power to clear the barriers for others to exercise their own privilege and power.”

Rena Greifinger has used her power and privilege to help some of the most underrepresented and marginalized people in the world. Director of Individual Philanthropy and Managing Director of the Maverick Collective by Population Services International or PSI, Rena joined PSI twelve years ago with a mission of working for the dignity of people affected by stigmatized issues.

Whether that’s HIV/AIDS or helping women get access to contraception and family planning or helping communities upgrade sanitation, Rena puts people at the center.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

00:00 Rena's background and passion for social justice

08:00 Introduction to Population Services International (PSI)

13:27 The Maverick Collective: investing in women and girls

18:21 Addressing gender-based violence

23:03 Including men and boys in the conversation for gender equality

24:56 Challenges and rewards of working in different countries and cultures

25:37 The power of individual philanthropy and innovation

28:40 Engaging high-net-worth women donors through Maverick Collective

45:18 The interconnectedness of social issues

49:04 Taking action and recognizing privilege in living a moral life

Find out more about the Maverick Collective and PSI on their websites: www.psi.org and maverickcollective.org. Get to know Rena Greifinger on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/renagreifinger.

Musings About Ourselves and Other Strangers is the podcast for the non-profit organization The Life You Can Save and is hosted by co-founder Charlie Bresler. Please check out other episodes as well as our website for ideas on how you too can extend your impact for good in the world: www.thelifeyoucansave.org.