Dream, Dare, Direct: Erin Bagwell’s Mission to Empower Women Through Storytelling

Film maker and activist Erin Bagwell is redefining what it means to lead, dream, and disrupt. From launching Feminist Wednesday to premiering Dream, Girl at the White House, her journey is a bold declaration that women’s stories matter—and they deserve the spotlight. In this exclusive cover story, discover how Erin turns adversity into advocacy, builds global movements, and inspires a generation of women to take control of their narratives. It has been over five decades since President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act of 1963, marking a critical milestone in the fight for gender pay equity in the United States. Despite this, the gender pay gap continues to persist globally, reminding us that progress, while significant, remains incomplete. Over time, however, there has been a gradual shift. Women now constitute a larger percentage of the workforce, and their contributions are driving entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation like never before. Yet, gender equality is not confined to pay scales—it encompasses broader societal gaps that remain to be addressed

Erin Bagwell: A Trailblazer for Equality and Empowerment

One remarkable woman leading the charge for equality is Erin Bagwell, whose mission is to dismantle the secondary status often assigned to women in society. Through her initiatives, including the creation of Feminist Wednesday and the documentary film Dream, Girl, Erin inspires women to share their stories, break barriers, and dream big. Her journey exemplifies the courage, resilience, and passion necessary to bring about meaningful change.

The Birth of Feminist Wednesday

Erin’s path to advocacy began with her personal experiences in a toxic work environment, where she faced sexual harassment and discrimination. This struggle fueled her desire to become her own boss. Motivated by the stories of women who had successfully built their empires, Erin started Feminist Wednesday—initially as a newsletter and blog—to create a space where women could share experiences, inspire each other, and cultivate a community of empowerment. Feminist Wednesday has since evolved into a weekly podcast called BeaverTalk, where Erin and her co-host, Diana Matthews, share unsolicited feminist advice with Hollywood. Erin describes the platform as a living, evolving entity that continues to amplify women’s voices.

Dream, Girl: Amplifying Women Entrepreneurs

After a year of running Feminist Wednesday, Erin decided to dedicate herself fully to storytelling. Inspired by the stories shared on her blog, she launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a documentary that would spotlight ambitious female entrepreneurs. In just 30 days, Erin raised $104,000, enabling her to produce Dream, Girl.After a year of running Feminist Wednesday, Erin decided to dedicate herself fully to storytelling. Inspired by the stories shared on her blog, she launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a documentary that would spotlight ambitious female entrepreneurs. In just 30 days, Erin raised $104,000, enabling her to produce Dream, Girl.

Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it

Achievements and Global Impact

Erin’s work has gained global recognition: Dream, Girl was featured in prestigious outlets such as Forbes, Vogue, and The Washington Post. In 2017, Erin was selected for the American Film Showcase, a program by the U.S. Department of State that sends filmmakers abroad to engage with international audiences. Erin traveled to Tajikistan and Egypt, where she screened her film and conducted workshops to inspire women through storytelling.

The Power of Collaboration: Erin and Komal

Komal Minhas, a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, brought her expertise in social innovation and storytelling to the Dream, Girl team. Together, Erin and Komal highlighted the potential of women’s collaboration, emphasizing that when women support each other, they can redefine narratives and challenge traditional stereotypes.

Changing the Narrative Through Storytelling

Erin believes in the transformative power of storytelling. She argues that male-dominated media often marginalizes women’s voices, reinforcing the notion that women must compete against one another. By fostering sisterhood and sharing women’s stories, Erin hopes to rewrite this narrative and empower women to see themselves as equals, leaders, and change-makers.

Looking Ahead: Erin’s Vision

Erin’s journey is far from over. She continues to work on new projects, including a film script she plans to direct, while maintaining her dedication to Feminist Wednesday and Beaver Talk. Her ultimate goal is to establish her own production company, where she can bring her creative ideas to life on a larger scale. Her advice to women is simple yet profound: “You don’t need permission to follow your dreams. Stop waiting for someone to give it to you.” By taking charge of their destinies, Erin believes women can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

even the darkest clouds can bring refreshing growth.