Meghan Markle is marking her debut as a summit moderator and interviewer. The Duchess of Sussex, who is quite used to answering questions from the media, will be on the other side of the microphone this time in a virtual event for The 19th.
The 19th is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that concentrates on gender representation. Emily Ramshaw, a joint founder of the group which launched this summer, said Meghan reached out to her.
Ramshaw said Meghan asked if she could interview The 19th joint founder about what it takes to build a media brand that delivers uplifting stories on gender equity and diversity. Apparently, the duchess likes The 19th's vision of a diverse newsroom covering women from underrepresented sectors.
Meghan's virtual summit with Ramshaw will take place on Aug. 14. The event coincides with the 100th anniversary of women's right to vote.
Prominent women in journalism, politics, socio-civics and the arts from around the world will speak in different live-streamed events. Among them are U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, philanthropist Melinda Gates and award-winning actress Meryl Streep. The duchess's Q&A with Ramshaw will be the final presentation.
Ramshaw said it will be a surreal experience. She never imagined Meghan would reach out to her and tell her that she admires their work, much less ask her questions. The journalist isn't used to being interviewed but she made an exception for Meghan.
In July, Meghan was part of the virtual Girl Up Leadership Summit talking about gender and racial equality. The event was for future women leaders and Michelle Obama was a speaker.
A month before the summit, Meghan and Prince Harry signed up with the Harry Walker Agency for their speaking engagements. Aside from their charities these jobs will keep the Duke and Duchess of Sussex busy as they step away from royal life.
Meanwhile, the duchess recently celebrated her 39th birthday in Los Angeles with Harry, son Archie and her mother Doria Ragland. According to Us Weekly, Harry treated his wife to a three-course meal with some help from his mother-in-law. The duke improved his cooking skills during the lockdown but his wife still makes the better meals, according to a source.
The source said Harry gave his wife a necklace he personally designed. Apparently, Meghan planned a simple birthday but she's preparing to go all out for her 40th in 2021.
