Laura Liswood

Who is Laura Liswood?

Laura Ann Liswood is Secretary General of the Council of Women World Leaders, which is composed of women presidents, prime ministers, and heads of government. In August 1996, she co-founded the Council with President Vigdís Finnbogadóttir of Iceland.

The work of the Council expands the understanding of leadership, establishes a network of resources for high-level women leaders, and provides a forum for the group to provide input and shape international issues important to all people. The Council's mission is to promote good governance and enhance the experience of democracy globally by increasing the number, effectiveness, and visibility of women who led at the highest levels in their countries. The Council is a policy program of the Aspen Institute and is currently chaired by President Tarja Halonen of Finland.

From 1992-1996, as director of the Women's Leadership Project, Liswood identified global leadership contributions by women heads of state. She interviewed 19 current and former women presidents and prime ministers, which is chronicled in her book and video documentary, Women World Leaders. Her quest was to find out what it would take for a woman to become President of the United States.