Who's Behind the Initiative?

Hello and welcome to Woman's Place, a podcast dedicated to exploring the rich, complex, and sometimes messy tapestry of women’s history and rights. I’m Meredith Busch-Yankovsky, and I’m so excited to be sharing this journey with you.

Who I Am and Why I'm Here

I'm a native Californian who recently traded sun-drenched beaches for something entirely new, the rural fringes of Elgin, Illinois, on the outskirts of Chicagoland. More importantly, I’m a wife and a mother to two beautiful children—a spirited toddler girl and a new baby boy. My life, like so many of yours, is a balancing act of family, a full-time career as a corporate trainer, and a deep-seated passion for learning and advocacy.

My academic journey has been a winding but meaningful path. I hold a Bachelor's degree in International Studies with a minor in Russian Studies from UC Irvine, where my research focused on HIV prevention in Russia. My Master's from Johns Hopkins centered on literature and women’s rights, with a thesis that explored Anne of Green Gables as a "Feminine Utopia." I've also been a PhD candidate at Liberty University, diving into American history, literature, and the complex relationship between American communism and anti-communism. My dissertation, currently on hold while I raise my little ones, is about children's literature in the early Cold War.

Why This Project Matters

For me, this podcast is more than a passion project—it's a mission. The idea for "A Woman's Place" was born from a hope to share oft-overlooked history with today's women, but now I'm revisiting that initiative out of fierce love for my children and a deep desire to shape the world they will inherit. I want my daughter to grow up in a world where her rights are not debated but are instead guaranteed by the Equal Rights Amendment. And I want my son to become an ardent feminist, free from the inherited burdens of patriarchy, so he can be a champion for equality.

"Do not keep silent when your own ideas and values are being attacked. If a dictatorship ever comes to this country, it will be by the fault of those who keep silent. We are still free enough to speak. Do we have time? No one can tell." ~ Ayn Rand

This is a pivotal moment in history. We are seeing rights challenged and voices silenced. It's more critical than ever to use our own voices, to build our knowledge, and to empower one another. As the philosopher Ayn Rand is credited with saying, "Do not keep silent when your own ideas and values are being attacked. If a dictatorship ever comes to this country, it will be by the fault of those who keep silent. We are still free enough to speak. Do we have time? No one can tell." It's time for me to get off the sidelines and stop being silent. I can be loud, take up space, and I hope Woman's Place is a community where others can, too.

Why You Should Listen

With a background rooted in historical research and feminist theory, I'm here to provide a perspective that is both academic and deeply personal. I've spent years immersed in the histories of women who fought for their place in the world, and I'm here to share those stories with you. We'll explore everything from historical milestones to modern-day challenges, all with the goal of understanding where we've been, where we are, and where we need to go.

This podcast is for anyone who believes in the power of a woman’s voice and the importance of her place in history. Join me as we uncover the stories, celebrate the triumphs, and confront the ongoing struggles together. Let's make sure the next generation grows up with all the freedom, rights, health, and happiness they deserve.

Much love,

Meredith