Nominated by: Gloria Steinem
Age: 25
Based In: New York
After receiving her master’s in humanitarian studies, Synclaire Warren, also a certified doula, has spent her time developing educational toolkits and organizing events to increase awareness about sexual and reproductive health. She’s been invited to speak at the Democratic National Convention and the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women.
“Synclaire Warren was introduced to the world when she appeared on the main stage of the 2024 Democratic Convention, speaking honestly and forcefully about having an abortion. Synclaire used that moment to build compassion for women like her, who are too often forced to make decisions to protect their own bodies and, in many instances, to save their lives—often doing so without a support network. Even when the spotlight isn’t on Synclaire, she is passionate about being an educator and a healer. She helps usher in big changes—like advocating for healthcare for all—while equally focusing on the incremental ways that women can claim power over their lives. As just one example, Synclaire recently convened a group in my living room for an honest and hard conversation about Black maternal health. With one of the most developed health care systems, we fail black mothers. Synclaire is reversing that trend using storytelling, her own experiences, and access. Her work is not just important, but essential for the future of us all.” —Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem: What most inspired you when you were a young girl of 10 or 12 looking at the world?
Synclaire Warren: What inspired me most was The Diary of Anne Frank. This book showed me how stories could change the world. Growing up in a predominantly white area, I often felt ostracized because of my identity. I struggled to find connection, so I turned to books for comfort and community. Reading Anne Frank’s diary inspired me to keep my own journal. Through this practice, I discovered the profound value of writing and learned how vulnerability and authenticity could create a connection with someone from a different time and background. I wanted to share stories so other girls could experience that same sense of connection.
Steinem: What most alarms you when you think of what Black mothers are up against today?
Warren: What alarms me most is the systemic disbelief and resulting danger faced by Black mothers and birthing people. The data is out there: Black mothers and birthing people are over three to four times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related causes. Unlike other racial groups, the maternal mortality rate for Black women has not seen a significant decline in 2023 and remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Although we have a maternal health crisis, I want Black mothers and birthing people to know that Black motherhood should not be defined solely by traumatic statistics. We must progress beyond presenting these individuals as mere victims of a broken system. Instead, we should emphasize and showcase their full humanity and the rich reality of their lives to combat the external factors that plague them.
Steinem: Is there a book, poem, or film that comes to mind when you remember what inspired you then?
Warren: What comes to mind is the quote from The Diary of Anne Frank: “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” My work functions in contrast to the carceral logic that constructs our notion of a morality binary. I do not operate under the pretense that there are “bad people” and “good people.” I strive to offer empathy and understanding to everyone, and by displaying my own humanity, I create spaces and tools that encourage others to demonstrate theirs.
Steinem: Is there a world event that most worried you or one that most inspired you as an adult?
Warren: The fall of Roe v. Wade has inspired me the most. During the pandemic, I became pregnant due to an expelled IUD. Shortly after, I had an abortion alone and ashamed. I held the secret for almost a year and half. I remember exactly where I was when I learned that the law that gave me my life no longer existed for millions of others. Leaving my photoshoot, I finally texted and told my mom that I had an abortion. As soon as I was home, I opened my phone and recorded a video letting everyone know that I had an abortion and they were not alone. That video has been the foundation of my work, as it demonstrated my ethos of storytelling.
Steinem: If you could press a note or a few words into the hands of children around the globe, what would it say?
Warren: I would say you are part of the world and that fact alone makes you good enough. You’re made up of the same material as stars. But instead of living only among the moon and the sky, you are around other people and each person is a universe. You don’t need to look up to find meaning, you only need to look around you and know that you are always worthy.
This feature is part of CULTURED’s 2026 Young Activists list, spotlighting those around the country working to champion the causes closest to them. Each is nominated and interviewed by a leader in their field. You can read their features here.
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