WAMC: 51% Show # 1052 (2009-09-10)

51 % The Women's Perspective

51% Show # 1052

(2009-09-10)

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ALBANY, NY (WAMC) - Nancy Rivard was an executive with American Airlines when she had an epiphany...she wanted her life to have a higher purpose. And with that goal in mind, she took a backwards career step, went back to working as a flight attendant and eventually created Airline Ambassadors. The idea was simple - link humanitarian needs with the resources available through airlines and travel. Since its creation in 1992, Airline Ambassadors has helped more than half a million people all over the world, flying supplies to orphanages and villages, transporting medical supplies, funding educational and health programs. It is recognized by the United Nations and the US Congress. But Rivard says the organization has hit a critical point, and needs to not only focus its efforts but ask for more public help.

5:22 Rivard Barnett

Nancy Rivard is the founder of Airline Ambassadors, a not for profit humanitarian aid organization. For more information on Airline Ambassadors, go to airlineamb.org.

Youth has always believed it is immortal - it's hard to imagine getting sick or old when you haven't even reached your third decade. But with doomsday talk and growing problems in the world, today's young people have an even more frightening mindset. They're not going to live that long. Ankita Bardwadj explores the new fatalism.

3:47 Teen HIV

And that leads to thoughts of health care reform. The summer of 2009 had two main headlines - the economy and the battle between people who were convinced that America's health care system is on a fast track to disaster, and those who are equally impassioned in their belief that government's got no business messing with health care. Somewhere in between the rhetoric are people like commentator Nancy Foote...and her brother.

5:54 Foote commentary

Nancy Foote is looking for work. She lives in upstate New York.

And finally, personal finance expert Manisha Thakor says there's a fundamental problem with women and money - and it's time to take control.

5:47 Thakor

Manisha Thakor is an author and analyst - you can find out more about her at manishathakor.com

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