As the 24th observance of the September 11th attacks approaches, Next Steps Forward host Dr. Chris Meek sits down with Kristen Breitweiser, a woman whose life was forever changed that day and who transformed her grief into a powerful call for justice and accountability.
After losing her husband, Ron, in the attacks on the World Trade Center, Kristen emerged as one of the most determined and influential voices for 9/11 families. Alongside three other widows, known to the nation as the “Jersey Girls,” she fought tirelessly for the creation of the 9/11 Commission, testified before Congress, and challenged the U.S. government to answer hard questions.
In this deeply personal and powerful conversation, Kristen reflects on:
Life with her husband Ron before 9/11 and the moments she holds most dear
The morning of September 11, 2001, and the immediate aftermath of loss
How her grief became a driving force for activism and systemic change
The creation and legacy of the 9/11 Commission; its successes and shortcomings
The resilience it takes to face criticism and keep pushing forward
Kristen also shares insights from her book, Wake-Up Call: The Political Education of a 9/11 Widow, which chronicles her journey from suburban mom to nationally recognized advocate.
Whether you lived through 9/11 or belong to a generation that only knows it through history, this episode is a powerful reminder of courage, resilience, and the ability of “ordinary people” to make extraordinary change.
