Meet Caitlin Mccarthy

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Caitlin Mccarthy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Caitlin, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

They say the activist doesn’t go looking for the fight—the fight finds them. That was certainly true for me when I discovered at age 35 that I was a DES Daughter.

DES (diethylstilbestrol), often called the “hidden Thalidomide,” is a toxic and carcinogenic synthetic estrogen responsible for one of the largest medical disasters in history. No controlled studies were ever conducted by the drug companies to determine the effectiveness or safety of DES for use during pregnancy, even after some scientists started questioning its efficacy in the 1950s. As early as 1953, research revealed that DES did not work — that DES actually brought about higher rates of premature birth and infant mortality — yet DES continued to be prescribed to millions of pregnant women for decades: between 1938-1971 in the United States; and up until the mid-1980s in parts of Europe, Australia, Latin America, and the Third World..

Learning that I had been affected ignited a personal mission to uncover the truth about DES and its devastating impact. This journey led to the development of the feature screenplay WONDER DRUG (www.wonderdrugthemovie.com), now in pre-production. I co-wrote the script with director Lori Singer, and I’m producing the film alongside Stephen Nemeth/Rhino Films, with Vanessa Hope as Executive Producer. What began as a personal battle transformed into a creative endeavor to bring this hidden tragedy to light..

Additionally, as a DES Daughter and activist, I worked closely with the offices of then-U.S. Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown on obtaining an acknowledgment from the FDA in 2011 that recognized DES as a “tragedy” after 40 years of silence. In 2022, I testified before the Scottish Parliament, sharing my experience as an American DES Daughter and advocating for a DES apology in Scotland. This led to then-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon including DES in her historic apology to forced adoption victims in 2023. My activism was even acknowledged on the floor of the Scottish Parliament during a speech by Monica Lennon MSP on International Women’s Day later that year.

In discovering my own story, I found my purpose — turning lemons into lemonade by raising awareness, fighting for justice, and channeling the pain into art.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a 20-year veteran English Language Arts teacher at Worcester Technical High School by day, and an award-winning screenwriter and DES activist by night. I’ve had the honor of being recognized twice as a “Red Sox Most Valuable Educator” on the field at Fenway Park. One of my proudest moments was developing and teaching the Screenwriting elective for 12th graders, which even caught the attention of our superintendent, who observed my class and tweeted about it. I also love bringing opportunities to my students, like securing a mini-grant to have author Andre Dubus III speak to our 9th graders, and helping students publish their artwork and poetry in KidSpirit Magazine.

Teaching fuels my passion for storytelling. Working with young minds reminds me of the power of words and creativity, which directly inspires my screenwriting. I’m constantly inspired to create narratives that blend humor with social commentary, while always staying focused on action and heart.

In addition to WONDER DRUG, my other screenwriting projects include the adaptation of Rory Samantha Green’s rom-com novel PLAYING ALONG. Rory’s previous book, “Charlie’s Checklist,” was featured on Oprah Winfrey’s first children’s book club. I’m also collaborating on the TV series GAELS with Lynsey Murdoch (BBC Scottish Voices 2020), which is being developed with financial support from the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland. Another exciting project is an original supernatural mystery screenplay I was selected to write after winning an open writing assignment, inspired by real events.

I’ve been honored with several awards for my work both in and outside of the classroom. These include an MTA Human and Civil Rights Award from the Massachusetts Teachers Association, an AARP Massachusetts Certificate of Appreciation as part of the Andrus Award for Community Service for my DES activism and teaching, and a “Service to Community” Alumni Award from Regis College. I was also nominated twice for a Presidential Citizens Medal for my advocacy surrounding the DES tragedy.

But at the end of the day, I live by one motto: “work conquers all.” Because, let’s face it, if you’re not ready to grind, you’re not ready to shine!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, the three qualities that really gave me the edge are resilience, a relentless thirst for lifelong learning, and the knack for building connections — because flying solo is so last season!

1.) Resilience: If you’re not ready to take a few hits and get back up swinging, you might as well pack it in now. Life’s going to throw curveballs, and the only way to win is to keep going. My advice? Treat every failure like a badge of honor — wear it proudly and use it to fuel your fire! Remember, every setback is just a dramatic plot twist in your epic comeback story.

2.) Relentless Thirst for Lifelong Learning: Staying sharp is a must. If you’re not actively seeking new knowledge, you’re basically waving goodbye to growth. I’m always on the lookout for the next thing to learn, whether it’s a new skill or an unexpected insight. For those just starting out, be a sponge! Dive into books, enroll in courses, and don’t shy away from asking questions. Let that curiosity lead you to greatness!

3.) Knack for Building Connections: Listen, you can’t do it all by yourself. Building relationships is crucial in teaching, screenwriting, and activism. Find your people, share your experiences, and learn from each other’s journeys. My advice? Get out there and network like your future depends on it — because it absolutely does! Attend events, join organizations, and don’t be afraid to make those connections that will light your path.

So, in a nutshell: be resilient, never stop learning, and build your tribe. With these qualities in your toolkit, you’re not just going to survive — you’re going to thrive and take the world by storm!

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents, Albert and Ann McCarthy, did for me was instill a profound respect for education. They sacrificed everything to ensure my sister Erin and I received the best education possible, even sending us to private school when the local public school dropped traditional arithmetic and phonics instruction. They worked Bingo nights and cut back on extras to make it happen. Our home was always filled with their love of reading, overflowing with books and magazines. I cherish the memory of visiting a bookstore with my late mother, who encouraged me to pick out whatever I wanted, even if it was a fancy hardcover. My father consistently reminded me that while people can take everything else away, they can never take your mind. With a strong mind, I can tackle any challenge that comes my way. Thanks to their unwavering support, my education has served as my passport to a brighter future, empowering me to uplift others along the way. Because of my parents, I am committed to paying it forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.caitlinmccarthy.com
• Instagram: @Caitlin_McCarthy_Writer
• Facebook: @CaitlinMcCarthyWriter
• Linkedin: @in/CaitlinMcCarthyWriter
• Twitter: @CaitlinMcWriter
• Youtube: @CaitlinMcCarthy

Image Credits

Action on Film International Film Festival; IMAGINE Magazine; Boston Red Sox; former US Senator Scott Brown; Massachusetts Teachers Association; and Christine D. Peterson.