Celebrating Trailblazing Women

Women's equality this year, more than ever, is in jeopardy. While COVID-19 continues to rage on around the world, a disproportionate amount of the responsibility for frontline work, childcare, and adapting to life during a pandemic falls on the shoulders of women. At the same time, more than 2.5 million American women have had to drop out of the workforce, causing concern that equality in the workplace and any wage gender gap advancements may be at risk.

This is so important to acknowledge, firstly, and to continue to vocalize our support. Even amidst these challenges we all are facing, there is reason to celebrate. We wanted to highlight trailblazing women and those we can't stop cheering for that have soared this past year.

Amanda Gorman ● CHANGEMAKER 

The youngest inaugural poet in history, she dazzled the world when she delivered "The Hill We Climb" inauguration poem at 22. Her work focuses on issues of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization, as well as the African diaspora, and her words and voice continue to inspire us all.

Naomi Osaka ● ATHLETE 

Naomi Osaka is a Japanese professional tennis player & mental health advocate. She has been ranked No. 1 by the Women's Tennis Association and is the first Asian player to hold the top ranking in singles. This year, she changed the game by bringing mental health issues front & center.

Malala Yousafzai ● ACTIVIST

Advocate for girls’ education & women's equality. In 2014 she was the youngest Nobel Prize Laureate winner at the age of 17. The Malala Fund is working for a world where every girl can learn and lead, and Malala is highly engaged in defining issues affecting women around the world.

Kamala Harris ● VICE PRESIDENT

Defender of reproductive rights & health care, she is the first female vice president and the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, as well as the first African American and first Asian American vice president. 

Rihanna ● ENTREPRENUER

Robyn Rihanna Fenty: singer, actress, fashion designer, businesswoman & billionaire. Rihanna became the wealthiest female musician as a result of her entrepreneurial efforts. 

Rachel Carlson ● ENTREPRENUER

Carlson, founder of Guild, is one of two education founders to appear on Forbes’ 2021 list of self-made women. Guild enables employees of large companies to receive debt free education, enabling economic and career mobility. This June, Guild was valued at $3.75 Billion, but Carlson means much more than that as she personally advocates for women and social services like healthcare, childcare and eldercare.

Gloria Steinem ● ACTIVIST

Feminist journalist and social political activist, Gloria has been leading & facilitating the fight for equality, equity & inclusion for decades.

References

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/18/us/politics/women-pandemic-harris.html

https://www.npr.org/2021/06/03/1002402802/there-are-complex-forces-keeping-women-from-coming-back-to-work

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-crisis-3-million-women-labor-force/ 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/deloitte/2021/07/01/why-women-are-leaving-the-workforce-after-the-pandemic-and-how-to-win-them-back/?sh=36c2f19f796e

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