A Ever Changing World - The Year of the Woman

I’d like to begin by saying how amazing it is to be alive to see the progress of years of women pushing the cart uphill in stiletto heels, with a child on one hip and holding the hand of another, trying to raise a family in a society where women are invisible except in the bedroom or kitchen. We have a woman leader today, tossing the heels aside, and lacing up her tennis shoes in order to keep this country moving forward. 

I attended the live production of “Do No Harm” a 3 years ago with a dear friend in Dallas, Texas. It was performed by the Soul Rep Theater Company, the link is a different production.   

I thought I knew history, but I was not taught the truth in school. In the 1960s, our leaders, while pushing for civil rights and encouraging openness, withheld many stories by teaching only “history”—a narrative centered on men, for men. What I learned, women of color were tortured in the name of medical advancement, a reality obscured from our education.  

In the past years I have been looking online at the history of women, listening to podcasts and reading books. I have learned a lot and I’m still learning. But today is Election Day and herstory/history is being made as we watch together the outcome of an incredible joyous campaign! Doesn’t matter if you voted for her or not, herstory is still unfolding. 

Women of color have been the heartbeat of strength, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity. They have navigated life within structures often built to silence their voices, overlook their contributions, and dismiss their experiences. From the intersections of racial and gender-based oppression, they have emerged as symbols of resistance and empowerment. Yet, society’s view has frequently relegated them to the shadows, leaving their pain invisible and their achievements minimized.

For centuries, women of color have faced a double-edged sword of prejudice. Their identities as both women and people of color placed them in a unique space where discrimination intensified and multiplied. They have endured stereotypes that sought to weaken and reduce them to mere caricatures—whether it’s the “strong Black woman,” expected to shoulder endless burdens without complaint, or the “submissive Asian woman,” assumed to lack ability and independence. These views distort reality, serving society’s comfort rather than reflecting the complexity, vulnerability, and humanity of real lives.

The strength of women of color is born from survival against odds that should never have existed. Their histories are deeply intertwined with loss: the loss of cultural roots through forced assimilation, the loss of freedom in oppressive systems, and the loss of family members to violence, both direct and systemic. 

This loss is a wound that may heal over time but never fully disappears, etched into the stories of mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. And yet, from this loss, they build anew. They create communities, form movements, and demand justice not just for themselves but for all who are marginalized.

Abuse is a common thread in the lives of many women of color, often compounded by society’s silence. 

These abuses range from intimate and personal violations to large-scale societal violence. Women of color face disproportionate rates of sexual violence, intimate partner abuse, and systemic brutality—each a scar on their humanity, each a call to action ignored by a society too comfortable in its privilege. In these spaces, abuse is not just an individual experience but a reflection of structures that perpetuate inequality, treating the pain of women of color as secondary or invisible.

Despite all this, they find ways to thrive. They turn silence into song, invisibility into advocacy, and suppression into stories of hope. Women of color have historically been leaders in movements for civil rights, social justice, and equality. They advocate for their communities, uplift younger generations, and create spaces where their voices can finally be heard. They stand firm against injustice, not only for themselves but for everyone silenced by society’s refusal to listen.

Women teach us about strength that transcends adversity and how resilience is a communal act of survival. They are advocates, teachers, healers, and creators, refusing to be defined by society’s limited view. Instead, they define themselves, challenging us all to confront our complicity in the structures that silence them. The strength of women of color is a legacy, a testament to endurance, and a constant, unwavering reminder of what it means to truly live with dignity in a world that often fails to recognize it.

In a world that struggles to see, may we finally open our eyes to the beauty, courage, and unbreakable spirit of women of color. And may their strength continue to light the path toward justice, understanding, and, ultimately, the acknowledgment that they have been the pillars of resilience and fortitude all along.

THE YEAR OF THE WOMAN 

It’s been over a year since I was on a FaceTime call with Marcia Dyson, as we spoke about a project regarding prison reform and the needs of those in Haiti. She had used these words during our conversation, “women of color will be the women to change the world” and she was absolutely correct. I hadn’t noticed much since I follow many women through social media and it was common for me to see the advancement of women. But following the call I began to take notice. She was correct, and I’ve been excited seeing all the changes and looking for ways to support the community. 

This is the year of the woman, an important moment in history being led by women of color who are making transformative changes in every aspect of life. Across politics, social movements, business, and art, women of color are stepping forward with courage, vision, and strength, redefining leadership and inspiring communities worldwide. This year represents more than individual success stories—it is a collective movement of resilience, unity, and empowerment that honors the legacies of those who came before and paves the way for future generations.

In politics, women of color are breaking barriers, achieving historic victories that were once unimaginable. They are leading on issues like social justice, healthcare, climate change, and economic equality, bringing new perspectives and experiences to decision-making tables that have long been dominated by others. Leaders like Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman of Black and South Asian descent to hold her position, and countless local officials (Jasmine Crockett💜) and activists, are reshaping the political landscape. They are not only winning seats but also empowering others to participate, amplifying the voices of communities that have often been overlooked.

Women of color are also driving change in the social justice, standing at the forefront of movements that address systemic racism, inequality, and injustice. Their leadership in movements like Black Lives Matter, Indigenous rights, and migrant justice has brought these issues to global awareness, inspiring solidarity and action across the world. These women are not just advocates—they are visionaries who see possibilities for a more just society and work tirelessly to make it a reality.

In the business world, women of color are breaking through glass ceilings, founding companies, and creating spaces that value diversity, equity, and inclusion. They are innovating industries, whether in tech, finance, or the creative arts, and are redefining success on their own terms. Leaders like Cynt Marshall, the former first black woman CEO of a NBA Dallas Mavericks, and many other entrepreneurs are challenging norms and building businesses that reflect the communities they come from. By building and leading companies, women are not only changing industries but also creating opportunities for others to rise alongside them.

In art, literature, and media, women of color are telling their own stories, refusing to be defined by stereotypes, and bringing new narratives to light. Writers, filmmakers, musicians, and artists are using their talents to share the diverse experiences of their communities, promoting representation that is real, nuanced, and authentic. Their work challenges assumptions, celebrates culture, and inspires others to embrace their unique identities. From critically acclaimed authors to rising stars in Hollywood, these creators are reshaping how we see ourselves and each other.

This year, let this be a reminder of the power that lies within communities often overlooked or underestimated. The strength, resilience, and grace of these women are changing the world in real and lasting ways, and their impact will be felt for generations to come. As they rise, they bring others with them, building a legacy of  empowerment and possibility. They are reimagining what leadership looks like, demonstrating that true leadership is rooted in empathy, inclusivity, and courage.

Politics & Activism

Kamala Harris – Vice President of the United States, first woman of Black and South Asian descent to hold this office. 

Stacey Abrams – Voting rights activist, author, and former Georgia state representative, known for her efforts in combating voter suppression.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – U.S. Congresswoman from New York, one of the youngest women ever elected to Congress and advocate for progressive policies.

Tammy Duckworth – U.S. Senator from Illinois, combat veteran, and the first Thai American woman elected to Congress.

Sonia Sotomayor – Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and the first Latina to serve on the Court, known for her advocacy on issues of justice and equality.

Ketanji Brown Jackson – Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and the first Black woman to serve on the Court, bringing her expertise and dedication to fairness to the highest court.

Business & Entrepreneurship

Rosalind Brewer – CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance and one of the few Black women to lead a Fortune 500 company.

Indra Nooyi – Former CEO of PepsiCo and one of the most influential women in business.

Beatriz Perez – Senior VP and Chief Communications, Public Affairs, Sustainability and Marketing Assets Officer at The Coca-Cola Company.

Arlan Hamilton – Founder of Backstage Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in underrepresented founders.

Bozoma Saint John – Renowned marketing executive who has worked with companies like Netflix, Apple, and Uber.

Science & Technology

Mae Jemison – Former NASA astronaut and the first Black woman to travel in space.  

Fei-Fei Li – Co-director of the Stanford Human-Centered AI Institute and influential figure in artificial intelligence.

Lisa Gelobter – Tech executive and CEO of tEQuitable, known for her work in building GIF technology and advancing diversity in tech.

Ellen Ochoa – Former astronaut and the first Latina woman in space, who also served as the Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Kizzmekia Corbett – Immunologist who played a key role in developing the COVID-19 vaccine.

Arts, Literature, & Entertainment

Oprah Winfrey – Media mogul, philanthropist, and one of the most influential women in entertainment.

Viola Davis – Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in film, television, and advocacy work.

Queen Latifah – Rapper, actress, and producer who broke barriers for women in hip-hop and has advocated for representation in media.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Nigerian author known for novels like Americanah and her talks on feminism and identity.

Yalitza Aparicio – Mexican actress and Indigenous rights advocate, known for her role in Roma.

Mindy Kaling – Writer, actress, and producer, recognized for her contributions to television and film.

Joy Harjo – Poet, author, and first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate, whose work celebrates Indigenous culture and heritage.

Jennifer Lopez – Multi-talented entertainer, actress, singer, and businesswoman whose influence spans music, film, and fashion, as well as a powerful advocate for Latinx representation.

Maya Angelou - A towering figure in American literature and a voice of resilience, wisdom, and grace. As a poet, author, and activist, she used her words to shine a light on injustice and celebrate the beauty and strength of Black life, womanhood, and humanity. 

Journalism & Media

Gayle King – Television personality and journalist, known for her role on CBS This Morning and her powerful interviews and advocacy.

Maria Hinojosa – Journalist and anchor, known for her work on Latino USA and her advocacy for immigrant rights.

Lisa Ling – Journalist and TV host who has covered global human rights issues.

Yamiche Alcindor – Political journalist and White House correspondent who covers social justice and policy issues.

Soledad O’Brien – Journalist and producer known for her work in covering underreported stories about communities of color.

Zerlina Maxwell – Political analyst, commentator, and writer, known for her work on social justice and feminism.

Sports

Serena Williams – Tennis champion and one of the greatest athletes of all time, as well as an advocate for gender and racial equality.

Simone Biles – Olympic gymnast known for her record-breaking achievements and mental health advocacy.

Naomi Osaka – Tennis star of Haitian and Japanese descent who has used her platform to advocate for racial justice.

Allyson Felix – Olympic track and field athlete who has spoken out on maternal health and equity in athletics.