These 5 Women Are Changing Other Women’s Lives
There are many women who have changed the way future generations live and there’s always a fire starter in every pack. The one who dares to dress differently, isn’t into what everyone else is, you know, the rogue. Within these unique spirits is passion that can’t be defined by words, and courage that is unwavering. Here are some women who made our radar for being themselves and hence, precipitating change for the perception of women globally in technology, science, fashion and beauty, and human rights.
1. Kristin Titus, Founder Girls Who Code
We need more chicks like Kristin Titus – who had the idea to create a safe space where girls as young as 13 could come and get the skills they need to rock a career in technology or engineering. The program was set-up to show teenage girls the concept that the words ‘tech guys’ aren’t synonymous. Yeah, girls can code. Women can create apps, big ideas and start tech revolutions. Titus recognized there was something pretty significant missing from our future culture. Her idea and the drive she had to do something about it is changing girls’ lives and the future of the world’s workspace. Here’s to Silicon XX.
2. Noorjahan Akbar, Creator Young Women For Change
Akbar is only 22, but after coming to the United States to attend high school and college, she became an activist for the impossible: changing the way women are viewed and treated in her home country of Afghanistan. Kicking off her tireless agenda, she became a prolific blogger, reaching out to Afghan women reminding them they were equal to their male counterparts. She also opened a woman-only internet cafe in Kabul. This effort wasn’t some girls-against-boys motive, it was created because prior, females in Kabul were sexually and verbally harassed while trying to browse the web. Think about that the next time you get mad at the barista when he or she forgets that you wanted that latte made ‘skinny.’ It’s paramount that we as women in First World nations help ladies less fortunate gain access to education, health care, and know their rights as human beings. You can reach out to Noorjahan and find out how you can join in the cause. The small ideas you have and the moves you make to see them come to life can change the landscape of feminine culture.
3. Emily Briere, Creator Time Capsule To Mars
Briere makes the list for thinking outrageous things. The kind of ideas like, “Wouldn’t it be cool if I could build a condo complex on one of saturn’s rings and house the homeless?” and actually make it happen. When she was a tender two and a half decades on earth, Briere paid for her college education by creating profitable start-ups. She taught herself how to code from inside the cinderblock walls of her college dorm room, was hired by NASA, and is now creating a time capsule in space where people can upload texts and videos. The purpose is to allow us humans, outside of inner science circles, to join in and get involved in outer space Sure, she’s probably a genius, but think for a minute, what’s your idea and how can you make it happen? Even if it’s something as simple as making a new version of cookie dough ice cream, if it sparks lightening inside of you, do it.
4. Carrie Hammer, Fashion Designer
Hammer was working in ad sales in New York City when she responded to being hit with the corporate cliché, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” Funny concept when you’re just out of school and paying for pizza with nickels found in the ripped lining of your wallet. Carrie responded by designing a line of affordable fashion so ladies can be professional knockouts in the office. Even better, the women who strutted the runway at her fashion show were role models: business women, philanthropists, ladies with disabilities, artists; the real deals.
5. Jackie O’Shaughnessy, 62-year-old lingerie model
American Apparel’s choice in using a model over 30 is hugely transformative. The retailer known for its youth patterns and borderline pornographic ads did a solid using O’Shaughnessy in their undies campaign. She is now the poster baby boomer for standing up against a hard etched societal standard that women who age aren’t beautiful, while men with grey hairs and crow’s feet make the rounds as ‘sexiest men alive.’ With anti-aging creams booming profits for cosmetics companies and women starting botox injections in their early twenties, O’Shaughnessy’s image in a bra and panties is tasteful and stunning. It’s also a cold water splash on the face for women, including myself, who fear growing old, and losing our looks. Each birthday look at yourself, how you’ve transformed, and how the years have shaped you, making you a model for who you are.
