25 Woman Weaving A New American Fabric

Carmen Carrera

Carmen Carrera might be commonly referenced as a cast member in RuPaul’s Drag Race, but her impact goes far beyond. In addition she continued  be an advocate  for  causes on  Human Rights, HIV Prevention, and Discrimination against Transgender Women have made a difference

JAINA LEE ORTIZ

Jaina Lee Ortiz (JLOR) is a lead American Actress from New York she is currently on FOX’s top TV series ‘Station 19’. In her role she portrays a strong independent woman who’s non traditional job inspires a new wave of woman to take on traditional male related professions .

Some might call her, the updated JLO. As to not compare, we have lovingly nicked named her “JLOR”. JLOR has championed many global social issues. in a recent IG post we saw her wearing the historic ‘‘Resist Dress’’ when she dropped of her ballot at the polls during election season. This collaboration raised the eyes of many politicians and activist globally. Her activation with global fashion designer Uriel Saenz in support of LGBTQ people in the armed forces, increase the admiration we have come to expect from her fan base in Paris, USA and the rest of the world. See #resistdress

She is one with a big heart that uses her influence and TV personality to change the way woman are seen in America and the world.

Cristela Alonzo

Cristela Alonzo is the first American woman (of latinbackground) to create, produce, write, and star in her own US primetime comedy. In her memoir, “Music To My Years” Alonzo shares personal stories of growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American in Texas and following her dreams to pursue her career in comedy. She shares her experiences and struggles of being a first-generation American and how it feels to be a creator in a world that often minimizes people of color and women. The mentorship and encouragement of Dolores Huerta and poet Sonia Sanchez, has  enhanced her political involvement with a clear focus on immigration and healthcare. “I think that through comedy, we can teach people lessons they need to learn.” 

She serves as advisor for Define American a culture change organization that uses the power of narrative to humanize conversations to create an America where everyone belongs.

AMY HOOD 

Amy Hood is a finance leader who is redefining the CFO role, at the worlds biggest tech giant, Microsoft. Hood previously worked at Goldman Sachs (GS) in investment banking and capital markets.  Amy Hood broke through as Microsoft’s first female Chief Financial Officer. Hood is  redefining the traditional role a CFO’s  play in shaping the company. Instead of being seen as metrics-driven,  she has proven that her  focus  on establishing a better work environment that is a profitable model. Hood has displayed  a combination of aspirational and action driven efforts to  create a more inclusive workplace that has been impactful to both internal and external collaborators.

CYNTHIA DI MEO

Cynthia Di Meo is currently Global Stylist for Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez. She was previously Global Artist for MAC cosmetics. As a global beauty expert Cynthia Di Meo has created some of the worlds most identifiable faces who walked the world’s biggest shows.

Di Meo has a unique ability to effortlessly convey a cohesive vision for a how, while met with models who have a variety of skin, structural. and ethnic differences. In a time when other beauty artist might harshly criticize differences, Di Meo has utilizes her celebrity status to help young woman feel empowered, simply suggesting they embrace and enhance their natural selfs.

She grew up in beauty by working for M.A.C. cosmetics at the early. age of 19. Making the most of every opportunity Di Meo continues to rise through the beauty world. She counts with a high impact list of credits working on fashion shows, celebrities, music videos and editorials.

In her long career, she has played an insider role that is helping shape the a new identity for American beauty around the world. Undeniably, she has become the unmatched favorite for some of the biggest names at Milan, Paris, New York, and London fashion shows. Cynthia Di Meo is the leading force who is shaping how the world views beauty.

KAMALA HARRIS

Kamala Harris is the first Woman, first South Asian-American, and the first Black to become Vice President of the United Sates. In this role Harris hold more than just a seat at the table. She at the head of the table. Her leadership while guiding brainstormings and provoking discussions will be essential it transforming our future identity. Her top-down access, will be a reformative tool for creating a new American mindset of acceptance. The complexity and multi-layered perspectives, she can pulls from, can drive well balanced decisions that keep all Americans top of mind.

Vice President Harris, is generating waves that are transformative. Remarkably bridging the differences in our individual social thoughts. The implementation of policies based on contrasting viewpoint will make America a strong. Vice President Harris is uncovering the rich cultural threads that will elevate our strength as a nation.

Dominique Creen

Dominique Creen

The French-born chef’s restaurant, Atelier Crenn, opened in 2011 and gained two Michelin stars in 2012. It only has eight tables, and offers a tasting menu for $335 focusing on French cuisine.  Chef Dominique Crenn has become the first woman in the US to receive a coveted three Michelin stars following the guide’s annual ranking of top restaurants in the San Francisco area.

JESSIE REYEZ

Singer-songwriter, Jessie Reyes, sits bold in her purpose. Despite her music including social issues, her craft is not intentionally used as a vehicle to bring awareness to political issues. Nonetheless, this is a girl with fight. She uses her voice and platforms for issues affecting women. “Gatekeeper”, her song, mentions her personal experience with sexual harassment. In her YouTube description of “Far Away” she encourages people to “be part of the solution”. In it she also adds links to organization like ACLU, Al Otro Lado, and the Florence Project.

When it comes to making structural change on Black and Latino representation in the music industry. Her efforts will key to reforming the industry at a global level. Her efforts in this area extend beyond the performers. She is mindful and vocal about the changes needed at all levels. Even though Jessie Reyez is originally from Canada, She is a young global voice who’s global influence will transform of America.

Verna Myers

Verna Myers is a diversity and inclusion expert. She leads a TED Talk on overcoming bias. Myers believes that overcoming prejudice starts with identifying our unconscious biases and trying to rewire our brains to welcome differences and think more inclusively. Her training helps leaders and employees develop skills and strategies for building more inclusive, culturally competent work environments. Myers impact is felt beyond the US. She champions he lead team in devising and implementing strategies that integrate cultural diversity, inclusion and equity into all aspects of Netflix's operations worldwide. Her report, “Inclusion Takes Root at Netflix: Our First Report” has lead to budget and hiring changes.

Her work on diversity and inclusion at Netflix has lead to the company’s pledge to allocate 2% of its cash on hand to banks and other financial institutions that directly support Black communities in the U.S.; improving the accessibility of offices and services; investing in first-time filmmakers and increasing representation on productions; and creating access for indigenous creators in Australia and for underrepresented directors 0n the United Kingdom.

YOUNG JEAN LEE

Lee recently made her Broadway debut in summer 2018 with her play Straight White Men, making her the first Asian American female writer to have a play on the Great White Way. Her other plays include Untitled Feminist Show, The Shipment, We’re Gonna Die, and Songs of the Dragons Flying to Heaven. She currently teaches at Stanford University.

TANYA DEPASS

Tanya DePass is the founder of I Need Diverse Games, a non-profit organization based in Chicago, dedicated to the diversification in all aspects of gaming. 

She is a lifelong Chicagoan who loves everything about gaming, #INeedDiverseGames spawn point, who wants to make gaming better and more inclusive for everyone. She is the Diversity Liaison & Programming Director for the GaymerX Foundation and a board member of Con-or-Bust which helps marginalized fans attend Sci Fi and Fantasy conventions.

DePass serves as the editor of Game Devs and Others: Tales from the Margins, an anthology featuring stories from marginalized game developers and others adjacent to the industry.

YADIRA FLORES

Yadira Flores is a psychotherapist and coach. Her impact is noted in varied communities.  Her role as a Mental Health Clinical Supervisor in the Los Angeles Department of Mental health has given the community and internal voice.  One that has a first view understanding of the communities it serves.  A champion like this is key to identifying the complexity of the dynamic of the new American family, which has been projected to become a multi-dimensional and multi-cultural in nature. 

Flores has a strong background centered on racial trauma.  She has designed and facilitated a training called, “Where Privilege Meets Oppression,” she also, led a team in designing new trainings on race, culture, and historical racial wounds.  In addition, she is participating in the Department’s intensive social justice efforts centered on creating a culture of dismantling anti-black racism.  She serves as the co-chair for a subcommittee that assess employment practices.

Flores is making a difference and impacting the Mental Health profession.  The contributions to her field will have unmeasurable positive consequences on the mental health of children, the future minds of America. 

Toshiko Mori

Weaving past and present. Mori says to Architecture Digest: "I grew up in a globally itinerant family, both in lifestyle and mindset. It gave me the ability to empathize with many different cultures and economic situations.” She adds: “I chose to stay and live in the U.S. because of the equal opportunity it provides and the values it represents of freedom and respect for human rights.” 

Tatyana McFadden

TATYANA MC FADDEN

After winning the right to compete with her classmates, McFadden lobbied the state—which eventually passed the Fitness and Athletics Equity for Students with Disabilities Act in 2008, requiring schools in Maryland to provide equal opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in physical education programs and be on athletic teams.

“I knew that if I wanted to put an end to this discrimination and make sure that others had the right for the opportunity, that I needed to fight this battle” McFadden

Jessica Meir and Christina Kech

Meghan Markle

Alice Walker

Even the fact that Walker chose a work by the energetic conspiracy theorist David Icke as her favourite book on Desert Island Discs has failed to dent the worldwide affection in which she is held. Novels such as The Color Purple (1982) were pioneering in having African-American women as central characters, and her uncompromising depictions of male sexual violence, which have long made her work the target of censors, seem timelier than ever.

Laysha Ward

Laysha L. Ward is Executive Vice President and Chief External Engagement Officer for Target and a member of the company’s executive leadership team. Ward leads Target’s enterprise wide approach to actively engage and deepen relationships with external stakeholders to drive positive business and community impact. Ward is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and The Links, an international woman’s service organization. She sits on the Board of Directors for Denny’s Corporation, and on the Advisory Board for the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program.

LYNN PASQUERELLA

Lynn Pasquerella has served as the president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities. A philosopher whose career is a combination of teaching and scholarship. Pasquerella’s leadership was key in a policy change welcoming applicants who consistently live and identify as women. The policy change allow for to welcome applicants “who consistently live and identify as women.”

With local and global engagement, she has continuously demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to ensuring that all students have access to excellence in education, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

She is a much needed role model for woman in education. She demonstrates a leadership style that are inclusive, collaborative and consensus-building in a world that has traditionally embraced assertive, authoritarian and linear approaches to administration.

PATRICIA ARVIELO

Patty Arvielo is the Co-Founder and President of New American Funding. The company's focus on lending to minority borrowers has led New American Funding to build one of the most diverse workforces in the mortgage industry. Approximately 60% of the company's 4,900 employees are female, 46% are minorities, and 38% are Millennials.

Arvielo actively participates in mentorship efforts for women and provides a merit based corporate environment fit for women to excel. Her natural leadership and commitment to helping women has fueled New American Funding’s success. About 51% of New American Funding employees are women, with many C-level positions held by women.

AMANDA GOREMAN

Poet Amanda Goreman inspires us all with her reading at the 2021 Inauguration ceremony. This young 22-year-old American has stepped in with her poetic vision and inspired hope. She ignited a new generation of young leaders .

She gave us all hope for the creation of empathetic and inclusive new leaders for American is coming. She has inspired many young women around the world to follow their dreams. As an influential figure in America she encouraged unity and inspired change around the world. The confidence of this young woman helped many of us turn the page to a hopeful chapter.