2018 is being coined the “Year of women.” Women are rising and that is very evident as we reflect on 2018. As women, it’s important to lift each other up and promote more women-led change. This “women’s movement,” gives us reason to be excited for what’s to come in 2019. We are hopeful that women continue to stand for more justice, keep running for office, and continue to rise to the top of our industries!
Countless women made the headlines this year. We wanted to highlight 10 amazing women that might have made the news/headlines in 2018, but maybe deserve another shout out!
1. Lt. Marina Hierl, 24
Made Marine history by becoming the first woman to lead an infantry platoon in the Marines. She leads platoon of 35 men.
2. Chloe Kim, 17
The youngest woman to win the Olympic snowboarding medal in the women’s halfpipe. Her family’s immigrant story truly defines the American dream.
3. Rachael Joy Denhollander, 33
Lawyer and former gymnast, she was the woman who put a stop to Dr. Larry G. Nassar, the former United States gymnasts national team doctor. More than 200 women have now alleged abuse by Dr. Nassar. He will serve at least 100 years in prison. It is likely that her bravery, has saved many young gymnasts from abuse.
4. Peggy Whitson, 58
Retired in 2018 from NASA as a chief astronaut, she has spent more days in space than any other astronaut – 665 days. This makes her the most experienced NASA astronaut to date. She also holds the records for the oldest women spacewalker at 57 years of age, and record for total space walks by a woman. She is also the first female to command the International Space Station twice.
5. Ann Mckee, 65
A neuropathologist and expert in neurodegenerative disease, she’s produced groundbreaking work on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and neurodegeneration of the brain. In simple terms, she has brought to light the lasting, debilitation effects on the brain experienced by athletes that participate in contact sports and military service. TIME named her one of it’s 100 most influential people of 2018.
6. Cindy Holland
This self-proclaimed nerd growing up became the head of programming for Netflix. She oversees both the creative and business aspects of show making. She has played a critical role in growing Netflix into a multibillion-dollar powerhouse. Now you know who to blame during your next Netflix binge!
7. Emma Gonzales, 19
American advocate and activist for gun control. In February 2018, she survived the high school shooting in Parkland, FL. She is a co-founder of the gun control advocacy group, Never again MSD. You might recall her speech against gun violence that went viral, after claiming B.S. against the lack of action by politicians.
8. Jan Rader
First female fire chief in West Virginia. Jan Rader is not only a fire chief, but a nurse, and a star of a Netflix documentary Heroin(e). Jan is committed to finding a solution to the opioid crisis an has saved countless lives.
9. Tarana Burke, 45
Civil rights activist, who founded the ME Too movement. She began using the phrase “me too,” for awareness in 2006 long before the birth of hashtags. The Me Too movement has now become a global phenomenon that continues to raise awareness about sexual abuse, harassment, and assault in society.
10. Greg Renfrew
Businesswoman, entrepreneur, founder of Beautycounter. Greg has shed light on the lack of regulation in the beauty industry and the associated potential harmful health implications. Her company’s mission is to get safer products in the hands of everyone. The company bans 1,500 chemicals from its products and advocates for legislative change.
What a year for women! These women, along with so many others this year and years past, are such an inspiration. We’re excited to see what many other powerful women do in 2019.
