Celebrating Women's History Month
21 Remarkable Women to Recognize this Women’s History Month
As the final days of Women's History Month unfold, we reflect on the remarkable legacies of women who have shaped history and anticipate the ongoing journey toward equality and empowerment.
The genesis of Women’s History Month can be traced back to the 20th century when women’s history emerged as an academic discipline. In the waning years of the 1970s, the United States witnessed its inaugural women’s history week in Sonoma, California—a town vibrant with neon lights and electrifying energy. Subsequently, President Carter proclaimed the first National Women’s History Week in 1980. A few years later, Congress designated March as Women’s History Month.
From the suffragettes who dared to dream of equality to the unsung heroes of change, this month invites us to embrace the stories that mold our shared narrative. As we reflect on the past, we lift our voices and hearts in tribute to the indomitable spirit of womanhood, knowing that we too are crafting the story of our time.
This Women’s History Month, we honor 21 remarkable women, some of whom are cherished friends of BYCHARI. To each of you who grace our world with your boundless talents and unwavering determination, we applaud your journeys.
1. Adejoké Bakare - Adejoké Bakare, originally from Nigeria, went from passionate home cook to one of London's top restaurant owners. Her West African cooking style at Chishuru isn't just delicious — it's also historic, as Bakare is the UK's first Black female chef to receive a Michelin star.
2. Amira Rasool - Amira Rasool is a creative entrepreneur, writer, and Founder of The Folklore Group, a platform linking diverse wholesale brands with global customers. Rasool's journey spans various roles, with notable contributions to publications such as TIME, Vogue, i-D, PAPER, and V Magazine. Additionally, she attained a Master of Philosophy in African Studies.
3. Amy Liu - Fueled by her frustration with the beauty industry’s approach to eczema, Amy Liu founded the sensitive skin-friendly and clean beauty brand, Tower 28. With a passion for skincare and a commitment to transparency, Liu has led Tower 28 to become a beacon of authenticity in the beauty industry.
4. Candice Hopkins - Honoring indigenous pasts and building native futures is the cornerstone of Candice Hopskins’ work at Forge Project, a Native-led organization for the cultivation and advancement of Indigenous leadership in arts and culture. Serving as the organization's executive director and chief curator, Hopkins has played a pivotal role in shaping the foundational fabric of Forge.
5. Carly Cushnie - Carly Cushnie is the visionary Founder behind the luxury women's fashion brand CUSHNIE. Her dedication to timeless style and impeccable craftsmanship has garnered widespread acclaim, earning her recognition in Forbes 30 Under 30 and a position on the CFDA Board of Directors.
6. Cole Arthur Riley - New York Times bestselling author and poet, Cole Arthur Riley's work has graced the pages of several prestigious publications. As the author of Black Liturgies, Riley weaves together poems, prayers, and reflections for spiritual practices, encapsulating the vibrant essence of Black culture.
7. Dr. Christina Bachelor, EdD - With a distinguished background in business and academia, Dr. Christina Bachelor is the CEO of the talent management company, Bach Enterprises. Beyond orchestrating the casting of your favorite influencers for the next viral campaign, Bachelor is dedicated to providing tools and education to rural and inner-city schools throughout Jamaica and the US via her non-profit RuJohn Foundation.
8. Elaine Welteroth - Making history as the youngest Editor-in-Chief at Teen Vogue, Elaine Welteroth is the epitome of a multidisciplinary creative. From New York Times best-selling author to Cultural Ambassador for When We All Vote, Michelle Obama’s voting initiative, Welteroth’s journey stands as a testament to boundless ambition.
9. Erica Chidi - Systems thinker, writer, and advocate, Erica Chidi is the Founder of LOOM, an app revolutionizing sexual and reproductive health information. Effortlessly juggling various roles, Chidi consults at the tables of some of the most pioneering brands building game-changing products for women.
10. Erica Cole - Erica Cole stands at the helm of the brand No Limbits, where inclusivity meets fashion. As a Shark Tank Alum, Cole infuses her passion for style with a commitment to accessibility, reshaping fashion for the disabled community.
11. Franchesca Grace - With an innate affinity for maximalism, Francesca Grace exudes mastery in color, form, and texture at her interior design studio. Renowned for adorning the abodes of celebrities, Grace stands as one of LA’s preeminent tastemakers, elevating spaces with vintage glamor and artistic flair.
12. Franziska Trautmann - Franziska Trautmann is a Louisiana native and Co-Founder of Glass Half Full. As CEO, Trautmann combines her expertise in chemical engineering with her commitment to environmental stewardship, spearheading R&D endeavors in coastal protection and recycling initiatives.
13. Frida Escobedo - Frida Escobedo, a Mexican architect and Founder of her eponymous design studio, has garnered worldwide praise for her architectural prowess. Beyond her impressive accolades, she shares her talents through teachings at Columbia University, Harvard University, and Yale University.
14. Hannah Traore - Following her tenure at the MoMA, Hannah Traore emerged as one of New York's youngest gallerists with the opening of her gallery. Guided by a commitment to championing historically marginalized artists, her work has earned features in distinguished publications such as Vogue, W Magazine, and The Cut.
15. Kathryn Bostic - Emmy-nominated and award-winning composer Kathryn Bostic stands as a trailblazer in music, being the first African-American female composer to join the Academy. With her masterful command of song and piano, Bostic is a true multi-hyphenate, telling her story through sonic melodies.
16. Laura Sisk - Laura Sisk, a distinguished Grammy Award-winning recording engineer, is a freelance professional operating between the vibrant hubs of LA and New York. Her portfolio boasts collaborations with luminaries such as Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Lorde.
17. Malene Djenaba Barnett - Malene Djenaba Barnett is a multifaceted artist celebrated for her transformative contributions to the world of textiles. As the Founder of the Black Artists+Designers Guild (BADG), she leads the member-driven platform fostering community among Black creative professionals.
18. Naiomi Glasses - Capturing hearts with her desert skateboarding videos on TikTok, Navajo weaver Naiomi Glasses is Ralph Lauren’s first artist in residence. With a magical touch, she transforms nature's gifts into exquisite purses, saddle blankets, and rugs, weaving stories of her Navajo heritage for all to witness.
19. Rachel Scott - Rachel Scott is redefining the world of luxury fashion, having been a runner-up for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, a finalist for the LVMH Prize, and the 2023 CFDA American Emerging Designer of the Year award. With her Jamaican-rooted line, Diotima, Scott celebrates the art of craftsmanship, elevating each piece with unparalleled quality and distinctive tropical texture.
20. Sandra Velasquez - Sandra Velasquez, a mentor, podcast host, and Founder of the luxury clean brand Nopalera, leaves an unforgettable mark on everything she touches. Paying tribute to her Mexican roots, Velasquez is committed to expanding the perception of Latinx brands.
21. Serinda Swan - Co-founder of Blueprint, actor and producer Serinda Swan is pioneering a new approach to imparting life’s essential skills to the next generation. From the screens of Prime Video to the hearts and minds of kids, Swan infuses each endeavor with invaluable insights and grace.
