The Renaissance of Women's Sports

How Women Athletes Are Transforming the Game and Society

By Ariel Neidermeier

Welcome to the golden age of women’s sports. In the last year, we’ve seen Coco Gauff outshine Novak Djokovic at the Grand Slam of the U.S. Open; Simone Biles become the most decorated gymnast in history; record-breaking crowds at the Women’s World Cup; and a women’s N.C.A.A tournament that far overshadowed the men’s. 

Historically, women’s sports have been outrageously underestimated, undervalued, and under-funded. Plagued by low viewership and the stereotype that female athletes showcase less skill than their male counterparts, support for female empowerment has been underwhelming in the high-grossing arenas of professional basketball, tennis, soccer, gymnastics and surfing — until now. We’ve rounded up some women athletes who are disrupting sports as we know it.

Women to Watch

Women’s sports are on the rise. The WNBA’s national viewership is up a historical 67%. The women’s basketball league has also seen a 27% boom in in-person attendance and 60% surge in merchandise sales. And, it’s not the only sports arena seeing a boom. The opening match of the 2023 Women’s World Cup had to be moved to a stadium that could hold more than 80,000 people before promptly selling out. In fact, the Women’s World Cup contributed to a 28% increase in time spent watching women’s sports in the UK. In the United States, even women’s volleyball is drawing historic crowds. An incredible 92,003 college volleyball fans packed the University of Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium earlier this year, breaking the previous record for attendance at a women’s sporting event in the US - which was 90,185 set back in 1999 when Brandi Chastain famously ripped off her shirt to celebrate the US team’s World Cup win at the Rose Bowl in California. Across every sports genre it seems there is a female athlete winning the hearts and minds of the people. Here are a few that have won ours. 

Simone Biles

American Gymnast Simone Biles prepares during training for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium. 28/09/2023, ANP IRIS VAN DEN BROEK Credit: ANP/Alamy Live News. Alamy Stock Photo.

The accomplishments of gymnastics superstar and advocate Simone Biles are well-documented, stretching from her early successes in the U.S. and World Championships to her dominance in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Beyond the medals and milestones, Biles has become a staunch advocate for women’s rights and athletes’ mental health. Her withdrawal from events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics highlighted the mental health struggles faced by many athletes at the highest levels of competition. Moreover, Biles has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights, especially in the wake of revelations about the abuse perpetrated by former team doctor Larry Nassar. Her voice joined those of hundreds of female athletes in the #MeToo movement, bringing attention to systemic abuse within the sport and calling for accountability and change within gymnastic institutions. After a two-year break, Biles’ return to the global professional gymnastics arena has been triumphant. She once again left her mark on the sport, clinching four gold medals at the 2023 World Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, to become the most decorated gymnast in history.

Coco Gauff 

American tennis player Coco Gauff celebrating at the US Open tournament at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Monday 28 August 2023. © Juergen Hasenkopf / Alamy Live News. Alamy Stock Photo.

Rising tennis star Coco Gauff has inspired such attention that the media has coined a term for it: “Cocomania”. At just 19 years old, Gauff won her first Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open. She is the first American teenager to do so since Serena Williams won in 1999 at the age of 17. Gauff’s victory against Aryna Sabalenka was watched by 3.4 million viewers on ESPN, the network's largest ever TV audience for a women's tennis Grand Slam final. This outpaced the 2.3 million people who tuned in for the men’s final, in which Novak Djokovic beat Daniil Medvedev, by 47%. Gauff’s victorious rise also came at a fittingly fateful moment: the 2023 US Open marked the 50th anniversary of Billie Jean King’s successful push for equal prize money at the event — a historical triumph for women’s sports.

Alex Morgan

Alex MORGAN (USA), Aug 1, 2023 - Football/Soccer : #13 Alex MORGAN of USA kicks the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between Portugal and USA at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. Credit: AFLO/Alamy Live News. Alamy Stock Photo.

American soccer player Alex Morgan has combined athleticism and charisma to become one of the biggest stars and highest wage earners of U.S. women’s soccer. The outspoken striker, who has scored 121 goals in 207 internationals, has also been a central figure in the US women's national team's fight for equal pay. In 2019, Morgan and several teammates on the USWNT sued the U.S. Soccer Federation for gender discrimination. They sought pay and working conditions equal to those of the men’s team. The players eventually reached a landmark settlement with the U.S. Soccer Federation in February 2022 in which the federation agreed to pay $24 million to USWNT members. The federation also agreed to pay men and women equally in all future tournaments and non tournament games.

Candace Parker

Candace Parker attends the 2018 NBA Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California on June 25, 2018. Photo by Chris Chew/UPI. Alamy Stock Photo.

Known as one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time, Candace Parker is the first player in WNBA history to be named Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Rookie of the Year in the same year. She’s won two WNBA titles, the first with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016 and another with the Chicago Sky in 2021. At the international level, Parker was also a key member of the U.S. women’s basketball teams that captured the gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and 2012 Olympic Games in London. Personally, Parker is paving the way for authenticity and LGBTQIA+ awareness. In 2021, she made public that she had been married for two years to Anna Petrakova, a former Olympic basketball player from Russia who played with Parker on a pro team there. She said her daughter was her motivation for coming out: “I always tell my daughter to be proud of who she is. And I always tell my daughter to speak for herself and speak up for those that she loves. And I can’t say that to her if I’m not doing it myself.”

Bianca Valenti

Big wave surfers Bianca Valenti (right) and Savannah Shaughnessy walk on Ocean Beach after a session in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, December 13, 2014. By San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images.

San Francisco’s own Bianca Valenti is not only a world champion big wave surfer but also an unstoppable force both on and off the waves. Recently dominating the annual Mavericks Surf Awards, Valenti clinched victories for Best Performer, Biggest Wave, and Best Ride in the female category, showcasing her unparalleled skill in one of surfing's most daring environments. Her accolades don't end at the waves. Valenti's advocacy work, especially towards increasing opportunities for women, girls, and outdoor athletes, has earned her recognition worldwide. As the Big Wave Athlete Representative to The World Surf League and co-founder of BetterWave, she champions for the betterment of athletes everywhere. Beyond the waves and her advocacy, Valenti passionately volunteers with organizations like Brown Girl Surf and MeWater Foundation, ensuring future generations can experience the joy of the ocean. In her "downtime", she co-runs Valenti & Co Ristorante and Vinobar, mentors young athletes, and empowers change-makers through speaking engagements. 

The pay and media gap in women’s athletics

Despite the rising popularity of women’s sports, there are still major discrepancies in the media coverage and pay that female athletes receive. Women’s sports receive less than 10% of total sports coverage, yet women represent more than 40% of all athletes. When it comes to salary, WNBA athletes are drastically underpaid compared to NBA players. As of this year, the highest NBA salary was $51,915,615, while the highest WNBA salary was only $234,936. In fact, many WNBA athletes play overseas during the offseason to supplement their WNBA incomes. In soccer, a 2023 CNN analysis showed that international female soccer players at the 2023 Women’s World Cup still earn an average 25 cents to every dollar earned by men at their 2022 World Cup.

Elevating the game

The good news is that despite these discrepancies, progress is happening. As mentioned above, because of the USWNT’s dogged pursuit for equal pay and working conditions to the men’s team (the team’s initial lawsuit was dismissed in a federal district court, which they then appealed), the landmark Equal Pay for Team USA Act was passed in 2022. This legislation ensures that all athletes who represent the United States in global competitions like the World Cup, Olympics, and Paralympics receive equal pay and benefits. It came two years after the USWNT wore their warm-up jerseys inside out to hide the U.S. Soccer Federation’s crest in protest of its court filing that stated that women players did not perform jobs requiring “equal skill, effort, and responsibility under similar working conditions” in comparison to the men’s team.

From disparity to destiny 

The numbers don't lie. Viewership and attendance at women's sporting events are skyrocketing, and it’s a testament to the captivating talent and determination these athletes exhibit. However, the glaring disparities in pay and media coverage can't be ignored. It's a call to action for sports federations, media outlets, and fans alike to elevate women's sports to the pedestal it truly deserves. If history has taught us anything, it's that change, though sometimes slow, is inevitable. With the relentless spirit of these athletes, a more equitable future for women in sports isn't just a dream; it's on the horizon.

About the Author - Ariel Neidermeier (she/her) is a first generation Filipina-American writer educated in journalism at Emerson College and international relations at the University of California, San Diego. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Rebel Royalty: How Women Have Reshaped The Monarchy

By Ariel Neidermeier

The Queen and Princess Diana on the way to the State Opening of Parliament. 4th November 1982. Trinity Mirror, Mirrorpix. Alamy Stock Photo.

Every family has a rebel, and in the British royal family, they often wear heels. The British Royal Family looks very different than it did four decades ago when Diana Spencer famously married Prince Charles in a royal wedding fit for a fairytale. Today, there is a new generation of royals bringing Princess Diana’s legacy of vulnerability, honesty and humanity into the future and reshaping the definition of what it means to be royal in the process. 

A faltering institution 

A 1,200 year old institution. A family marred by rupture. Once a symbol of immense power, historical traditions and rulership over a vast global empire — the image of the British monarchy has shifted to one of familial disputes and shocking exposés. The shift has been dramatic and accelerating ever since Princess Diana walked down the aisle to marry into the family in 1981. With hindsight, we can see clearly that Princess Diana was a young but modern woman who would struggle within the confines and strict expectations of an old and outdated institution whose cracks would soon be showing to the world. These cracks were not her fault, but were inevitable, and she was just the one who drew the spotlight to the situation.

Since Queen Elizabeth’s death last September - she was clearly the superglue to the whole operation - support for the monarchy has declined from 62% to 58%. What’s more, a recent survey from the National Center for Social Research found that while 55% of the British public consider the monarchy to be important, those who say that its retention is ‘very important’ stood at just 29%, the lowest proportion on record. 

With Queen Elizabeth’s death has also come a renewed focus on the monarchy’s colonial legacy. Many of the countries of the 15 realms recognized as the Commonwealth have revived discussion of referendums to seek independence from the United Kingdom. This includes Australia, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda. Also, New Zealand — whose former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said shortly after the Queen’s death that she was certain a referendum would occur during her lifetime. 

It seems the late Queen Elizabeth II’s historically high popularity was a uniting force behind the Commonwealth — and, high it was. In fact, the last poll conducted before the Queen’s death found that 81% of people held her in positive regard — a rate that remained consistent for more than a decade. In contrast to his mother, King Charles III’s popularity currently sits at 55%. 

The late Princess of Wales follows her sons Prince Harry (right), five years old, and Prince William, seven, on Harry's first day at the Wetherby School in Notting Hill, West London. September 15, 1989. PA Images. Alamy Stock Photo.

The women who have changed the monarchy

While no royal has surpassed the late Queen Elizabeth when it comes to popularity, some have challenged her when it comes to fame. First and foremost, the late Princess Diana, who even 25 years after her death remains more popular than both her former husband and the monarchy. And, after Princess Diana? Arguably — the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.

According to research conducted by Bonus Insider, the Duchess of Sussex is the most searched member of the Royal Family on Google, even surpassing the King by over 20 points. Following in the footsteps of her iconoclastic mother-in-law, Markle’s fame has not been built from flowing praise and popularity. From her outsider roots to her unwavering support for modern social causes, the Duchess of Sussex is paving a new path of royalty — one that her husband Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is striding resolutely by her side on. 

The People’s Princess   

To understand the iconoclasm of Harry and Meghan, one must remember their forerunner: Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales. Arguably, no royal member since King Edward VIII — who abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson — changed the course of the House of Windsor more than Princess Diana.

With Diana came a new vision of royalty and frankly a harsh reality check on this old institution. Her infamous 1995 BBC interview in which she openly discussed her struggles with postpartum depression, bulimia, and her husband’s affair with Camilla Parker Bowles forever changed the public’s perception of the Windsors. No longer were they invincible members of a royal class. Through Diana’s brave discussion of her own struggles, she brought a sense of humanity and global sympathy for her situation.

But her trailblazing reformation of the House of Windsor didn’t stop there. Diana also used her fame to support provocative social causes. In 1987, as the HIV/AIDS epidemic gripped the world with fear, misinformation and homophobia, Princess Diana opened the UK's first purpose built HIV/AIDS unit that exclusively cared for patients infected with the virus at London Middlesex Hospital. At the opening of the unit, she shook the hand of a man suffering from the illness, publicly challenging the notion that HIV/AIDS was passed from person to person by touch. This simple but revolutionary use of the press confronted the rampant homophobia and stigmatization of HIV/AIDS patients — and made Princess Diana a champion of gay rights in the process. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Harry and Meghan’s love story has been well documented from the beginning. But, the difference between the story told by the press and the story they would later tell in their Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan illuminates the chasm between what the public sees of the royal family and what happens behind palace doors. 

After the mistreatment and isolation Diana faced by the institution, Meghan’s initial acceptance by the Royal Family seemed to right past wrongdoings. With the Royal Family’s acceptance of Meghan — a previously divorced, half-Black, American actress from a middle class family — came a refreshing image of a monarchy finally embracing the modern world. But, Meghan’s treatment by the press quickly revealed the entrenched systems of oppression still present within the institution and the media relationships that support it. As revealed in Netflix’s Harry & Meghan, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s astonishing interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2022, many of the stories pitched to the press about Meghan were inaccurate or used to distract from unfavorable stories about more senior members of the Royal Family. This “invisible contract” with the Royal Rota, a pool of UK outlets with exclusive access to coverage of the royal family, is a relationship Diana also struggled with and which — many would argue — would lead to her untimely death.

But, the racial overtones of the press coverage dedicated to Meghan seemed to highlight even more insidious trends. Over time, race would become a major factor in the relationship between Meghan and the tabloids, which would fuel harmful stereotypes with headlines declaring she was “(almost) straight outta Compton.” Critics have said the media’s treatment of Meghan, which contrasted starkly to the often positive coverage given to her sister-in-law Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is at least partly explained by a lack of newsroom diversity in the UK. Regardless, it was the Royal Family's lack of protective response that highlighted the systemic inner workings of the institution's dependence on the press.    

The New Royals

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at City Hall in Dusseldorf, Germany for the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 One Year to Go event. Picture date: Tuesday September 6, 2022. PA Images. Alamy Stock Photo.

After the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they would be stepping down from their positions as senior members of the Royal Family in January 2020, they began charting a new course of what being royal in the modern world looks like. Much like Diana did during her separation from the institution in the 1990s, Harry and Meghan have revealed their experiences with the inner workings of the British Monarchy in high profile interviews with the press — going against the Royal Family’s motto of “never complain, never explain”. 

They’ve also taken measures to stand up to the press both publicly and legally. Harry and Meghan have filed at least seven lawsuits against British and U.S. media organizations since 2019 for alleged breaches of privacy, unlawful practices and false stories against them and their family. They also openly discuss the press’ aggressive tactics. In May, the couple spoke publicly about their experience in a "near catastrophic car chase" with paparazzi on their way home from attending an awards ceremony in New York City. It’s clear the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not backing down — either from speaking openly about their treatment by the Royal Family or the press organizations that keep them relevant.

Finally, Harry and Meghan are making good on their commitment to upholding Diana’s legacy through their philanthropic work and social causes. Since its founding in 2020, the couple’s Archewell Foundation has raised $13 million and donated $3 million to philanthropic causes, including donating to the construction of a play park in Uvalde, Texas; procuring 12.6 million COVID vaccines in partnership with Global Citizen; rescuing over 7,400 people from Afghanistan in partnership with Human First Coalition, and providing 50,000 meals through a partnership with World Central Kitchen. 

Harry has also emerged as an enthusiastic and committed ally for feminist and social justice issues. In fact, both he and Meghan were awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization’s 2022 Ripple of Hope award for their activism on racial justice and mental health. Harry has also continued to be involved in supporting the Invictus Games, an international adaptive sport competition for wounded servicemen, women and veterans. Meghan’s stardom, social capital and feminist power seem just beginning to blossom, with her creativity and bold leadership a source of inspiration for many across the globe.

A Defiant Legacy 

Through their open discussion of their experiences and legal defiance of the press — Meghan and Harry are taking Diana’s legacy of vulnerability, humanity and freedom into the modern world. While the future of the monarchy is uncertain, one thing is clear: Harry and Meghan’s rise as influential players on the world’s stage will continue to reveal the fragility of the monarchy in the face of King Charles’ unpopular reign and modern expectations and demands for freedom.

About the Author - Ariel Neidermeier (she/her) is a first generation Filipina-American writer educated in journalism at Emerson College and international relations at the University of California, San Diego. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Radical Act of Rest

‘Resting Our Eyes’ Exhibit at ICA SF Gallery

By Kim Christensen and Polina Smith

’Resting Our Eyes’ uplifts the practice of rest, beauty and adornment of Black women as radical acts of resistance, pleasure and power. Tahirah Rasheed and Autumn Breon co-curated this art exhibit, featuring over 20 multigenerational Black artists, to focus on the ‘liberation and celebration of Black women through the lens of leisure and physical adornment.’ A timely take on the personal is political maxim, Resting Our Eyes has drawn enthusiastic audiences to the new ICA gallery in San Francisco where it runs through June 25, 2023.

Curators Tahirah Rasheed and Autumn Breon celebrate ‘Resting Our Eyes’ exhibit at Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco. Photography: Vikram Valluri. © BFA

“Collectively, these works invite us to see Black womxn as fully realized and free.”
— Exhibit co-curators Tahirah Rasheed and Autumn Breon

Installation view of ‘Resting Our Eyes’ exhibit at ICA San Francisco gallery in 2023.
Photo by R. Tsai for Seismic Sisters.

Self-care as a political strategy is a trending topic among feminist resisters on social media; but of course, it has been known and used by Black women going way back. The curators cite specifically as inspiration the Combahee River Collective – a group of Black lesbian feminist activists and intellectual thinkers who gathered regularly in the 1970s in Boston. They met up as an intentional sisterhood for years, carving out time to cook suppers together, discuss books, make art, dance, talk politics and culture, as well as wonder and envision what the world would look like – and society feel like – “If Black women were free”. 

Installation view of ‘Resting Our Eyes’ exhibit at ICA SF gallery in 2023.
Photo by R. Tsai for Seismic Sisters.

“If Black women were free, it would mean that everyone else would have to be free, since our freedom would necessitate the destruction of all systems of oppression.”
— from the Combahee River Collective Statement

In 1977 they were invited to write down their ideas for a book challenging capitalist patriarchy; known as the ‘Combahee River Collective Statement’, it has since become famous and studied by feminists worldwide. In it, the Collective came to assert a guiding philosophy, namely that the successes of any movement centering Black women would naturally bring rewards to the greater society. This concept is vitally relevant today. Creating a politics that centers Black women’s experience and needs - of the body, reproduction, family, relationships, jobs, infrastructure, education, community, health and safety - and that emphasizes joy and happiness - would likely improve conditions for other marginalized groups and the whole of society.

Artist Adana Tillman, “Wild Thoughts” quilted fabric, on display in ‘Resting Our Eyes’ exhibit at ICA SF gallery, 2023. Photo by R. Tsai for Seismic Sisters.

This exhibit confronts the legacy of subordination and colonization that Black women face daily. It challenges that subordination by celebrating the physical acts of rest and beautification, two acts that are as radical as they are ordinary. 

Artist LaKela Brown, “Doorknocker Earring Composition with Multiple Clusters and  Impressions” 2022, plaster and acrylic. Courtesy of the artist and Reyes | Finn. Photo by R. Tsai for Seismic Sisters.

The secondary theme of the exhibit – physical adornment – is captured through several thoughtful artistic media. Artist LaKela Brown’s “Composition With 35 Golden Doorknocker Impressions,” references the big, bold and gold door knocker-style earrings that many Black women wear as a fashion symbol of resistance and proud celebration of their cultural heritage.

The symbolic earrings are celebrated not only within this art exhibit space, but also by partnering with Sucré, a popular jewelry brand now selling this historically-inspired original merchandise.

Artist Genevieve Gaignard, “Look What We’ve Become” 2020 on display in ‘Resting Our Eyes’ exhibit at ICA SF gallery. Photo by R. Tsai for Seismic Sisters.

The advancement of the voices of Black women, in spheres both political and artistic, is not and has never been a zero-sum game. Curators Breon and Rasheed have created ‘Resting Our Eyes’ to reflect and reify this important axiom.

‘Resting Our Eyes’ has garnered the attention and enthusiastic praise of such media outlets as Vogue, The Cut, and Artnet. Such large-scale attention has delivered a powerful platform to these Bay Area connected artists and curators. ‘Resting our Eyes’ is a powerful, challenging and thought-provoking multimedia exhibit uplifting themes of rest, beauty and adornment all centered within the context of a radical politics. ‘Resting Our Eyes’ is showing at the ICA San Francisco gallery from January 21 to June 25, 2023. 

Street view of new ICA San Francisco art gallery, 2023. Photo by R. Tsai for Seismic Sisters.

About the authors:  Kim Christensen is the founder and executive editor of Seismic Sisters; Polina Smith is a staff culture writer at Seismic Sisters.

Feminist Icons of Every Generation

Social Media Influencers We Love

By Ariel Neidermeier

If we’re going to be under the influence of social media, then why not be influenced by feminist thought leaders who use their platforms to amplify issues we care about, like gender equity, social justice, environmentalism, human rights and progressive change? We rounded up influencers from each generation whose accounts inspire us and give us hope. These women are political leaders, activists, poets and media personalities who use their social media accounts to create a discourse of change that we’re here for.

GEN Z

Greta Thunberg

“You are never too small to make a difference.”

Since Greta Thunberg’s rise as a world-renowned activist of the global effort to combat climate change, she has been a consistent voice of transparency, accountability and change. Today, Thunberg is the face of the global climate movement, breathing new life into the issues from a Gen Z perspective. Since 2019, she’s led weekly Fridays Strike For Climate protests across the globe that draw millions of people — especially young people — documenting each “climate strike” meticulously on her Instagram. Openly identifying her autism, she has also become an advocate for neurodiversity awareness and destigmatization. Following her on social media brings with it a steady flow of inspiration, practical ideas for tackling the climate crisis and a reminder that consistency is the mark of true activism.
Instagram: @gretathunberg

Amanda Gorman 

“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”

Most of us recall Amanda Gorman’s stirring reading of her poem, “The Hill We Climb,” at President Biden’s inauguration on January 20, 2021. Her performance made her the youngest individual to serve as an inaugural poet and the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States. On her Instagram, she often posts original poems inspired by the pressing issues of the day, reflecting her ongoing work to write poetry that infuses the challenges confronting the nation with heart and hope. Follow Gorman’s Instagram account for poetry that spurs collective action and inspires optimism in the process. 
Instagram: @amandaascgorman 

Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit organization PERIOD, Nadya Okamoto. Photo by Mireya Acierto via Getty Images. New York.

Nadya Okamoto 

“In a dream world, periods would not be gendered. It would not be equated with womanhood or fertility.”


Nadya Okamoto is the co-founder of August, a lifestyle brand and online community working to reimagine periods. She is also the founder of Period.org, an organization fighting to end period poverty and one of the biggest global youth-run nonprofits in the world. Her TikTok, which boasts over 4 million followers, reflects her mission to destigmatize the way we talk about periods. Her open approach to discussing the intimate details of her menstrual cycle is already creating waves — and change — in the process. Okamoto raises our awareness of how Gen Z is normalizing periods and revolutionizing the use of gender-inclusive language like “menstruators” and “non-menstruators.” It’s a bloody fight and one we’re here for.
TikTok: @nadyaokamoto
Instagram: @nadyaokamoto

MILLENNIALS

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

“Our democracy is designed to speak truth to power.”

Progressive political phenom Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or just simply AOC, is no stranger to influencing change using her social media platform. The U.S. Representative to the Bronx and Queens is the youngest woman and youngest Latina to ever serve in the United States Congress. AOC is a leading member of a new generation of progressive politicians working collaboratively to back national legislative efforts like the Green New Deal resolution and the Build Back Better Act. Reflecting her work, AOC’s Instagram account is an ongoing call-to-action to progressive initiatives. She skillfully uses video to address her audience directly and posts clips of recent speeches she’s made to amplify her work as a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. AOC’s social media presence is informative, approachable, mission-driven and inspires us to do more.
Instagram: @aoc

Meena Harris at the DNCC’s livestream of the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Photo by Handout/DNCC via Getty Images. 

Meena Harris

“You may be the first to do many things, but make sure you're not the last.”


American lawyer, children's book author, producer, and founder of the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign, Meena Harris might have first gotten noticed because of her famous aunt, Kamala, but she’s making a mark all her own. The name of her company, Phenomenal Woman, was inspired by the famous 1978 Maya Angelou poem: “I’m a woman / Phenomenally. / Phenomenal woman, / That’s me.” In the same way, Harris’ account amplifies her work to elevate the contributions and mastery of women and underrepresented minorities. This can come in the form of promoting her latest children’s book, “Ambitious Girl,” or by bringing awareness to overlooked cultural threads of discrimination like her 2022 holiday campaign to amplify the erasure of Mrs. Claus. Punctuating her social justice content are relatable posts of her experience as a mother, businesswoman and doer. She’s no doubt a phenomenal woman and one to watch.
Instagram: @meena 

Rihanna 

“Be a girl with a mind, a b**ch with an attitude, a lady with class.”


Following artist, businesswoman and all-around bad b**ch Rihanna on her Instagram is a daily inspiration. Why? Because the nine-time Grammy Award-winning, Super Bowl-slaying beauty billionaire and current Oscar nominee reminds us that busy bosses have lives too. It’s clear that despite all the opportunities and commitments that have come from her success, Rihanna’s first priority is herself. This was on display at her Super Bowl LVII halftime show. Giving nonchalant and understated energy, Rihanna revealed her second baby bump in a skintight red leather outfit just a year after the birth of her first child. The message? The Super Bowl halftime show is important but so is taking a 7-year musical hiatus to raise a family and take care of yourself. Follow Rihanna’s Instagram for iconic style and a consistent reminder that new moms are some of the baddest b**chs around.
Instagram: @badgalriri

Gen X

Tracee Ellis Ross

“[Perimenopause] is really bizarre, but it is the most glorious invitation into a new season and chapter in my life.”


Tracee Ellis Ross is an actress, producer, director & founder/CEO of PATTERN Beauty, a haircare company for the curly, coily & tight textured masses. She talks candidly about topics famous actresses rarely speak openly about, like perimenopause, aging and singlehood. Her Instagram account shows her reflections on these topics as well as other important issues; like her work to share the experiences of BIPOC individuals on her recently-released I Am America podcast; or her production of The Hair Tales, a docu series about Black hair and how it affects Black women’s identity and sense of self. Also on display on her Instagram is her signature humor, support for other creators and infectious joy for life. Tracee Ellis Ross is an inspiration and one whose continual evolution is an honor to witness.
Instagram: @traceeellisross

Reese Witherspoon at the World Premiere of Netflix’s “Your Place Or Mine.” Photo by Albert L. Ortega via Getty Images. Los Angeles, California.

Reese Witherspoon

“I started this company to change the way all women are seen in media”


Early in her career when Reese Witherspoon got frustrated with the roles she was getting as a young actress in Hollywood, what did she do? She founded Hello Sunshine, a production company committed to telling women-driven stories like Gone Girl, Wild, Big Little Lies, The Morning Show and Little Fires Everywhere. Many of the projects Witherspoon produces are adapted from books picked for her book club — an 800,000 member-strong group that also centers female stories. Witherspoon is a formidable businesswoman and also a formidable activist — pushing for greater representation of LGBTQ people, people with disabilities and, of course, women — in Hollywood and beyond. Her Instagram is chock full of inspiration — from reminders to ‘just do it’ to the latest book she’s reading. We’re grateful activists like Witherspoon exist in Hollywood to help women and all underrepresented minorities feel more seen and heard.
Instagram: @reesewitherspoon 
Twitter: @ReeseW

Jennifer Siebel Newsom 

“If the media is sending girls the message that their value lies in their bodies, this can only leave them feeling disempowered and distract them from making a difference and becoming leaders.


Jennifer Siebel Newsom is the First Partner of California, an award-winning filmmaker, and a feminist thought leader on gender equality. Prior to marrying California Governor Gavin Newsom, Siebel Newsom worked as an actress in Hollywood, a time period that has come back in the news after her recent testimony in Harvey Weinstein’s criminal trial alleging that the former Hollywood producer raped her. (He denied the accusation and maintains that he is innocent. The judge declared a mistrial on the charges related to Siebel Newsom, but a Los Angeles jury convicted Weinstein on three counts of rape and sexual assault of a different woman involved in the trial, referred to as Jane Doe 1, and on February 23, 2023 he was sentenced to 16 years behind bars.) This is not the first time that Siebel Newsom has taken an open stand against abuse. Her documentaries often tackle gender inequity including the media’s unfair portrayal of women (Miss Representation) and toxic masculinity (The Mask You Live In). Most recently, Siebel Newsom’s documentary, Fair Play, casts a light on domestic inequity and the invisible care work historically held by women. As California’s First Partner, her Instagram is peppered with political partnerships as well as reminders for Californians to invest in their mental health.
Instagram: @jennifersiebelnewsom 

Baby Boomers

Jackie Speier

“I don't know what these Republican congressmen drink that make them experts on women's reproductive health.” 

Jackie Speier is an American lawyer and former U.S. representative for California's 14th congressional district, from 2008 to 2023. There’s no question Speier is an icon — not only for her steadfast support of women and other underrepresented groups throughout her political career but also for her brave sharing of her own experiences. Case in point, in 2011 Speier became the first member of Congress to share her abortion story on the House floor to argue against a proposal to defund Planned Parenthood. She’s survived gunshot wounds at the Jonestown massacre, miscarriages, broken engagements and the tragic death of her husband in a car accident. There’s a reason why Speier’s memoir is rightly titled Undaunted. We’re excited to follow Speier as she evolves into the next chapter of her journey beyond the House floor. We know it will be fearless no matter what.
Instagram: @jackiespeier 

Jennifer Coolidge poses with the award for Best Supporting Actress at the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer via Getty Images. Beverly Hills, California.

Jennifer Coolidge

“I've made a career of taking roles that other actresses didn't want.”


After years of being cast as “laughing stock” characters, actress Jennifer Coolidge is finally getting the recognition she deserves. Coolidge won her first Golden Globe and Emmy after brilliant performances in seasons 1 and 2 of The White Lotus. Her career resurgence, which is occurring in her 60s - a time when many actresses find their careers falling behind those of men and younger women - is an inspiration. Coolidge’s social media presence is similar to her unforgettable Golden Globes acceptance speech: earnest, unscripted and hilarious. In fact, Coolidge’s first TikTok was deemed a masterpiece by the Internet. Follow Coolidge for laughs and a lighthearted reminder that you’re never too old to do what you love and get what you deserve.
Instagram: @jennifercoolidge
TikTok: @jennifercoolidge

Dolly Parton 

“I suppose I am a feminist if I believe that women should be able to do anything they want to”


We’ve always loved Dolly Parton, and how could we not? The world famous country music singer who combines big hair and a beautiful voice with a big belief that women can and should do whatever they want, Parton is a longtime feminist. Alongside her musical career, Parton has acted in several successful films including Steel Magnolias and Nine to Five (a movie also starring feminist icons Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin that tackled the subject of sexual harassment in the workplace). Aside from her stage and screen activities, Parton has donated over 150 million books through her Imagination Library, and $1 million to COVID-19 research. From clips of timeless past performances to inspiring reminders that “dreams do come true,” following Dolly Parton on Instagram — or #DollyTok, as she refers to it — is a delight.
Instagram: @dollyparton

The (Not So) Silent Generation 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, delivers a statement during the Coronavirus pandemic. Photo by Graeme Jennings-Pool via Getty Images. Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.

Nancy Pelosi 

“Organize, don’t agonize”

The former 52nd Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi has represented San Francisco in Congress for more than 35 years. Pelosi was the first woman ever elected to serve as the speaker of the House. She has been a staunch advocate for women throughout her career, using her fierce determination and strategic maneuvering to champion legislation like the Affordable Care Act and the American Rescue Plan, all while combatting the media’s cartoonish portrayal of her as a villain driven by a thirst for power. Her Instagram account follows her political work including efforts to tackle pressing issues like gun violence and violence against women. We’re thrilled Nancy Pelosi’s time in the House is not over yet and excited to follow her as she continues her tireless work.
Instagram: @speakerpelosi 

Jane Fonda 

“Feminism is not just about women; it's about letting all people lead fuller lives.”

Actress and activist, Jane Fonda, needs very little introduction. She’s won two Oscars, built a fitness empire and spent most of her life using her fame to bring attention to pressing social justice issues. Today, she’s best known for her leading role as Grace in Netflix’s Grace and Frankie and her ongoing activism to bring awareness to the Black Lives Matter movement and the climate crisis. Her Instagram reflects her unflagging activism to “take down the fossil fuel industry”. It also features her latest movie roles, which highlight the ongoing transformation, sexuality and adventure that older women experience too. We’ll always love Jane Fonda because she reminds us that having fun, breaking the rules and fighting the power is ageless. 
Instagram: @janefonda 

Gloria Steinem 

“‪Women may be the one group that grows more radical with age."‬

Fighting for women’s rights over the course of a lifetime is no small feat, and yet Gloria Steinem at age 88 is still doing it. She is a writer, activist, and organizer who has been called “the world’s most famous feminist”. In her lifelong commitment to advocating for women, she’s helped form the National Women’s Political Caucus with feminist icons like Bella Abzug and Betty Friedan, been mentored by and worked alongside many women of color including the brilliant Black feminist and community activist Dorothy Pitman Hughes, launched the pioneering Ms. magazine, written books about self-esteem, and misrepresentation; she’s even fought and survived breast cancer. Today, Steinem remains one of the most salient voices in the continued fight for women’s liberation. On her Instagram she posts about women who inspire her, past work she’s written that’s still troublingly relevant, and reminders to affect change through political participation. Despite witnessing first hand every triumph and misstep of the feminist movement for the better part of the last century, Steinem continues to be one of the most hopeful voices of all. Follow her to look back on how far we’ve come and to stay hopeful for how far we can still go.

Instagram: @gloriasteinem

About the author: Ariel Neidermeier (she/her) is a first generation Filipina-American writer educated in journalism at Emerson College and international relations at the University of California, San Diego. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

And the Oscar should go to...

By Ariel Neidermeier

From strong female leads to female directors who centered the stories of women, with the 95th Academy Awards just around the corner, we’re rounding up the movies from 2022 that made us think about the triumphs and trials of the female experience. 

Disregarding categories specifically reserved for women (e.g. “Best Actress”, “Best Supporting Actress”), only 27% of Oscar nominees in non-acting categories at the 2022 Academy Awards were female according to data from the Women’s Media Center. This represents a decrease in representation from 2020 and 2021, when the share of women nominated was 30% and 32%, respectively. Furthermore, this ongoing lack of representation has continued into this year’s Academy Awards, with female directors shut out from the director category entirely. 

Instead, the nominees for the best director of 2022 were strictly male, including Martin McDonagh (The Banshees of Inisherin), Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (Everything Everywhere All At Once), Steven Spielberg (The Fabelmans), Todd Field (Tár) and Ruben Östlund (Triangle of Sadness).

Who didn’t make the 2022 Best Director nominees list… and should have? Female directors like Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King), Sarah Polley (Women Talking), Chinonye Chukwu  (Till), Maria Schrader (She Said) and Charlotte Wells (Aftersun).

Some of the films that follow have been recognized by major awards organizations, many of them have not. Regardless, it's movies like these we want to see more of on the silver screen. 

AFTERSUN

Aftersun is a delicate and universal portrait of grief, memory and perception. Told through the eyes of a daughter remembering a final interaction with her father, the memory takes place as she reaches the beginnings of puberty, a tender time when a young woman is waking up to her own sexuality — and noticing others noticing it too. Weaving camcorder footage, memories and subconscious strikes of imagination, writer and director Charlotte Wells seems to channel a memory rather than retell a story. The result is a loving and heartfelt depiction of a father-daughter relationship. Vacationing in Turkey, they tour a mud bath, swim in the sea and sit at all-inclusive buffet dinners. Their relationship is poignant and realistic. Sometimes they squabble, sometimes they laugh, oftentimes they sit in an intimate yet fretful silence. It’s not a story of unique tragedy, but a story that is common to all humans: the experience of loss. There comes a time when all of us will do what’s portrayed in Aftersun: sort through old footage and relive memories of the ones we’ve loved and lost.


ENOLA HOLMES II

A rollicking ride through Victorian-era London through the eyes of an extraordinarily clever young detective, Enola Holmes 2 is for a night when you want to escape into a world where all mysteries — and misogynistic tyrannies — can be solved. This is the second in a series of films that gives a feminist twist on the classic tale of Sherlock Holmes (Enola, played by Millie Bobby Brown, is his younger sister). Enola’s mystery to solve: Find a missing girl and amplify the labor rights of mistreated female workers in the process. Flashbacks to Enola’s unorthodox childhood with her mother played by Helena Bonham Carter grounds this film in an independent quirkiness that makes the high stakes of female empowerment at the turn of the century feel lighthearted — if not downright fun. Buoyant, daring and touching on the importance of human rights and collectivism, this quick-witted film (series) is one to watch.

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE

Surreal, twisting and full of surprises, Everything Everywhere All at Once manages to blend fantastical plot twists and the mundane scapes of the human experience (the majority of the film takes place in an IRS government building) to tackle tender topics like intergenerational trauma, the immigrant experience and complicated family relationships. Part kung fu action film, part sci-fi thriller, the locus of activity in Everything Everywhere All at Once revolves around a fraught mother-daughter relationship between the exasperated Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh) and her dispirited daughter (Stephanie Hsu). The fantastical interpretation of their discontented relationship in the dream world conjured by the movie’s creators (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) is somehow both exhilarating and relatable. In this multiverse, every choice leads to an unending web of paths not picked, and possible lives never lived. Characters can use “jumping pads” — random, improbable acts — to access skills from these unlived lives, tapping into singing talents, martial arts mastery and more to take down their enemies. Another benefit of this set-up is the unending array of possibilities to forgive, love and heal. The feeling one gets after watching this film is one all moviegoers yearn for: hope that anything, anywhere, all at once — is possible.

MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS

From humble beginnings to the height of high fashion, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris follows the delightful journey of a woman finding her way after tragedy. Lesley Manville plays Mrs. Harris, a disheartened widow toiling in post WWII London. What does Mrs. Harris do when all is lost and there’s nothing left to hope for? She saves up the money to fly to Paris and buy herself a haute couture Dior gown. What follows is a dashing story of love, friendship and the reminder that it’s never too late to have an adventure and discover joy in your life. Mrs. Harris might be a humble housemaid, but she deserves a beautiful dress to make her feel special like we all do. This Cinderella-esque story is whimsical, dreamy and for one hour and 56 minutes, makes the world a much brighter, magical, well-dressed place.

SHE SAID

Based on the nonfiction book of the same name, She Said is a quietly thrilling recounting of the investigation of Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, The New York Times journalists who broke the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse story in 2017. It was this historic investigation that would catapult the #MeToo movement as well as several indictments against Weinstein for sexual abuse and rape. Like a fact-checked, clearly-reported article, the film clearly retells what happened, without grandstanding or extraneous detail. It also sheds light on the methodical precision it takes to build trust with sexual abuse victims in order to break news stories of this nature. The journalistic work of Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey is masterfully depicted by actresses Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan. While the film casts itself in the mold of other depictions of groundbreaking investigative reporting (All the President’s Men, Spotlight) director Maria Schrader tells the story through a distinctly female gaze. You see how Kantor and Twohey’s personal lives are affected by their work and vice versa, with the film tackling the challenges of postpartum depression and the day-to-day balance of work, motherhood and marriage. What the viewer is left with is an elegant and realistic portrait of professional women doing great work.

She Said should be viewed with a trigger warning to those sensitive to material suggesting or depicting sexual harassment and abuse. 

THE WOMAN KING

The Woman King is a triumphant film. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and led by a spectacular performance by Viola Davis, The Woman King tells the true story of an army of women warriors in the precolonial West African Kingdom of Dahomey. From nail-biting battle scenes to inspiring montages of young warriors learning to fight, this movie showcases the dynamic strength of Black women. It’s particularly riveting to see a film that forgoes superhero strengths and magical gifts to imbue women with skills that are realistic and human. These warriors can twirl javelins, spin ropes and throw swords with exquisite skill. War scenes are balanced with a healthy dose of cultural celebration, including African dancing, singing and joy. The Woman King is also grounded in a tender depiction of sisterhood, chosen family and mother-daughter dynamics. It’s films like these that feel like a much-needed victory in today’s constantly bleak news landscape. And, it’s films like these that remind us that throughout human history, lurking in the shadow of every story of suffering is a story of transcendence too. 

The Woman King should be viewed with a heavy trigger warning to those sensitive to material suggesting or depicting sexual violence.

THE SWIMMERS

The valiant and true story of the Mudini sisters provides viewers with a good cry and a healthy helping of hope. Focusing on the tale of two Syrian sisters trained in competitive swimming, younger sister Yusra’s (Nathalie Issa) aspirations to compete in the Olympics might be the connecting thread in this film but what belies it is an important story of the refugee experience. Yusra and Sara travel from Syria to Turkey, swim for their lives during a harrowing boat ride from Turkey to Greece and continue their dangerous trek across the Hungarian border. Making it to Berlin, they’re left to wait in an interminable limbo of refugee camp life and paperwork while also hoping to see if they can bring their remaining mother, father and young sister to safety from Damascus. In its twists and turns, The Swimmers is like a modern-day odyssey but one that is far from myth. Almost exactly 12 years since the start of the Syrian Civil War, it’s a stark reminder of the millions of refugees (half of whom are under the age of 18) who continue to risk their lives (and lose them) to find safety, freedom and hope in lands far from home — an ongoing global crisis that would do all of us good to remember.

TILL

Retelling the true story of Emmett Till through the eyes of his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, Till reminds us of what it takes to open the eyes of a nation. In a heartbreaking scene depicting Emmett’s funeral, at which Mamie insists to show his body in an open casket, her crying aunt chokes “I can’t look at him,” to which Mamie responds: “We have to.” In the same way, Till asks us to look at the human consequences of our nation’s chronic violence against Black people. It is inconceivable to murder a 14 year-old boy for whistling, just as it is inconceivable for us to look at his brutalized body in the film. A stunning performance by Danielle Deadwyler paints a vivid portrait of a woman whose grief and strength transforms history. It’s because of Mamie Till-Mobley that we continue to hold Emmett Till’s story in our hearts with anguish. It is because of Mamie Till-Mobley that the names of so many unjustly taken bright souls are still shouted and remembered. The solitary suffering and eternal conviction of mothers like Mamie Till-Mobley galvanized the Civil Rights movement, the Black Lives Matter movement and beyond, a fact that Till masterfully brings our attention to.

WOMEN TALKING

Women Talking is a one hour and 44 minute film that showcases exactly that: a group of Mennonite women talking about what to do after suffering unspeakable violence. Their options: forgive, stay and fight, or leave. Based on a true story, the film begins with the words “what follows is an act of female imagination.” These words set the stage for a sequence of events that feel dream-like, the way abuse can feel dream-like when individuals are gaslighted into disbelieving their own suffering. In a welcome respite from the fetishization of female pain and sexual violence often depicted on the silver screen, director Sarah Polley skillfully invokes the abuse that took place without ever actually depicting it. Instead, the conversations of the women processing their experiences are centered —- as they should be in the aftermath of abuse. Balancing the horror of the events recounted is a beautiful depiction of strength and sisterhood. It’s inspiring to watch a group of women who have never been taught to read or to think independently conjure the magical thinking required to believe they can assert their freedom. It makes one believe that the simple act of a group of women talking could very possibly change the world.

Women Talking should be viewed with a heavy trigger warning to those sensitive to material suggesting or depicting sexual violence.

Official movie posters sources: Aftersun by A24 Films, Enola Holmes 2 by Netflix, Everything Everywhere All At Once by A24 Films, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris by Focus Features and Universal Pictures, She Said by Universal Pictures, The Woman King by Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Swimmers by Netflix, Till by United Artists Releasing and Universal Pictures, Women Talking by United Artists Releasing.

About the Author - Ariel Neidermeier (she/her) is a first generation Filipina-American writer educated in journalism at Emerson College and international relations at the University of California, San Diego. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Never Forget: Holocaust Remembrance Day 

By Sydney Williams

National Council of Jewish Women - San Francisco gather at the Women's March  Photo by Antonia Lavine.

National Council of Jewish Women - San Francisco gather at the Women's March 
Photo by Antonia Lavine.

Holocaust Remembrance Day is among us, and so are the scars left behind by the anti-Semitic events of World War II. In 1933, the Nazi regime came into power with a racial superiority complex that lead to the death of 6 million Jews in concentration camps and military attacks. This hateful, systematic, and state-sponsored campaign took tens of millions of souls from us during its reign. A time that will forever remain a stain on our global history, and a pain in our hearts. Once a year (but for some of us, far more than that), we commemorate the lives lost and the wounds to society left behind by the Holocaust. 

In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Seismic Sisters spotlights an active and influential organization in the Bay Area:  the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) - San Francisco. For over 120 years, the NCJW San Francisco has dedicated itself to uplifting not only Jewish women, but all members of their community regardless of faith or gender. Their leadership team, made up almost entirely of women advocates, strives for a society where just is ≠ justice (as poet Amanda Gorman so eloquently put it during the Inauguration ceremony). Their core areas of advocacy are civic engagement, empowering women, fighting human trafficking, and advancing social justice in Israel. They strive to be a platform for education, assistance, and action against injustices in the Bay Area and beyond. With the help of organizations like the NCJW San Francisco, we take lessons learned from the past to pave righteous paths towards the future. 

Katie Koyfman, NCJW San Francisco Board Member and Chair of ‘Next Generation’ Committee. Photo by Katie’s husband, Jake Ososke.

Katie Koyfman, NCJW San Francisco Board Member and Chair of ‘Next Generation’ Committee. Photo by Katie’s husband, Jake Ososke.

Katie Koyfman, a member of the board of directors and chair of their Next Generation committee, is a rising star in the NCJW San Francisco’s leadership team. Katie first joined forces with this organization as a member of the very committee she now chairs and was the youngest member ever invited to sit on their board of directors. We are delighted to share her thoughts from our interview to learn more about NCJW San Francisco, and as we commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day.

What inspired the establishment of the ‘Center for Women and Girls’? 

The NCJW San Francisco’s Center for Women and Girls was founded in 2013. Its main purpose is to protect women and children at risk by providing them with a safe place of support. With initiatives such as lobbying services to support foster families, giving scholarships to prospective students, advocating for paid family leave, and hosting events for women in the workforce to connect, the center has a considerably widespread impact. A notable achievement of the Center for Women and Girls is their involvement in achieving justice for victims of child prostitution. They played a large role in the passing of legislation for the decriminalization of child prostitution. This made it so that children will no longer be held responsible for their abuse. In addition to the Center for Women and Girls, the NCJW SF has two more groups working towards a similar goal:  The San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking and The Jewish Coalition to End Human Trafficking. 

Vote Against Violence rally at San Francisco City Hall. Photo by Antonia Lavine

Vote Against Violence rally at San Francisco City Hall. Photo by Antonia Lavine

What change is the ‘Jewish Advocates in Action for a Critical COVID-19 Response’ council bringing to the community? 

First, it is important to know that the Jewish Advocates in Action for a Critical COVID-19 Response is a youth-led council. Our mission at NCJW San Francisco Next Generation is to create a space for young adults to bring their ideas to the table and to foster their passions through volunteering. High school senior twins Emma and Julia are part of NCJW SF Next Generation and lead the council in an effort to open channels of communication to discuss adversity brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. They have made leaps and bounds with this council. One of their many accomplishments thus far has been launching a webinar series. Each webinar is focused to address a different topic. Topics range from the impact of COVID-19 on human trafficking survivors to individuals with developmental disabilities, from Israeli democracy to the impact of stay-at-home policies on victims of domestic violence. Emma and Julia have truly gone above and beyond in connecting people in need with resources to help. 

Emma and Julia (two farthest right), leaders of Jewish Advocates in Action for a Critical COVID-19 Response council. Photo by Antonia Lavine

Emma and Julia (two farthest right), leaders of Jewish Advocates in Action for a Critical COVID-19 Response council. Photo by Antonia Lavine

How do you commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day? 

I spend the day with my family, namely my grandparents, who are Holocaust survivors. My grandpa is a notoriously hard worker, diligent about his commitments and passionate about his endeavors. They have so many reasons to hate the world, but they are the most kind, loving, caring, and giving people that I know. Living through the Holocaust caused them so much pain - pain that they still live with today, but it in fact taught them forgiveness and patience. It made them want to be better than the people that imprisoned them. As a family, we choose to commemorate this day of loss by celebrating what we do have. It was a bone-chilling event in history, but a heart-warming opportunity for family to come together. 

If there was one message you could share with the world, what would it be?

“When looking at the last year, I would describe it as a whirlwind where I felt anxious and frozen, yet hopeful and inspired all at the same time. At first, I stared defenselessly as my idea of ‘normal’ crumbled. I looked for the helpers like Mr. Rogers said to do in his beloved children’s show. But as adults, we no longer have the luxury to only search for helpers. We must be the helpers we are looking to find – it is our civic duty. We are not powerless. We are strong and resilient. Our strength is rooted in empathy and the source of our power is in helping others. Being engaged with a group making a positive impact on people and policy is how I rediscovered my strength. NCJW SF is working tirelessly to improve the lives of women, children, families, and those most vulnerable in our economic and health crisis. Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, we are fighting for equity and tackling hate, racism, and anti-Semitism. Whether through being an ally, advocate, or activist, we can challenge bias and build bridges of understanding. I am privileged to advance NCJW SF’s mission, support our community, and create a future where justice prevails.” - Katie Koyfman

For more information on the National Council of Jewish Women San Francisco, visit www.ncjwsf.org

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Reclaiming My Time: How to Identify Your ‘Professional Why’ for Your Lifestyle

By Alexandria Noel Butler

I have spent my whole career in the tech industry and so far, my career has been based on my ability to work on someone else’s dream and not my own. I have always been a small piece to a larger elaborate tapestry that has an original architect. Now this is not necessarily a bad place to be: I enjoy being a piece of thread to a great idea and I find power in working on cross functional teams to spin hay into gold. But this journey hasn’t been without its battles. I’ve navigated through a myriad of highs, lows, bad decisions, better decisions, thinking out loud and pretending to know what is going on. In order to keep my sanity, I have to always remind myself of what I am getting out of the tapestry. Why am I here? 

Five years ago, I had a conversation with my therapist about why I was at a particular job doing a specific role that was not fulfilling me completely. I told her that I needed to make money to exist and her response was striking, “You can make money at another place that fulfills you more than this.” It was the first time someone had given me permission to be intentionally selfish. I started to think: What drives me to succeed in my job? What pushes me to do my best work even when I disagree with the direction of the plan? What motivates me to continue spinning when I do not feel supported or appreciated by management? I left her large purple couch with a whole new outlook and promised myself that I would always seek my professional why. I realized, the more I know about me, specifically what I value and how I want to live my life, the easier it is for me to find career opportunities that cater to my actual wants and needs.

Alexandria Noel Butler, Founder of Sista Circle: Black Women in Tech and Unfiltered By Lexi B. Photo source: Lexi B

Alexandria Noel Butler, Founder of Sista Circle: Black Women in Tech and Unfiltered By Lexi B.
Photo source: Lexi B

When you define your ‘professional why’ you begin to unlock your shackles to the opinions of others in regard to your career choices. Your professional why will come from four major categories, each one fulfilling a part of survival, thrift or joy. You choose a category based on your personal life and values. You should map a plan of action based on the specific category. It is quite simple when you think about it. Your professional why is your intentionality behind why you are working where you are working and the amount of stress and tension you are willing to deal with. As you create your personal why, here are the categories to consider. 

Coinage: Money makes the world go ‘round

We all are influenced by money to a certain extent but I can count on one hand the number of people who are truly and solely influenced by the dollar. Despite what capitalism tries to tell us, we all value money differently. The average person wants enough money to fuel their happiness - family commitments, hobbies, shopping habits, savings - the list is endless. But when you make the money that pays for your definition of a comfortable lifestyle, you don’t go searching for more coins. Professionally, there are many times when someone embarks on a new opportunity because of a larger paycheck. But the promise of a paycheck will only take you so far in times of stress and work tension. Your financial why cannot just be more money. The increase in salary needs to be attached to a personal goal. Paying off your student loans, a certain amount of money in your savings, savings for a large purchase such as a home, preparing for a new addition to the family. These are all personal reasons that have a large financial price tag. These reasons are what will keep you calm and collected in times of stress and uncertainty at work until you reach your milestone. 

Benefits: Non-Financial Perks That Smooth Out Your Life

In a full-time position, you will often find other powerful benefits that are not just your regular health care stipend, such as free or heavily discounted mental health benefits, opportunities to travel to different places, childcare stipends, and parental leave for up to six months. Depending where you are in your life, these benefits could support you tremendously. While you may be able to make more money someplace else, these benefits might keep you in your current role longer because they support your current personal goals. 

New Skills: The Lessons You Don’t Want To Learn But Know You Need

A new job can come with an opportunity to learn new skills. It is important to take inventory of the skills you have acquired in your career and the skills that you want to obtain. The best way to get these new skills is not a class or another certificate. It is to shadow someone who is great at that skill or be pushed off the diving board; therefore being required to learn as you go. You may find yourself in a situation where the job is offering you an opportunity. If you want to jump, just do it. Know that there will be times when you mess up or finish last. But be prepared to work very hard to become a master at this new skill. This new skill could offer you a promotion in pay and higher ranking job title. 

Breathing Room: #TeamTimeOut

I am in full support of #TeamTimeOut. It is a bench that you place yourself and opt into. It is a time when you are working to keep your lifestyle running without adding any extra stress or pressure. Life can be gruesome, especially for women of color. Sometimes you need a break from the long workdays and the pressure we receive from management and ourselves. #TeamTimeOut will not erase the microaggressions that we face. Those are systemic and date back about six centuries before us. But this time will give you the clarity to decide what is next. Also, #TeamTimeOut is a great opportunity to build your own tapestry while making enough money to support your lifestyle. Many famous world leaders, regardless of gender or color, have benched themselves in order to build their next great idea. To do this, you need mental and emotional bandwidth to prioritize your dream while doing your day job efficiently. You look at your current job as a clock-in/clock-out system. Go to work, do the job, come home. Do not bring the job home because your home is a place where the new dream is being cultivated. Do not worry about getting a perfect score on your annual review. You focus on getting an average score that keeps your finances exactly where you need them. 

Identifying your ‘professional why’ is one of the most important parts of your career journey. Your ‘why’ builds the foundation and mapping of your short-term goals. It is your guiding light as you decide what work battles to fight, what office politics to play and what type of leadership you value. The beauty of your professional why is that it can change at any time. The key is to always check in with your ‘why’. Is it still the same as it was when you started this new opportunity? Does it need to be changed? Have you changed? The continuous conversation surrounding your why will ultimately give you more peace in your professional and personal life and also push you to greater success. At the end of the day, you decide what success looks like for you. 

Your career is your job to manage. The questions are the following: Why are you doing what you are doing? What’s in it for you? How is this company, organization or manager helping you build your dream lifestyle? 

22688883_10210380432449249_3013317509559968200_n.jpg

Alexandria Noel Butler - ‘Lexi B’ - is a Senior Program Manager in the technology industry and the founder of Unfiltered By Lexi B, a lifestyle social media account giving career advice to young professionals. In 2017, she founded Sista Circle: Black Women in Tech. She holds a dual degree from Stanford University in Communications and Spanish.