SEISMIC SISTERS GIFT SHOPPING GUIDE 2024: Products Made and Curated by Women

Here at Seismic Sisters, we love to support women-owned businesses. Each of these women-owned businesses offers not only lovely products but also meaningful stories and values that make their goods extra special. Shop these local gems to give gifts that are beautiful, thoughtful, and perfect for the holidays!

Curated by Tumay Aslay.
Cover image courtesy of Taylor Jay

Taylor Jay

Taylor Jay is an Oakland-based, woman-owned fashion brand that celebrates comfort, inclusivity, and sustainability. Founded by Taylor Jay in 2014, the brand focuses on designing chic and versatile pieces that empower women of all shapes and sizes. Perfect for the holidays, Taylor Jay’s cozy yet stylish pieces make thoughtful and sustainable gifts for the fashion-forward women in your life.

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The Latch Key

Whitney Sharpe, founder of The Latch Key, crafts stunning ceramics inspired by meditation and mindfulness. Her handmade pieces—ranging from delicate jewelry to functional home décor—bring a sense of calm and intention to any space. Whitney’s work is deeply personal and artistically inspiring, making her ceramics ideal for gifting this holiday season. Whether you’re shopping for a minimalist or an art lover, The Latch Key offers truly memorable options.

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Three Babes Bakeshop

Anna and Lenore, childhood friends and bakers extraordinaire, created Three Babes Bakeshop out of a shared love for food and community. Their dedication to using organic, seasonal ingredients shines in every pie they bake, from traditional apple to indulgent bourbon pecan. What sets them apart is their deep commitment to sustainability and social justice, making their bakery a destination for conscious foodies. With their pies packed in charming, reusable wooden boxes, these sweet creations are a perfect addition to holiday celebrations or as gifts for those who appreciate quality and care.

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The Foggy Dog

Founded by Rose Shattuck, The Foggy Dog redefines pet accessories with style and purpose. Each product—whether it’s a chic dog bed or a colorful bandana—is made in the USA using eco-friendly materials. Beyond creating functional, fashionable pet goods, Rose is passionate about giving back, with every purchase supporting animal rescue efforts. Perfect for pet lovers, their beautifully designed items make thoughtful holiday gifts for anyone who loves their furry companion as much as family.

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Farmgirl Flowers

Christina Stembel’s Farmgirl Flowers brings a fresh, sustainable approach to floristry. Known for their signature burlap-wrapped bouquets, Farmgirl focuses on using locally sourced blooms to reduce waste and support American farmers. Christina’s innovative model has transformed the flower industry, offering eco-friendly arrangements that are as stunning as they are sustainable. A bouquet from Farmgirl Flowers is a meaningful gift for spreading holiday cheer, with each one embodying thoughtfulness and care for the planet.

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Iyoba

When founder Efiya Asabi couldn’t find natural remedies for her son’s eczema, she began creating her own, leading to the birth of Iyoba. Her handmade, plant-based skincare line features luxurious soaps, body butters, and hair care products, all crafted with love and eco-consciousness. Efiya’s mission goes beyond skincare, emphasizing wellness and sustainability in every product. Ideal for gifting, Iyoba’s offerings provide a perfect opportunity to treat loved ones to natural, handcrafted self-care this holiday season.

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Rare Device

Rare Device, founded by Rena Tom, is more than a store—it’s a celebration of creativity and community. This beautifully curated shop features unique, artist-made goods ranging from handmade ceramics to quirky greeting cards. Rare Device is the perfect destination for finding one-of-a-kind holiday gifts that support independent artists and add a touch of charm to anyone’s home or life. If you’re looking for something truly special, this is the place to shop.

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Alyssa Nicole

Alyssa Nicole, founded by Alyssa and Sonia Casares, is a luxury fashion line that celebrates craftsmanship and feminine elegance. Every piece in their demi-couture collection is meticulously handmade in San Francisco, making it a true work of art. From timeless dresses to ethereal accessories, Alyssa Nicole’s creations are ideal for anyone who appreciates high-quality, slow fashion. This holiday season, gift your loved ones a piece that’s not only beautiful but also tells a story of artistry and dedication.

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Aplat

Shujan Bertrand’s Aplat embodies sustainability and thoughtful design. Inspired by the art of origami, Shujan creates zero-waste culinary totes, reusable wraps, and accessories that bring elegance to everyday life. Aplat’s products are perfect for eco-conscious friends or family members who love to cook, entertain, or simply live sustainably. These beautifully crafted goods make practical yet stylish holiday gifts that align with values of waste reduction and mindful living.

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Monastery Made

Athena Hewett’s Monastery Made blends her Greek heritage with modern skincare expertise to create a line of botanical, minimalist products. From cleansing oils to hydrating serums, each item is designed to simplify skincare routines while delivering luxurious results. Perfect for anyone seeking radiant, healthy skin, Monastery Made offers holiday gifts that encourage self-care and relaxation. With elegant packaging and artisanal quality, these products are a joy to give—and receive.

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Seismic Sisters does not endorse any of the Seismic Sisters Gift Guide products or services nor does it guarantee the quality, merchantability, appropriateness or availability of the products or services listed in the Seismic Sisters Gift Guide (or any other products or services sold on the linked websites).

The links are only provided as a courtesy to allow access to the referenced sites. It is your choice whether or not to purchase such gifts or services. Seismic Sisters will not make any money from the sales of the products and services and does not have any financial relationship with the linked sites.

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.

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.

What No One Told Me About Motherhood

By Keesa Ocampo

The author with her son, Kinley, at 6 months old.
Photo courtesy of Keesa Ocampo.

I had my first child at 39. I felt ready - emotionally resolved, financially secure, and physically strong. I was in a sweet, mature, and loving relationship with a man I had met in 2020. Our pandemic bubble was small and it gave us the space to really focus on each other. A year and a missed period later, we took a pregnancy test to verify what I already suspected. Two lines on five different sticks confirmed that I was truly, unmistakably pregnant. 

At our first doctor’s visit, the term ‘geriatric pregnancy’ was used to refer to me and I immediately thought - this can use a rebrand. We were given reading homework with a list of what not to eat, instructions on prenatals, and a calendar of future appointments. I barely remember the early days which I spent mostly asleep. Well into our second trimester, we signed up for an online birthing class with a doula/coach from the Philippines. I figured that getting coached by someone who understood my culture, who could show me how we birthed back home would feel aligned and rooted in the wisdom I needed. It was fantastic. 

But a few weeks closer to our due date, things started to get complicated. We had a birth plan that somehow was no longer going to work. A mild case of panic settled in. I wondered - can I really do this? His head is how big? Am I ready?

I spent the last few days of pregnancy doing my yoga stretches, pelvic exercises, and kegels. I packed a bag, made a playlist, and prepared an environment that would feel encouraging, calm, and welcoming for our son. I gave birth to my first child a couple weeks shy of turning 40. I was induced. My epidural didn’t work and I felt everything until the last 10 minutes when relief truly mattered. I pushed for 25 minutes. It was an insane, out-of-body experience. And this is what I learned –

Childbirth is unique for everyone.

The most important decision I made was the choice of my doctor. Knowing that I was in good hands and trusting that the best gametime decisions would be made by someone who would advocate for me and my child gave me confidence. So, I did everything humanly possible to ensure we’d be together during childbirth. I held off delivering my baby a couple hours until she made it through a freeway closure. I still can’t believe I did that.

I once asked my OB-Gyn, “What’s the purpose of a birth plan when there’s a big chance that  things will change?” It’s important to know that the birthing process may not always go as planned but it is just as important to know that we are built to birth. Our bodies are mind-blowingly magical. Hormones expand the birth canal. Our breath can help move a baby through. What I didn’t expect was how much the process was 80% yoga and meditation and 20% physical endurance. In the throes of full labor contractions and without a working epidural, I put myself mentally on my yoga mat. I visualized. I made each breath count. I repeated a mantra I had been sharing with my son: We’re going to be brave. We’re going to be strong. We’re going to make it easy. We’re going to make it fun.

The delivery room was a yoga and meditation studio, replete with a sound machine and a playlist that made me feel powerful and calm. Together, they raised the vibration of my experience. During the painful contractions, my vision tunneled and the details of my surroundings disappeared but I could hear Ariana Grande telling me that when all is said and done, you’ll believe God is a woman. 

People often said, “Find out what your mother’s experience was to get a sense of what yours will be like.” My mother had a horrific birthing experience with me. It was a delivery gone wrong that took five years and two surgeries to fix. Her mother had eight children and on her deathbed, she said that nursed all of them well into toddlerhood. Rather than letting these determine my story, I paid more attention to ending karmic cycles and healing our generational wounds instead.

I have girlfriends who labored for 36 hours and some who delivered with two pushes. Who knows what makes the difference? At a time when so little is within your control, what I kept telling myself is that women have been doing this for millenia with less intervention and technology. I was going to deliver this Generation Alpha child my way and it was as graceful as it was hilarious. I pushed Kinley out with my boyfriend’s hand in my right and a compression sock on my left. No one ever told me that you can tremble like a leaf in a tornado during childbirth. 

Kinley was born while Strength Courage & Wisdom by India.Arie was playing, waves of the ocean water faintly lapping in the background from the sound machine. Those sounds have defined much of our relationship thus far.

Joyful moments oceanside, just past the first trimester of pregnancy. Photo by Ariel Neidermeier.

We carry wisdom within.

Two days after taking our son home, John and I wondered - how could the hospital send us home with a newborn baby? There were many times when we didn’t know what we were doing. Neither our nurses nor Tiktok could tell us how to get Kinley to sleep comfortably while being swaddled. One night, we thought to let him keep his hands by his chest the way he did in utero, rather than wrap each arm down as instructional videos advised. He slept through the night.

I haven’t heard too many people talk about what to do postpartum. My breast milk didn’t come right away and its timing couldn’t have been more nerve-wracking than at the peak of the formula shortage. Everyone was saying, “Keep trying. Keep pumping.” I felt like a failure. But just before it could have taken a turn for the worst, we decided to supplement with formula. It was the best decision we could have made as he had lost so much weight. Soon after that, my milk started to come in. The milk factory was officially open.

I learned to trust my gut, to pay attention to Kinley, and to let him show me what gives him comfort. I learned to embrace the painful moments and find rhythm in our new and bizarre sleep schedule. Instead of being upset, I told myself that all these things - the good and the tough - are temporary. Repeatedly and kindly, change kicked in before I could get attached. 

Many people were quick to share their horror stories, even in unsolicited situations. I asked other women to share their good experiences and to tell me what to look forward to. My client, Priya, sent me a list of beautiful things like the purity of baby’s breath, feeling so whole and complete, each moment happening like a beautiful movie, and finding a clear sense of purpose. My spiritual teacher, Ellen, called me over Zoom to tell me that her experience was easy and joyful and to start suggesting to Kinley that maybe we could make it fun and easy together.

Growing up, my relationship with my mother had rough patches. The good times and bad times became my best teachers. Motherhood opens old wounds and brings childhood vulnerabilities to the surface. Had I embarked on this journey without resolving those first, this would have been harder. My mother stayed with us for the first few months following my son’s birth. She taught me how to relieve his gas. She taught me how to set a happy mood with music each day. More importantly, she gave me the confidence to rise to the challenge.

There isn’t much of a ramp up into motherhood. Like the generations of women before me, I just tried and did my best every step of the way. “The days are long but the years are short,” they say. I started to trust my instinct more. Occasionally, I would watch what other parents and caregivers modeled and tried it at home. Sometimes they’d work. Sometimes, they wouldn’t. Kinley does things his way. He has a funny laugh. He hated rolling over but is now close to walking at 9 months. I let him show me what he’s ready for. I facilitate with loving patience. Knowing that there is magic within me that will help me rise to the occasion and figure out solutions - by prescription, through advice, or by the grace of Tiktok - keeps me at ease.

Three generations of mothers. Six weeks postpartum. Photo courtesy of Keesa Ocampo.

Everything changes.

I had a silly notion - and fear - that everything would change. I was so afraid to lose the fun Burner girl who wore leather fairy wings to children’s parties. I was afraid that my body would change and be destroyed. I was afraid that I would, like many people said, never sleep again in my life. They were very real but silly fears. Of course everything changed! But I didn’t diminish. I became more. 

Two months after Kinley’s birth, I launched a second business, Hara - a passion project where we curate handcrafted home goods made by indigenous tribes and women. I never had a true maternity leave. Business owners aren’t always so lucky. However, having my own businesses meant that I could structure the team I needed to support me, while having the flexibility to try to do all the things.

What I didn’t expect was how much household work there was, on top of having a new baby, healing from delivery, and an endless list of things to do. No matter how much John and I tried to share responsibilities, I felt frustrated. I had the lion’s share of feeding, comforting, caring for Kinley, on top of having to do laundry, tidying up the kitchen, cleaning his bottles, cleaning the house, unpacking boxes, and assembling furniture. For a while, I couldn’t name the feeling of invisibility, loneliness, frustration, and anger until I discovered “Fair Play” by Jennifer Seibel Newsom. I wasn’t the only one looking household inequity in the eye. I realized that in order for me to step into my full power at work, my partner had to step into his full power at home. We’re a work in progress.

The growth of babies happens so quickly. “Blink an eye and you’ll miss it,” they said. But while Kinley was leaping into new skills — from lifting his head to army crawling, eating rotisserie chicken and sipping water from an open cup — I was leaping too. Let’s start by saying out loud that the vagina is magic. While my healing happened nearly as quickly as my labor, postpartum wasn’t all roses. By month four, I had lost nearly half the hair on my head. My skin and scalp changed. I developed postpartum dermatitis. But also, nine months later, I’ve found my rhythm. I know things will keep changing but I’ve developed an attitude of grateful detachment. Knowing that all things - good and bad - are only here for a moment has helped me stay present, positive, and open towards what’s coming next.

Motherhood is a sisterhood.

My friend Kimberly Pinkson told me during our baby blessing that there will be times when I’m up alone at night feeding Kinley. The tears may rush in, brought about by exhaustion and loneliness. She said to remember that all over the world, and over time, all mothers have been in this place and that we are all like beads on a string, raising the children of the world together. Motherhood is a beautiful sisterhood. 

I look back at the time before Kinley and wish I knew. I wish I could have supported my mom friends better. I wish I took more pictures of them with their babies. I wish I could have advocated better for dedicated lactation rooms at the office. I wish I checked in more when they came back from maternity leave.

I have been blessed with a great circle of mom friends. They share their wisdom, toys, outgrown clothes, and advice that makes me feel empowered and ready for what’s coming next. I’m also blessed with a circle of non-mom friends who support a work environment that is pro-mom and pro-baby. They keep me sharp, informed, and in touch with the world beyond my bubble. 

So much of motherhood so far has been surprising, exhausting, and beautiful beyond words. We’re all just doing the best we can, given the support and resources we have. Every time I see a mom at the grocery store, at Target, or at the park, I smile to acknowledge our sisterhood, I see you. You’re doing great. We can do this.


Keesa Ocampo is the CEO & Founder of WeSparq, a positive impact creative agency that empowers brands to find their voice and become a force for good in their milieus of influence. She is a two-time Emmy Award-winning writer, director, and producer for television, distinguished during a 16-year career with international broadcast media company, ABS-CBN International. She was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipinas in the US and received a Presidential Citation for humanitarian work from Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, former President of the Republic of the Philippines.

The Intimacy of Friendship

By Keesa Ocampo & Sydney Williams

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Love is in the air and in this time when we’re either in (very) close quarters with our partners or isolated from our friends, we’re forced to evaluate the quality of our relationships. We find ourselves asking whether a relationship is worth our time and effort while we also endure the eye strain from our screens, the annihilation of any semblance of work-life balance, and the (fill in the blank) of everyday pandemic life. 

If there are guides aplenty on steps to take to get thousands of friends on social media and more ways to connect with new platforms like Clubhouse, then why are millions of women around the world still saying they are dissatisfied and lonely? We want to know - how can relationships become more satisfying?

Although friendship does not have a roadmap, women like Shasta Nelson are certainly doing their part in helping us learn how to deepen the intimacy of our friendships so we can stop feeling so alone. “The truth is that few of us have ever been taught how to foster friendships and that’s resulting in nearly 75% of us feeling dissatisfied with our friendships,” she shares. “There is some amazing science that can help us build the bonds we crave!”

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It seems to become increasingly difficult to make friends as adults, but deeper and more meaningful friendships are possible to nurture, whether it’s with casual acquaintances we already have or with people we know from work. Shasta dedicated her career to friendships and began formulating ways that they can be improved and made. “I had studied a lot of psychology and poured over any research I could find that might be helpful to all of us who were trying to make friends as adults.” The bestselling author recalls, “My first book Friendships Don’t Just Happen came out in 2013 to not only inspire people to pay attention to their relational health without shame, but to then know what steps could help them make new friends. A few years later, I wrote Frientimacy: How to Deepen Friendships for Lifelong Health and Happiness because I saw that most of us aren’t lonely because we actually need to meet more people, but rather because we crave deeper friendships with a few. Most of us wish our relationships felt more meaningful but we don’t know how to make that happen! And my third book, The Business of Friendship just came out a few months ago, teaching us what research shows about why we need friends at work and how we can appropriately develop those relationships.” 

love

So if there’s a way to get friendships to feel more real and satisfying, why are so many of us still lonely? Shasta explains that, “What’s important to know is that loneliness is just an emotion telling our body that we have an unmet need, much like hunger, thirst, or exhaustion. It’s not something to feel shame over at all. We all feel lonely when we need more love! The healthiest and happiest among us though will receive that message from our body telling us we are hungry for more support and love and will ask - What kind of connection will help nourish me right now?” So the answer is, it isn’t you. It isn’t them. It’s that we probably haven’t checked in to identify what’s missing. 

The options are threefold and quite simple. Based on all the social science on what makes for good relationships, Shasta identified the 3 Relationship Requirements and teaches them on a triangle: Positivity + Consistency + Vulnerability. Depending on how much is practiced, a friendship has the capacity to ascend to different levels of intimacy. More importantly, if there’s a relationship that you feel isn’t working right now, chances are that at least one of those is missing.

The pandemic has done more than change our everyday fashion and the contents of our pantry. It has made isolation so much easier. It’s sometimes made the need to keep friendships pleasant more important than the need to keep them real. If you’re looking for something more meaningful than the “I hope all is well” text or email, Shasta advises to “...write on a post-it note the names of a handful of people who you wish you were closer to and identify which of the 3 requirements (more positive emotions, more consistent interactions, or more shared vulnerability) would leave you feeling better in that relationship. Then start trying to incrementally practice adding it! And, don’t be shy about reading a book to help guide you. Remember, none of us have been taught, and yet all of us have this as a human need— it’s worth studying and being intentional.”

For some, the physical distancing has left more opportunities to develop more frientimacy. Whether it’s the added consistency of more regular walks or Zooms or the added vulnerability to admit that we’re at wit’s end, we know one thing to be sure: Never have we ever needed more friends and a network of support than now.  

No exception to the rule, the Seismic Sisters team has faced the need for more frientimacy as much as you. This is our homage to our friendships and ways that we’ve been deepening our friendships while staying six feet apart. For the month of love, we wish you more frientimacy. 

seismic sisters best friends

Sydney & Shelby

Shelby and I met my first week after moving to Oahu, Hawaii. We spent five years hip to hip, going to school, bonding over great food, and feeling like children again playing in the sand. Since moving home to the Bay Area and not being able to return to the island easily to visit, Shelby and I have weekly facetime calls and send comical and encouraging messages to each other daily. Shelby makes me feel fulfilled and loved because no matter what we are going through, she is always there to support me. She is one of the most consistent parts of my life and I am very thankful for her friendship. 

kim c and uzuri

Kim & Uzuri 

Our friendship was born out of love for community activism and hyper-local politics. Whether it’s running for office, running a campaign or starting a new organization, we boost each other’s ‘stretch’ projects. We stay connected through our work to uplift each other and our neighborhood and have fun doing it. #powerplayers #sheshowsup

Tumay and Libby.JPG

Tumay & Libby

I met Libby at the age of 16 when I had just moved to America from Turkey. She took me in as her own family and now 20 years later she is still my soul sister. Even though we’ve lived in far away cities, gone down our own paths in life and sometimes didn’t speak for months, I’ve always felt her unconditional love for me. She's been able to overlook all the small things that don’t matter and love me for who I am. With her in my life, I’ll never feel truly lonely. 

Photo by: Manjula Nadkarni

Photo by: Manjula Nadkarni

Ayesha & Keesa

We send love through food and found ways to find meaningful work together. But more importantly, we have regular honest catch ups, whether they're virtual or distanced. Being able to say - I'm not okay - and know that we can count on great advice, no judgment, and laughs, has proven that no pandemic can keep this friendship from blossoming!

Polina Smith with her best friend

Polina & Eva

My best friend Eva moved to Berlin a year and a half ago. I miss her dearly but am SO grateful for Whatsapp audio messages that allow me to feel deeply connected to her across different time zones and a vast ocean!

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Sofia & Jacob

We’re finally in the same city after a long time but still can’t really hang out. We have impromptu FaceTime calls and chat endlessly about life, boys and work to stay in touch and up-to-date on recent happenings. It’s so nice having a friend to connect with so freely. We are lucky to have found one another in this crazy world. 

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.

SEISMIC SISTERS GIFT SHOPPING GUIDE: Products Made and Curated by Women

 
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Here at Seismic Sisters, we love to support women-owned businesses. This is our first annual Seismic Sisters Gift Guide, showcasing products made and curated by women. Do your holiday shopping and invest in women’s economic growth! Support these talented women with your wallet!

Curated by Tumay Aslay and Polina Smith

 
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Alex Steele Studio

A Creative soup of paintings, murals and wearable art. ALEX STEELE STUDIO is the artist’s evolving endeavor in visual expression.

OAKLAND, CA

Shop
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BLK Girls Green House

Blk Girls Green House is the brainchild of two Oakland women Kalkidan Gebreyohannes and J’Maica Roxanne—committed to collaborating with fellow Black-owned businesses and inspire conscious, local shopping and gathering.

OAKLAND, CA

SHOP
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Mc Mullen

Founded 2007 by Sherri McMullen in Oakland, this female and black owned business is an all inclusive concept shop for luxury womenswear featuring emerging and established designers from around the world. McMullen has a commitment to supporting African and African-American apparel and home décor designers.

OAKLAND, CA

SHOP
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Candelario

Candelario is a fresh, alternative jewelry line that arose from an ideal balance of passion, creativity and sustainability. The brand is eco-friendly incorporating recycled materials from post industry use in Colombia into the designs. Launched in 2017, Candelario embodies the modern, self-empowered woman who celebrates femininity, good energies and sustainable fashion.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

SHOP
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Cloutier Ceramics

Her handmade ceramic work focuses on handheld sculptures, functional wares and everyday objects.

NORTHERN CA

SHOP
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Faye Kendall

Fiber work and wearable sculpture inspired by natural phenomena great and small - from lunar cycles to tiny ocean creatures.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

SHOP
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Take Shape Studio

Using playful shapes and impactful lines, jeweler Sophie Silverstein of Take Shape Studio designs jewelry inspired by visual observations, symbols, tactile experiments, and nature.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

SHOP
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Prism Jewels

Raw crystals and sacred geometry for the modern femme.

BERKELEY, CA

Shop
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Miranda Evans

Working primarily with watercolor paint, she is interested in exposing inner conflicts, resolutions and evolution through self portraiture and symbolism. Her shop includes paintings and prints of her work.

LOS ANGELES, CA

SHOP
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Kalm Korner

Kalm Korner is a Black & Woman-Owned conscious lifestyle brand and luxury gift line. We offer a variety of clean & food-grade self-care products as well as business opportunities that enhance & expand the lives of women of African descent & their families around the globe.

OAKLAND, CA

SHOP
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SHARON Z JEWELRY

Badass fine jewelry for the modern human. I use recycled and Fairmined gold & silver, traceable & ethical gemstones in my jewelry. I make the most out of these precious resources. My jewelry is meant to be worn and enhanced by each wearer's personal expression.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

SHOP
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Polina Smith

Posters and stickers inspired by amazing women leaders. All profits go to EMERGE, whose mission is to increase the number of Democratic women in public office through recruitment, training and providing a powerful network.

MARIN COUNTY, CA

SHOP
Tiny Forest Photography San Francisco Bay Area Maternity Photos

Tiny Forest Photos

Tumay Aslay is an award-winning fine art portrait photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her portrait work is deeply intimate and vibrates with feminine energy. Her subjects ranges from powerful women leaders, human rights protests to astonishing family portraits.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

SHOP
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Baby Cats of California

Baby Cats of California is cute clothing for adults, kids and babies. The owner Kat Karnaky puts forth designs that stay true to her own aesthetic. Designed in Oakland and made with love.

OAKLAND, CA

SHOP
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Anna Monet

Contemporary Fine Jewelry

Created with ethically gathered horsehair and natural dyes, designed with intention and integrity.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

SHOP
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VIRTUE VISION

Sharon Virtue is an agent of transformation. Her mission as an artist: to inspire, encourage and provide access to everyone in the creation of art. Her work has two strands, one as a dancer and artist, creating paintings and ceramics, and the other as a creative community activator, teaching expressive arts workshops and facilitating community development projects.

OAKLAND, CA

SHOP
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Candle Therapy

CandleTherapy, the clean candle for aromatherapy.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

SHOP
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Born to Roam

Born to Roam Vintage is a curated collection of men and women's vintage clothing made between the 1960s and 1990s. All pieces are inspired by a deep love of California subcultures.

OAKLAND, CA

SHOP
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Charmaine Olivia

Spirituality, mysticism and mythology are strong influences in her work and in her life. Charmaine is aware that there is more to this physical world than we can see with our eyes, so she uses painting as a means to explore the other dimensions of mind and thought.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

SHOP
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Coyote Brush Studios

California inspired stickers, prints, greeting cards, zipper pouches, temporary tattoos, and more! Handmade with love in the golden state.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

SHOP
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Tactile Matter

The artist Kenesha Sneed is the fierce black woman behind Tactile Matter. Her shop offers a collection of handmade ceramics, illustrations full of female empowerment and colorful home goods! Sneed’s work has many creative layers and we can’t wait for you to check them out!

LOS ANGELES, CA

SHOP
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Non

Disposable Life

Molly de Vries, the creative force behind Ambatalia, aims to facilitate a considered way of living that eliminates the unnecessary waste of single-use products. Crafted from lovely, natural, and sustainable materials, all textiles are proudly made in the San Francisco Bay Area.

MARIN COUNTY, CA

SHOP
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Noire

Nourish

ment

Noire Nourishment is a black owned business with black womxn in mind. The owner Amber Julian creates products with the intention of bringing peace into your self-care routine. All her products are homemade with local ethically harvested herbs and plants. We hope that you enjoy these natural body and hair products made with love!

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

SHOP
Goldie Blox

GoldieBlox

GoldieBlox is a media and entertainment company using storytelling to make STEM fun. We educate and empower young girls by creating engaging content, fun toys and interesting resources that will help build their confidence and their dreams.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

SHOP
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Clay Momi

The SF based artist Erin M M Sweeney is the woman behind Clay Momi. Her shop offers handmade clay creations full of bright joyful colors and floral designs. Her work ranges from planters to coffee mugs and much more.

Pearls of imperfect beauty and joy.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

SHOP

Seismic Sisters does not endorse any of the Seismic Sisters Gift Guide products or services nor does it guarantee the quality, merchantability, appropriateness or availability of the products or services listed in the Seismic Sisters Gift Guide (or any other products or services sold on the linked websites).

The links are only provided as a courtesy to allow access to the referenced sites. It is your choice whether or not to purchase such gifts or services. Seismic Sisters will not make any money from the sales of the products and services and does not have any financial relationship with the linked sites.

Commander Zoe Dunning, Who Helped Overturn the Ban on Gays in the Military, Continues to Lead in Battles Against Discrimination and Inequality

By Karen Gullo

Zoe Dunning, U.S. Navy Commander (ret.), LGBTQ Activist and Veterans Advocate. Photo by Tumay Aslay / Seismic Sisters

Zoe Dunning, U.S. Navy Commander (ret.), LGBTQ Activist and Veterans Advocate. Photo by Tumay Aslay / Seismic Sisters

Zoe Dunning went to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis straight out of high school, excited to learn what it’s like to be a leader. She didn’t know back then that she would go on to help lead a civil rights movement that would change not only her life, but how the U.S. military treats gay and lesbian service members, and allow tens of thousands of LGBTQ people to live authentic lives while serving their country.

Next month is the ten-year anniversary of a historic ceremony where President Barack Obama signed the repeal of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, a 1993 law that banned openly gay men, lesbians, and bisexual people from serving in the military. Dunning, now a senior consultant at women-led Future State, activist and Board President of the civil rights group Wall of Vets, was there for the ceremony on December 22, 2010, standing to the left of the president, beaming in a brown pants suit, her cropped red hair swept to the side. The journey that took her there was a years-long fight against discrimination, harassment, and government lawyers who sought to discharge her from the Navy after she decided that she would no longer allow the government to force her to keep secret who she was: a lesbian naval officer.

“It came at an incredible cost,” Dunning said of the years she had to hide her sexual orientation, “to not share my whole self at work, to not be authentic, to diminish who I am in order to serve my country.”

Seismic Sisters founder Kim Christensen recently sat down for a virtual chat with Dunning, who described the incredible path that took her from her hometown of Milwaukee, where she grew up the youngest of seven children with parents who both served in the military during World War II, to her life in the military. A high school athlete and school band member, Dunning later attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. While at the Academy she discovered she was a lesbian. After graduating she served six years of active duty as a supply officer on an aircraft carrier in Florida and in Washington D.C. At the time LGBTQ people were barred from the military, so she hid her sexual orientation from her superiors and colleagues.

President Barack Obama signs the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 during a ceremony at the Interior Department in Washington, D.C., Dec. 22, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

President Barack Obama signs the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 during a ceremony at the Interior Department in Washington, D.C., Dec. 22, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

“If I were to let anyone know that I was a lesbian, I’d be immediately kicked out, I’d lose my scholarship, and lose my opportunity to serve as an officer in the Navy,” Dunning remembers. “I learned how to hide it and how to completely segment my two lives.”

By the time she finished active duty, she was no longer willing to live a lie. She knew fellow service members were being harassed, investigated, and kicked out. It was just too high a price to pay, Dunning said. “It was too hard wondering if this was the day they would find out.”

She transitioned to Navy Reserve duty and went to Stanford Graduate School of Business, where she was ‘out’ and became co-president of the gay and lesbian student group. Dunning still had to keep her military and school lives completely separate so the Navy wouldn’t find out.

Bill Clinton had just been elected president in 1992, and during his campaign he had promised to allow gays and lesbians in the military. Dunning was elated, and LGBTQ community members believed that they would finally achieve equity and the dignity that comes along with being your true self. Before his inauguration, though, Clinton started to backpedal. Gays and lesbians began organizing to protest this betrayal, and by January 1993, just days before the inauguration, a rally was scheduled at Moffett Field near Stanford to protest the ban. The organizer of the rally asked Dunning if she’d like to speak at the rally. “I said oh gosh no, that’s too risky, I don’t want to do that,” she remembers telling him. But as soon as she hung up the phone, she began to question her decision. Few in the LGBTQ community of service members had been able to speak out about the policy—they were largely absent from the discussion because talking about it meant losing their careers. Everyone else was talking about it—elected officials, gay rights activists, and attorneys, everyone except those who were affected by the policy.

Dunning spoke at the rally. “I am both a naval officer and a lesbian, and I refuse to live a lie anymore,” she told the crowd.

 

Watch our interview with Commander Zoe Dunning on the Seismic Sisters Show!

 

The Navy took swift action. It started proceedings to oust her, not once but twice. The first time came right after the speech. Dunning was found “guilty” of being a lesbian and was recommended for discharge. While her discharge was in process, President Clinton announced the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy; the Navy decided to try her again under that policy. Ironically, in between the two hearings, the Navy selected Dunning for a promotion to lieutenant commander.

“On the one hand they were trying to kick me out, and on the other hand they were promoting me,” Dunning said.

After a two-and-a-half year legal battle, Dunning won in the second hearing, but the victory was bittersweet. She could remain in the Navy. However, she couldn’t sue the government in federal court to challenge the constitutionality of the policy, and the legal arguments her lawyers used to win the case were barred from future cases. And so many others were still forced to live a lie.

“I saved my career, but under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell there were 13,000 service members who lost their careers,” Dunning said. “What could I do to make a difference, how can I change this?” So she continued working to overturn the gay ban in the military, joining the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which provided free legal help to service members affected by Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, lobbying in Congress, fundraising and public speaking.

Dunning remained on Navy Reserve duty and with a business degree from Stanford she worked as a management consultant. For 13 years she was the only openly gay person in the military. She retired from the Navy in 2007.

Barack Obama made a campaign promise while running for president in 2008 to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and he didn’t go back on his word. In 2010, nearly 18 years after coming out in her historic speech at Moffett Field, Dunning was invited to attend the presidential signing ceremony in Washington D.C. “It came to that moment where I was standing next to the president of United States,” Dunning recalled. A bit of jokester, Dunning watched Obama sign his name on the repeal using 13 pens that would be given away as souvenirs, and worried he would somehow lose track, quipped, “Make sure you spell it right.”

Commander Zoe Dunning sat down for an interview on Seismic Sisters Show. Photo by Tumay Aslay / Seismic Sisters.

Commander Zoe Dunning sat down for an interview on Seismic Sisters Show. Photo by Tumay Aslay / Seismic Sisters.

“It was an amazing moment and a really long, and incredible, and hard journey,” she said.

Dunning has continued to lead efforts to protect the rights of veterans, women, and LGBTQ people. She’s a senior consultant at women-led change management firm Future State, which she joined in 2011. She trained with Emerge, a national organization that trains Democratic women to run for public office, and was elected to the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee. She was nominated by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to serve as one of 11 commissioners of the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission.

Dunning is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has developed implicit bias training and works with companies and organizations to create diversity strategies and foster inclusive workplaces. She’s also committed to working with veterans. California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Dunning to the California Veterans Board, which advocates for vets and their families and works with the state to assess their needs and ensure they are receiving services and benefits. Dunning is also on the advisory board of VetsInTech and leads the women’s initiative at the organization which helps veterans pursue careers in the technology sector.

Two decades after leading the fight for LGBTQ people to serve openly in the military, Dunning is ready to lead another effort to fight discrimination and defend civil rights. This summer she assembled a multiracial group of veterans in just 12 hours to protect and assist Black Lives Matter (BLM) demonstrators in Oakland protesting the killing of George Floyd. She leads the Oakland chapter and is Board President of Wall of Vets, a national group she joined with other vets after Americans watched horrifying images in July of police at BLM protests in Portland tear-gassing a Wall of Moms group and beating Navy veteran Christopher David. His crime? He asked officers in military gear why they were violating their oath to support the Constitution.

Dunning knows what it’s like to be an outsider, to experience discrimination, and wanted to do something to support Black Lives Matter. She thought veterans, who take an oath to support and defend the Constitution, could protect protesters—Americans exercising their constitutional rights to free speech and assembly—by serving as a physical wall between them and police misconduct. Wall of Vets’ motto is “our oath never expires.”

“We want to be there,” Dunning told Seismic Sisters, “to protect those rights and amplify the voices of BLM and those who are speaking out against these injustices.”  

Karen Gullo for Seismic Sisters

Karen Gullo is a freelance writer and former Associated Press and Bloomberg News reporter covering technology, law, and public policy. She is currently an analyst and senior media relations specialist at Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) in San Francisco.

Journalist Dena Takruri Reports on Conflict, Culture and Communities

By Jessica Semaan

Dena Takruri is an award-winning journalist, producer and storyteller who has built a brilliant career in digital news media. Known for her insightful video reports from conflict zones around the globe, Takruri covers the human impacts of natural and man-made disasters. She has reported on the devastation from wildfires in Northern California, hurricanes and environmental conditions in Puerto Rico, and the coronavirus pandemic’s toll in San Quentin prison. Curiosity, empathy and grit are her signature traits as a reporter. We are excited to share this very personal interview with Dena Takruri.

Journalist Dena Takruri sits down for an interview with Seismic Sisters. Photo by Tumay Aslay.

Journalist Dena Takruri sits down for an interview with Seismic Sisters.
Photo by Tumay Aslay.

What inspired you to take the journalist path?

My desire to become a journalist was very much shaped by growing up Muslim and Arab in the U.S. and seeing the absence of fair representation of my communities. I grew up in a home where my Palestinian immigrant father basically had the news on 24/7. He was constantly monitoring the situation in Palestine because his plan had always been to pack up the family and move us “back home” once there was peace. Of course that never happened. What did occur instead was that I got an early crash course in media literacy. I observed how my people were regularly demonized and dehumanized. The basic denial of my people’s humanity motivated me to want to work in the media to reclaim our narrative and carve out a space to have a voice without having to compromise who I am. It fueled the fire to want to amplify the voices of the voiceless and speak truth to power. I’ve also always been a highly inquisitive person who asks a lot of questions. My parents jokingly nicknamed me “the FBI” when I was a child because of how many detail-oriented questions I used to ask about everything. I’ve always been curious about the world and love learning people’s stories, which made journalism a natural fit.

What has it been like to be a prominent female reporter in a male dominated space?

There are many challenges but also certain advantages to being a woman in this space. As is the case in most professions, discrimination exists. I remember pretty early on in my reporting career, a male manager passed me up on an assignment to cover a story about a far right movement in Europe and opted to send a male colleague instead. When I asked him why he didn’t send me and if there was anything more I could do to be considered for such opportunities, his reply was, “this story is gritty - it needs a man.” It was a slap in the face, but I’m proud to have later gone on to report from various conflict zones and found myself in many a dicey situation that demonstrated my grit. That said, after his comment, my femininity became something I grew self-conscious about while reporting in the field. I sort of internalized the idea that dressing a certain way or having too much makeup on could be disqualifying. I have to make considerations about my appearance that my male counterparts never have to think about. The rampant objectification I experience from men who comment on my videos online is another constant challenge, and one that’s been very demoralizing. I want to be judged by the quality of my work and the stories I’m telling and not by how I look. Unfortunately the internet can be a very degrading and hostile space for women in that regard.

Despite all that, I think that being a woman has been a huge asset to my success. Having compassion, empathy and emotional intelligence are intrinsic to who I am as a woman. And they’re qualities that are necessary to have while reporting, especially as I’m often meeting people during the most traumatic moments of their lives. I’m able to forge a connection with them that makes them feel safe to open up, be vulnerable and many times cry as they’re sharing their stories. I’ve also found that powerful men and/or men from the opposite side of the political spectrum are more inclined to talk to me because they’re disarmed by the fact that I’m a woman. That’s fine by me because it just makes it easier to hit them with the hard questions!

I’ll add that while the news landscape is certainly male (and white) dominated, it is in fact changing. That’s in large part thanks to movements like Me Too and Black Lives Matter which have drawn attention to systemic inequalities and have opened the way for necessary critique and change. There are conversations taking place within newsrooms now that would have been unimaginable just a few years back. My experience at AJ+, though, has been refreshingly unique in that my top boss, Dima Khatib, is a strong Palestinian woman who has worked to ensure that other women are empowered and thrive.

Dena Takruri Quote

What about your journey as a journalist do you feel most proud of?

I’m most proud to serve as a role model to younger women and girls from my community. It’s very humbling to hear them say that I’ve inspired them to speak out, or be brave enough to follow their dreams, or embrace their (Palestinian/Arab/Muslim) identity, especially as I remember how isolating it felt to grow up with virtually no role models who looked like me. One of the most touching moments I experienced was after I gave a speech at a Muslim American gala event. A college student came up to tell me that her father had been unsupportive of her desire to major in political science and was encouraging her to pursue something more “practical” like medicine and engineering instead. She said she played some of my videos for him, which changed his mind and made him get on board. I was really moved by that.

How does your identity of being Palestinian American influence the work you do and topics you cover?

I was born and raised in the U.S. but grew up visiting my relatives in the Occupied West Bank very regularly. The experiences of living under a military occupation with checkpoints, curfews, strip searches and the overall lack of freedom were transformative and shaped my political consciousness. Being Palestinian gives you a very personal and intimate understanding of injustice. I know what it means to be criminalized and dehumanized on the basis of your ethnicity and how it feels to be dispossessed from your land due to ongoing settler colonialism. It’s enabled me to connect the dots between the systems of oppression faced by other communities, whether we’re talking about Black Americans, Indigenous folks, or the undocumented. I’m driven to tell the stories of marginalized communities and people fighting for equality and self-determination and select my stories first and foremost through the lens of social justice.

What are forms of self-care you practice? 

I adopted a kitten two years ago and found that his companionship is very calming and healing and also brings me so much joy. I named him Shams, which is the Arabic word for sun and also the name of Rumi’s spiritual instructor and companion. My Shams has shown me that pet therapy is real! I also love riding my bike and dancing. Getting out of my head and into my body as much as possible is good for me as I tend to be anxious and overthink things. Reading and listening to audiobooks is another big self-care practice for me. And finally, knowing when to unplug from the news and social media is a form of self-care that I have yet to master but am steadily working on. It feels more imperative now than ever.

Dena Takruri, Journalist, Host and Producer. Photo by Tumay Aslay.

Dena Takruri, Journalist, Host and Producer. Photo by Tumay Aslay.

What advice do you have to give for young women wanting to use their voice for change but who are afraid?

You’re not alone. Patriarchy was designed to silence us, and that's exactly why we need to summon the courage to speak up and speak out. Every woman, whether she realizes it or not, is in the midst of a revolution against the patriarchy. It doesn’t matter whether she’s fighting for the right to vote, equal pay, autonomy over her body or the freedom to do or wear what she wants without getting catcalled, harassed or even worse. Every time a woman chooses to use her voice to stand up for herself, it benefits the rest of us. We’re living in a unique moment where we’re witnessing the power that social movements have to disrupt the status quo and aggressively push for gender, racial, and socioeconomic equality. These movements wouldn’t be around had women not used their voices to advocate for change.

That said, we must also be mindful of the fact that it’s inherently riskier for some women to speak up. Women of color, queer and transgender women, women who are less educated, and women of lower socioeconomic status are especially vulnerable. That’s why it’s incumbent on all of us, particularly those of us with more privilege, to support them with true allyship.

Twitter: @Dena
Instagram: @denatakruri

Journalist Dena Takruri. Photo by Tumay Aslay.

Journalist Dena Takruri. Photo by Tumay Aslay.

A note from the interviewer.
Before I met Dena Takruri at an Arab Film Festival event, on whose board she was serving, I had watched many of her intelligent, captivating AJ+ viral videos on topics ranging from systemic oppression in the U.S. to the Israeli occupation in Palestine, read interviews with her online, and kept up with her Facebook page. Suffice to say, as an Arab woman myself, I was fascinated and inspired. The day I finally met her in real life, I almost fangirled her and asked for an autograph, until I remembered that I was also on the board of the Arab Film Festival, and we have friends in common who were present. Avoiding embarrassment, I went up to her and asked awkwardly for her name, trying to play it cool.

With time, and later a pandemic lockdown, we have become friends and I have gotten the privilege to know Dena Takruri behind the cameras and away from the noise of reporting zones. I got to see her deep care for the causes she reports on. I saw her attention to detail in everything she takes on. I saw her endless curiosity about humans, their stories, what drives them and even how could she help them. I witnessed her undying loyalty to her friends, family, community and her Palestinian roots. Dena's identities of journalist, activist, American, Palestinian, woman and human all are integrated and aligned around her core values. The Dena in front of the camera is the same as Dena behind the camera. She is the real deal. She is the authentic deal. And I am excited for you to get to know her too. 

Jessica Semaan

Jessica Semaan

Jessica Semaan is a freelance writer, book author, poet and performer. Chronicling her journey of healing from trauma, she has over 50,000 people following her writing on Medium. Jessica’s debut book Child of the Moon was published in 2018. She also is studying to become a psychotherapist.

The views, practices, information and opinions expressed in this article are those of the individuals involved in the article and do not necessarily represent those of Seismic Sisters.