Woman Made II Event Recap: A Fusion of Art and Activism in San Francisco

By Polina Smith

Image by Seismic Sisters, Art courtesy of Nicole Dixon

In March 2024, we embarked on a mission to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of feminist artists who are making waves in the Bay Area. Our Woman Made II event at Manny’s was a month-long celebration that kicked off Women's History Month with a bang.

Woman Made II provided a platform for reflection, dialogue, and a glimpse into a more equitable future. Showcasing some of the Bay Area's most captivating artists, the event left an indelible mark on all who walked through Manny’s doors.

From the unforgettable opening reception on March 1, featuring performances by Mia Pixley, Ash Rex, and the Molly James Band, to the awe-inspiring finale by Rhodessa Jones, the event was a testament to the power of female artistry and activism.

Celebrating Those Who Supported the Woman Made II Event

We extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who showed their support for the event, from the many attendees at the opening reception to the hundreds who packed Manny’s throughout the art show's duration. Your enthusiasm and presence made this event truly unforgettable, and we can't wait to do it all again in the future!

We’re also so thankful to the talented performers who helped this event go down in history! Be sure to follow these artists and see where they show up next!

Mia Pixley

Mia Pixley, Ph.D. is a mother, clinical psychologist, and artist who uses her cello, voice, and music performance to study and represent aspects of self and other, community, and the natural world. Similar to the collaborative lens from which she approaches her psychotherapy practice, Mia’s artistic collaborations lead with curiosity, honesty, humility, and humor. Protectively whimsical and simultaneously melancholic, Mia’s music gravitates toward the beauty hidden in sorrow, pain, and loss and this beauty’s potential to inspire curiosity, wonder, rebirth, and reconnection to ourselves, each other, and the natural world.

She brought her enchanting blend of cello, vocals, and composition to Woman Made II, captivating audiences with her soul-stirring performances. Mia's music, influenced by her experiences as a clinical psychologist, mother, and nature enthusiast, delves deep into the human experience, exploring themes of resilience and connection.

Ash Rex

Ash Rexford is a clown, contortionist, dancer, and movement artist. Since 2010 Ash has been performing on stages from theaters to festivals, choreographing solos and ensembles, developing characters, designing costumes, directing, producing, and traveling the world sharing her passion for performance. Starting as a dancer and a natural on stage, Ash always dreamed of being a modern circus performer but never believed it was possible.

Ash Rex mesmerized audiences with her breathtaking blend of contortion and dance. Since 2012, she has been wowing audiences worldwide with her unique talents and artistic vision. In addition to her performances, Ash also offers Slither classes, blending dance and contortion to create stunning sequences that inspire and delight. These classes blend dance and contortion, using foundational poses and acrobatic movements to create beautiful contortion dance sequences. It was such an honor to have Ash share her talents with us!

Image by Seismic Sisters Instagram

Molly James Band

Molly’s soulfully rich voice greets you with open arms and a nod of recognition: we’re in this together. With ukulele in hand, she offers music that speaks to the dynamism of our human experience. Joy, grief, family, violence, love, patriarchy; nothing is off limits.  With power, humility, and integrity, she sings with a vision toward healing the wounds of our world.

She created and lead the Bay Area’s feminist-driven 9 Lives Music Collective.  She lead the minimalist folk band Tooth and Talon, and then the jazz-dipped Molly James Band. 

The Molly James Band, led by the wondrously talented Molly James, brought their signature jazz-infused sound to Woman Made II. Their performance added a soulful vibe to the event, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. Check out their new album coming out in Fall 2024!

Rhodessa Jones

Rhodessa Jones of San Francisco is an actress, teacher, singer, and writer who is the co-artistic director of the San Francisco-based theater company Cultural Odyssey and the founding director of the Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women, which brings performance workshops to incarcerated women and women living with HIV. Jones first learned the art of storytelling from her grandmother and her aunts. This has led Rhodessa into the art of autobiographical theater and stortelling to support the most vulnerable people to heal collectively.

Rhodessa Jones, Co-Artistic Director of Cultural Odyssey in San Francisco, delivered  powerful original monologues at the event that had us at the edge of our seats. An acclaimed actress, teacher, singer, and writer, Jones is renowned for her groundbreaking work with the Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women. Her words inspired action and reflection, leaving a profound impact on all in attendance.

Thank You to Our Additional Talented Visual Artists

We also extend our gratitude to the talented visual artists whose works adorned Manny’s throughout the event, creating an immersive and inspiring environment for all who visited.

●       Nicole Dixon: Nicole Dixon, an Oakland native with a rich history in the arts, has shared her talents across the country, from the Bay Area to D.C., and even internationally in the Kalahari. With a BA in Studio Art from Spelman College, her work as an artist, educator, and art administrator spans over two decades, aiming to empower communities and foster positive social change through art.

●       Taiko Fujimura: Taiko Fujimura, a San Francisco-based mixed media artist, crafts stunning artworks using watercolor, ink, acrylic, and oil. Her art, a rich montage of personal experiences and connections, navigates the complexities of dualism—balancing chaos with order, the industrial with the organic, and more.

●       Tiffany Conway: Through her art, Tiffany Conway explores the power and resilience of her journey as an African American woman. Using oil paints, she crafts a vivid and bold world that offers a space for freedom for everyone. Her creative process transforms grief into beauty, using the canvas as a medium for inner dialogue.

●       Nye Lyn Tho: Nye Lyn Tho is a freelance artist in Virginia Beach, VA. She uses photography and graphic design to create unique narratives for brands and individuals. Her portfolio includes collaborations with major corporations and local businesses. She skillfully uses tools like Photoshop and a Canon 5D Mark IV to forge emotional connections.

●       Nathalie Kardjian: Nathalie Kardjian, a San Francisco-based multi-media artist, creates art that showcases resilience's power through bold colors and sweeping brushstrokes. Beyond her visual art, she directs the documentary project "Hairlock Stories," which explores the resilience found in crises. She has also worked with global non-profits like UNHCR to offer art therapy.

·         Susan R Kirshenbaum: Susan R. Kirshenbaum uses modern technology in her art, primarily using an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil to create digital paintings and collages inspired by life drawings. Her works, characterized by graphic, sensual, and sometimes whimsical styles, are often output onto fabric or paper, preferring life-size scales and soft textures

·         Krystal Lauk: Krystal Lauk is one of the two driving forces behind Lauk Haus. She is known for her distinctive illustration style that blends cultural influences with a tech-savvy approach. Her work is clear and empathetic with the ability to capture complex human emotions.


A Seismic Thank You to Manny’s for Hosting Woman Made II!

Last but not least, we extend a heartfelt thank you to Manny’s for hosting not only the opening event but the entire art show. Your support made this event possible, and we are endlessly grateful. And if you haven’t already visited Manny’s, be sure to check them out for an unforgettable culinary experience.

If you haven’t already, follow us on Instagram at @seismicsisters for all the latest updates on the Bay Area feminist scene. We'll keep you in the loop on all the exciting events to come!

About the author: Polina Smith is a theater producer and staff writer for Seismic Sisters.

Meet Me At The Groundfloor

By Keesa Ocampo

Photo courtesy of @groundfloorclub on Instagram.

Today, there are more data than ever that we are living in a loneliness epidemic. Nearly 1 in 4 adults globally and 27% of younger adults (19-29) report feeling very lonely. As jobs and technology change rapidly, setting the new normal, people have been left with limited social interaction at even less depth. Coming out of the pandemic, it’s become quite clear that there is a need for more meaningful connections and hopefully, an easier way to find them. 

Friendship expert Shasta Nelson says that no age group is immune from the loneliness epidemic and some studies show that it peaks right around the age of 30. Why 30? “It may be an age where we feel we have a lot of unmet expectations in our personal life, all of our friends from childhood and college are doing life in different order, and it becomes an age where we start to feel like we have less in common with them, leaving us feeling alienated and isolated,” she says.

Nelson also notes that up to around the 30s, childhood, family and school create proximity to people and meeting people. Once the 30-year-old threshold is passed, how and where to find meaningful relationships reaches unchartered water. The big world filled with so many people can all of a sudden feel lonely.

With more than 8 in 10 people working in a hybrid or full remote arrangement, there’s uneven access to workspaces where individuals can socialize and make connections. The thought of being in a co-working space versus a home office feels mildly attractive - a bunch of remote workers being lonely together. And so, in a day and age where we need to have our guard up, and are encouraged to have walls down, where do we find this magical community of potential friends and how do we sign up?

Meet Groundfloor - the new community on the block where one can make friends, nurture interests, take meetings, and enrich daily lives. The secret sauce is that they’re built with a different DNA, architected to facilitate learning and kismet meetings. They offer ‘more than a desk’ with programming for wellness, clubs, and events. Dubbed the ‘anti-loneliness club offering friendship at $200’ by The Guardian, Groundfloor’s model was built to address isolation in the post-30 market. 

“We're on a mission to cure loneliness,” shares Jermaine Ijieh, Co-Founder and CPO at Groundfloor. “Our vision is to enable and empower adults to build community around the things they love in their neighborhoods. We decentralize much of how Groundfloor operates to our members and provide them support to create and collaborate. We want to help revitalize neighborhoods that may not have a consistent gathering spot anymore similar to traditional institutions we had when we were younger like Places of Worship and School. We bridge individuals and businesses who've helped foster the traditions of the neighborhood, and allow for those who have long existed and new connect via their passions.”

Entrepreneur and angel investor Christina Luna, photographed at Groundfloor Oakland by Duane Ramos.

Groundfloor makes community more accessible, opening their space and events to people from a wide array of backgrounds. At its price tag, thousands have signed up, with young people and newcomers investing. Here’s how the space catalyzed relationships and how work can be made more meaningful, through the lens of Christina Luna - entrepreneur, advocate for the global Asian music industry, and an angel investor. 

How did you get involved with Groundfloor? What were the compelling features of its model?

I became a member of Groundfloor in 2023 and at the time I wasn’t looking to join a social club or community space. I stumbled upon Groundfloor’s beautiful images on social media, submitted a membership application, and scheduled a tour to learn more. I was pleasantly surprised by a lot of great features of its first location in San Francisco – the inviting environment, comfortable work and hangout spaces, but most especially the creative energy the founders and community managers have cultivated. Through a variety of clubs, classes, social hours, and events I’ve made meaningful new friendships in a way I haven’t really had in other spaces.

Why did you select this as an investment opportunity and how does it align with your values and mission for local communities?

I started angel investing in 2021 and along the way I’ve gravitated to businesses that have an aspect of building local communities and ecosystems. I’ve experienced Groundfloor’s mission of community-building firsthand in San Francisco and have felt that same spirit in their other locations as well. While all opportunities have a level of due diligence involved prior to making an investment, I also believe that the best investments are the ones you have a personal connection to like me with Groundfloor.


What should women look out for when choosing where to invest?

All investments have level of risk and before choosing where to invest, you should determine your comfort level with the amount of money you’re investing. There is an incredible opportunity for women to consider investing in other women. Today, only 2% or less of venture capital is going to women-founded startups and people of color. A great way to start angel investing especially if you’re new, is to look into crowdfunding from reputable investing platforms where you can learn about diverse deals but also start with smaller investments. If you’re experienced in a certain sector and there’s an opportunity there, this is also a great way to stretch your expertise in a way that benefits your personal diligence process.

Christina Luna, Keesa Ocampo, and Dorothy Dantes at the Groundfloor Oakland, making remote work x friendship happen.

Generally - know your risk level, read and research each deal, but don’t forget to enjoy the process!

Yes! This is the apparent happy and unlikely meeting place of creative pursuit x interests! But can it become the birthplace of remote work x friendships? Beyond the $200 subscription fee, Nelson also notes that building friendships requires making consistent time for each other. Furthermore, she encourages “positive emotions” or bringing value to an experience through genuine interest, enjoyable time, and acceptance. “When people walk away, it has less to do with how impressed they were, and more to do with how loved, appreciated, and accepted they feel.” This is how friendship is made.

They say love and friendship can happen in the workplace but can it happen for this new generation of remote workers? Until we see the fading lights to the ‘always online,’ there’s hope that we can do this differently. If you’re down for the social experiment, meet me at the Groundfloor.

About the author: 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 Comedienne Roundup

Lady Stand-ups to Love and Laugh with right now!

By Kim Christensen

Taylor Tomlinson of After Midnight, weeknights on CBS and the new Netflix special, Have It All. Photo courtesy of @taylortomlinson

Ready for some comic relief? Instead of doom scrolling, binge these comediennes in your Instagram feed or on Netflix and jolt yourself into a positive mood:

Jackie Fabulous is touring the US in 2024. Book a front row seat at a show near you. Courtesy of @jackiefabulous

Jackie Fabulous delivers huge laughs in tiny bites with her viral Instagram reels. Don’t miss her Morgan Freeman reference! It’s a riot! Follow her on Instagram at @jackiefabulous. 

Leanne Morgan burst out onto the scene this year with her I’m Every Woman Netflix special. From her love of Jell-O salad to her big panties, watch it and fall in love with all of her. Follow her on Instagram at @leannemorgancomedy 

The gloriously raunchy comedic legend Luenell Campbell owns the stage in her Netflix special Luenell: Town Business. The “Original Bad Girl of Comedy” has over 1 million followers on Instagram! (And she’s a local comedy queen from Oakland!). Follow her Instagram at @Luenell. 


Single mom boss and standup legend in the making, Katherine Ryan delivers in ‘Glitter Room’ on Netflix. Photo courtesy of Netflix.

Katherine Ryan revels in single motherhood and skewers critics in her Glitter Room stand-up special on Netflix. 

Hoodo Hersi’s floating head and snarky commentary on Instagram reels are both unique and compelling. We can’t look away! (And, we don’t want to!) Follow her at @hoodocomedy. 

Debra DiGiovanni has thoughts on ‘skiing’ – follow her IG @debradg or else! 

Atsuko Okatsuka’s 2024 international tour schedule. Courtesy of @atsukocomedy

Atsuko Okatsuka’s The Intruder comedy special on HBO has made her a breakout star. She just sold out her five (5!) stand-up shows in San Francisco. She is hot!

Taylor Tomlinson brings her young, odd, messy and hilarious perspective to audiences in three (3!) comedy specials on Netflix:  Have It All, Quarter-Life Crisis, and Look At You. You can start with this 5-minute taste of her quirky jokes. With her career catching fire, Taylor just landed a splashy new late-night show where she laughs at the internet called After Midnight. Executive produced by Stephen Colbert on CBS! Find her on Instagram at @taylortomlinson. 

Bridget Everett’s a-mazing show Somebody Somewhere  on HBO is at once intimate, quirky and groundbreaking with Everett shining as the star of her own creation. This show has been renewed for a third season! Likewise, her friend in comedy Amy Schumer is promoting the second season of Life & Beth — coming soon on Hulu.

Follow them on social media. Watch their shows. Support comic genius!

About the author: Kim Christensen is executive editor of Seismic Sisters.

From Silicon Valley to Shelves: Sarah Lacy's Story of Books and Democracy

By Polina Smith

Sarah Lacy, a three-time published author, mother of two, CEO of multiple tech startups and co-owner of ‘The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs’. Photo courtesy of Sarah Lacy.

When Sarah Lacy moved to Palm Springs from San Francisco in 2019, she didn’t know she would become the co-owner of the only bookstore in town, let alone find herself on the front lines of preserving democracy.

“There are so many people who spend their lives dreaming of opening a bookstore, especially authors, and I'd say I was not one of them,” Lacy said.

Known for her polarizing and fearless voice in media, she was still holding up her middle fingers to nearly two decades of lies, threats, and sexual harassment in Silicon Valley. She raged against the global tech center’s toxic culture in the same blog post that announced the sale of her first media-tech startup, Pando.

"I have absorbed so many more stories than I have reported, more than I can ever report, about the dark side of Silicon Valley," she wrote.

Throughout Lacy’s nearly 30-year career in journalism, she also became a three-time published author, mother of two and CEO of multiple tech startups. And now, one of two founders of “The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs”.

In the heart of town, across the street from a drag bar and just a few blocks from an art museum, locals and visitors from around the world have access to over 30,000 titles in the 1,025-square-foot bookstore — She calls her block “DeSantis’ worst nightmare.” And now it’s her mission to get more books into as many hands as possible. 

‘The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs’ display table with Sarah’s exuberant sticky note promos. Photo courtesy of Sarah Lacy.

Lacy and her partner, Paul Bradley Carr, founded the bookstore in late 2022 after they discovered that the closest bookstore was a Barnes & Noble in Palm Desert, a half-hour drive away.

“We kept being like, this is crazy that there's no bookstore here,” Lacy said.

“Once we actually believed that fact, we were like, well, someone should open a bookstore.”

Several factors brought the two serial entrepreneurs to the consensus that that “someone” may as well be them. And the more time they spent uncovering the logistics of the possibility, they realized that they had been gaslit into thinking that books were a terrible business. Print books are a $28 billion industry– and it isn’t just for Amazon.

Statistics show that the printed book market is alive and well, with 788.7 million books sold in the U.S. in 2022. And they have remained in steady demand, with trade paperbacks taking a large piece of the pie at 60% of total sales since the start of the millennium.

Data from Pew Research also shows that up to 67% of younger adults (under age 30) are also more inclined to read books at least once a week compared to older groups. This highlights the ongoing appeal of traditional books and suggests a strong future market among younger generations—even those who grew up in tech-heavy households.

Before opening, they anticipated about $600 a day. Their first day brought them ten times that amount and one million dollars in revenue in their first year.

It proved to not only be a sound investment but also the right thing to do.

Especially since the local community had already provided so much for Lacy and her family— more specifically, a safe haven for her transgender daughter.

To Lacy, at this time in history, when books are being banned before firearms, she cannot imagine a more important thing to be doing now in this country — fueled to make access to books easy, frictionless and seamless.

Selfie photo courtesy of Sarah Lacy.

“Books are the greatest empathy builder. They tell people who may not feel or look or be like the majority that they're okay and they're not alone,” she said

“All great storytelling is essential, essentially wired in our brains to be the original virtual reality. It takes you into another person's consciousness. It takes you into another person's lived experience. And political parties who wanna divide people, don’t want that.”

Palm Springs, a town of 40,000 people, in a blue state, is one of few queer-friendly cities in America and only has one book banned— in comparison to the 438 in Texas. 

Lacy recognizes that the safety and freedom of expression where she lives is a shining beacon. And while most books can be purchased on the Internet, it’s just not the same experience as a local space where you can browse and discover or let alone receive a personalized recommendation.

“So a lot of what we wanna do digitally is bring all the magic of that block in Palm Springs to the world into everyone's school, everyone's library, everyone's home.”

In the summer of 2022, “Best Bookstore” founders Carr and Lacy discovered that along with their online storefront, they could reach a greater audience through text message. Customers can send a message to 1-877-822-1779, ask for book recommendations, just like they would if they visited the location in Palm Springs, and receive their order wherever they are located.

The extension of their brick-and-mortar into the digital space has gifted the two local business owners the privilege to offer such a personal experience to, now, thousands of more lives a day.

“They hold it to their heart,” Lacy says. She sees it time and time again, when someone speaks about a book that they love. “It’s a profound object, of importance that can heal people, that can connect people, that find people when they need it most.”

And while this story could very well end, on this very note for Lacy and Carr; this is just the beginning. Very similar to the moment when the two realized that there were no independent bookstores in Palm Springs – they see there are not enough voices pushing against the strategic attacks on democracy and rash of book bans in schools, leading to the stripping of our rights to diverse art, thought and necessary information. 

Photo courtesy of Sarah Lacy.

“The object of profit is exactly why it might be a problem if schools or organizations opt out of books by queer and black authors. And why that's gonna then mean those authors don't get publishing deals,” she said. “It’s a terrifying slippery slope.”

In ten years, they see themselves as a very successful publicly traded company and poised to challenge the big publishing companies like Scholastic. And there is no doubt in their efforts to preserve this level of democracy in action with books and creative entrepreneurship. Case in point is their newest creation - the Palm Springs Readers’ Festival – which just wrapped a successful launch in early 2024.

“Mission-based causes and never caving in or making compromises on them is probably one of the only specialties that Paul and I have going back to our days as journalists,” Lacy said.

Today, the pair maintains their fervor for uncovering groundbreaking systems that revolutionize the book-buying experience while expanding their collection. What started as an unforeseen ambition has now evolved into a digital initiative aimed at promoting unity and nurturing empathy in a world divided by conflicting narrative.

“Join the Best Bookstore Concierge service! Just text JOIN to 1-877-822-1779 and you’ll be instantly enrolled in our Best Bookstore Concierge service! Just text the name of a book, the picture of a book, or a request for a recommendation to that number, and we’ll confirm we have what you want and get it to you immediately. It’s that easy! No shopping carts, no shipping costs, no BS!” says Sarah Lacy.

Sign up for the Best Bookstore’s Newsletter and get great insights from Sarah herself! www.bestbookstore.com (bottom of page)

About the author: Polina Smith is a staff writer for Seismic Sisters.

How Women-led Businesses are Driving San Francisco’s Revival

It All Starts With Small Businesses!

By Ariel Neidermeier

The 'It All Starts Here' campaign, funded by a consortium of San Francisco business leaders and launched during APEC 2023, was created to rekindle the city's innovation and cultural vibrancy in the aftermath of the pandemic. While the campaign video emphasized the contributions of Big Tech and business leaders, it largely overlooked the crucial role of small businesses, women and minority communities in shaping San Francisco's past, present and future; which begs the question: will meaningful change happen through top-down leadership or does the city’s most effective solution lie in the hands of its women and neighborhood leaders?

The Unseen Force

Uzuri Pease-Greene at the Daniel Webster Elementary School mural. Photo by Tumay Aslay.

San Francisco's re-emergence is not only being driven by Big Tech and big name business leaders, but also by the contributions of neighborhood micro-economies and small business owners. There are 126,634 small businesses in San Francisco, which make up nearly all of the businesses (99.87 %) in the county. According to the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) women-led small businesses comprise an estimated 37-42% of these businesses.

The rising number of women-led businesses could be a result of capital challenges. As tech journalist and entrepreneur Sarah Lacy points out, “We know that historically, even in tech boom times, women were getting less than 3% of venture capital. That got worse after the pandemic. Women dominate in small business entrepreneurship partly because they don't have access to capital.”

Although women-led businesses make up more than a third of all small businesses in San Francisco, they still receive less support than businesses owned by men. During the pandemic, women business owners in San Francisco received OEWD loans and/or grants that were 23% less than the average award provided to men ($15,082 for men versus $11,649 for women). What’s more, women-owned businesses in San Francisco received 37% less than the average Paycheck Protection Program Loan amount than male-owned businesses in 2020.

And, female business owners are not the only entrepreneurs that need more support. “Don’t forget about social entrepreneurs - we need nurturing too!” says Uzuri Pease-Greene, Director of C.A.R.E. San Francisco, a nonprofit helping grow public housing into a strong and thriving community on Potrero Hill.

How Female Entrepreneurs Are Reviving San Francisco's Neighborhoods

Kate Maeder Scarlet Fox.

Kate Maeder and Kaela Miller, co-owners of Scarlet Fox Wine Bar in NOPA. Photo courtesy of Kate Maeder.

While downtown San Francisco has struggled post-pandemic, neighborhoods like NOPA and the Castro are flourishing. There are 20% fewer small businesses downtown than there were before the pandemic. Last year, the Financial District and South Beach experienced 738 openings and 844 closures. In contrast, NOPA, including the Lone Mountain and USF districts, saw 97 businesses open and 63 businesses close, while the Castro, including Upper Market, witnessed 270 openings against 159 closures.

Many of these new businesses have been founded by women — like Kate Maeder, a political strategist and co-owner of Scarlet Fox Wine Bar which opened in NOPA last June. To Maeder, the role of small businesses in San Francisco’s recovery is vital. "Women and diverse folks can play an important role in rebuilding our city post-COVID, especially in our vibrant neighborhoods," she says. While she acknowledges the challenges of opening a business in the city, she notes how she and her wife and co-owner benefitted from San Francisco’s policies supporting small businesses, like 'Change of Use' and 'First Year Free'. "It’s no easy feat, but building a culture of supporting small businesses will help the city thrive," Maeder believes.

Carol Gancia, the founder and chocolatier of Kokak Chocolates. Photo courtesy of Carol Gancia.

In the Castro, Carol Gancia, the founder and head chocolatier of Kokak Chocolates, reflects on the unique challenges and rewards of running a food-related business in San Francisco. Despite having her chocolate shop broken into twice since opening during the pandemic, Gancia has committed to making it a haven of authenticity and cultural diversity, offering customers a taste of the tropics amid the city's urban landscape. "It’s a place of discovery," Gancia notes, highlighting her exotic flavors like Calamansi and guava chocolate. She also emphasizes the importance of community involvement and LGBTQIA+ support. "We actively participate in our community, standing up proud and being seen," she adds.

Building a Safer, More Vibrant City

San Francisco's journey towards revival in a post-pandemic world is increasingly being shaped by women entrepreneurs who are not only running successful businesses but also actively investing in building safer, more welcoming communities. Their contributions go beyond economic impact; they are integral in building a city that thrives on inclusivity, safety and vibrancy. This, in turn, is redefining traditional business norms, and leading to a renewed understanding of what constitutes "good business."

At the height of the pandemic, Kimberly Jackson Wickam, owner of JAX Vineyards in SOMA, began hosting events, bringing in experts to discuss AI, mental health and other socially-pressing topics. This shift in the way JAX did business not only led to its survival but also contributed to the surrounding neighborhood's revival. “We worked very hard to be an open venue for our neighborhood. We call ourselves the ‘SOMA neighborhood oasis’.” To Jackson Wickham, neighborhood safety is vital for San Francisco businesses to flourish. "People need to feel safe to venture into specific neighborhoods," she explains.

Similarly, Jennifer Derrick, co-owner of The Finerie boutique on Fillmore Street, emphasizes the need for a supportive policy environment for small business. "It's not easy to figure out all the hoops that you need to jump through," she points out, highlighting the challenges in navigating city policies. Despite these hurdles, her and her co-owner’s passion for revitalizing San Francisco as a fashion destination drove them to open their boutique in November 2022. From the beginning, their vision extended beyond just business. “We were like, ‘how can we foster and build a new community where we could be surrounded by successful, dynamic, awesome women?’”

As part of their mission to create a space of community engagement and intellectual exchange, Derrick said The Finerie would be starting a speaker series in the new year. Once a month, they’re planning to bring in dating coaches, midlife experts and female founders to create a space for women to feel supported and connected.

Missed Opportunities

The multi-channel advertising campaign to refresh San Francisco’s beleaguered image had a $4 million budget funded mostly by tech billionaires. What would women have done with this funding?

●     Fund onsite childcare in office buildings and creatively boost women-founded and other small businesses to entice people ‘back to work’ downtown. San Francisco has seen a 34.7% reduction in its in-person workforce, resulting in the loss of $2.9 billion dollars in yearly spending for the city’s residential and commuter workforce. If fewer workers are commuting to and from downtown, then the city should invest in onsite childcare in office buildings to get parents rushing back in and provide creative economic support to underserved entrepreneurs trying to make a go of small, medium and big ambition businesses.

●     Look at safety, quality of environment, and culture from San Francisco women’s perspectives. Crowdsource female residents’ feedback and fund creative ideas for making downtown friendly to women, parents, families and visitors. If women feel safe and supported in the city, they will let their national and global communities know that San Francisco is emerging even better than before. This, in turn, will draw long-term residents, entrepreneurs, visitors and tourists, creating vibrant thriving communities across the city.

●     Address the overdose epidemic. While 2020 remains the deadliest year on record of San Francisco’s overdose epidemic with more than 720 overdose-related drugs, 2023 has the potential to outpace 2020’s record with a current projection of 752 deaths by the end of year. To combat this, more funds could be invested into ongoing initiatives to provide harm reduction supplies and connect people to long-term substance abuse care. This, in turn, would partially address the homelessness crisis in San Francisco, as more than half of individuals who receive street overdose resources are unsheltered.

“Us” Includes Women Too

The 'It All Starts Here' campaign video’s narrative of epic innovation and progress presented more like an initiative for 'All of Them' than 'All of Us.' To genuinely capture the city's spirit, it's essential to broaden the lens to include diverse perspectives and enterprises, particularly those led by women. By valuing and uplifting the contributions of women and minority-led businesses, San Francisco can truly redefine what innovation looks like and ensure that its revival is not just successful but equitable.

About the Author: Ariel Neidermeier is a San Francisco Bay Area journalist and contributing writer for Seismic Sisters.

Seismic Sisters is a dynamic and progressive San Francisco-based media platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of feminists, promoting gender equity and acting boldly for social justice. Focusing on a blend of insightful journalism, engaging storytelling and advocacy, it amplifies the voices of new leaders and long-time rebels who are shifting culture and changing the landscape. From in-depth articles on societal issues to profiles of influential female leaders and creators, Seismic Sisters serves as a vibrant space for discussion, inspiration and empowerment, celebrating the contributions and achievements of women while driving the conversation on feminism and social justice forward.

Aging with Grace

Confronting Ageism to Build a More Inclusive, Powerful and Pleasure-Filled Future

By Polina Smith

In the wake of the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein, the first female Mayor of San Francisco and a significant political trailblazer, questions about ageism have surfaced in the national discourse. Is 90 too old to be in the Senate? Should there be mandatory retirement? Is President Biden too old to run in 2024? 

Age-based stereotypes are not merely a concern within the realm of national politics; they seep into our workplaces, neighborhoods and homes, touching the lives of everyone from your co-workers to your favorite aunt in Wichita.

Photo Credit: DisobeyArt, iStock photo

Ageism Unveiled: Beyond Generational Divides

Ageism, the deep-seated prejudice based solely on age, permeates our culture, media and workforce. It’s a subtle yet insidious '-ism' that persists, often unchecked. "Ageism is this odd ‘-ism’ in that it’s still socially acceptable in many ways," says Joann Montepare, PhD. The root of this prejudice often lies in a lack of understanding and connection with the elderly, perpetuated by the increasing segregation of age groups in our society.

The disconnect from the wisdom of older generations continues to increase as families spread out for work and opportunity, eroding the rich tapestry of shared experiences that once bound the family unit. Subsequently, media and entertainment echo these biases, further embedding ageist stereotypes into the collective consciousness. But why this divide? Is it based on fear, competition for resources or simply ignorance? The fight against ageism takes many forms, and some remarkable individuals and organizations are leading the charge. Here are some women who are reshaping mindsets through their phenomenal work.

Vicki Larson, ‘Not Too Old for That: How Women are Changing the Story of Aging’ author

San Francisco Bay Area author Vicki Larson is a media maven and powerful advocate for rethinking attitudes about aging. She is dedicated to empowering feminists and tackling ageism through education and activism. The former longtime lifestyles editor, writer and columnist for the Marin Independent Journal, she continues to bust ageist and sexist narratives about aging as a woman and women’s sexuality and desire through her writing. Published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Newsweek, AARP’s The Ethel, The Huffington Post, Medium and elsewhere, her voice serves as a bullhorn for women of all ages, inspiring others to challenge societal norms.

Photo Credit: Kim Thompson Steel

Ashton Applewhite: Ageism as a Call to Action

Ashton Applewhite has become a powerful voice since she began blogging about aging and ageism in 2007. Recognized by The New York Times, National Public Radio and the American Society on Aging as an expert on ageism, she founded This Chair Rocks, a platform aimed at dismantling ageism and promoting intergenerational understanding. In 2022, she was named one of fifty leaders “working to transform the world to be a better place to grow old” by the UN’s Decade of Healthy Aging platform. Through her insightful writings and talks, she encourages society to embrace the diversity of experiences that come with age and to help create a world where everyone has the opportunity to live long and live well.

Photo Credit: www.instagram.com/thischairrocks by Ashton Applewhite

Isabella Rossellini: Redefining Beauty through Activism

Isabella Rossellini is a trailblazer in redefining beauty standards. Her advocacy goes beyond the superficial, delving into the core of societal perceptions about aging and beauty, proving that beauty knows no age. She has fun showing her active life by curating her own popular Instagram page @isabellarosselini which has 812K followers!

Photo Credit: Zhong Lin for Vogue Italia cover, via www.models.com

Nancy Pelosi: Ageless Political Prowess

Stateswoman and House Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi has defied age-related prejudices by becoming one of the most powerful democratic voices of this era. Elected as the first woman to be Speaker of the House in 2007 in her late 60s, she is considered one of the most effective speakers in U.S. history, playing a pivotal role in passing epic legislation like Obamacare, AIDS research and policy legislation, and even saving American democracy on January 6, 2021 by keeping a cool head and reconvening the House. She is a bold voice for women’s equality, abortion rights and the “wholesome” benefits to democracy of electing more women. Her leadership exemplifies the power of experience and wisdom, breaking down barriers in politics and showcasing that age is not a hindrance to making a difference.

Photo Credit: Tumay Aslay, Seismic Sisters

Oprah Winfrey: Shattering Taboos on Menopause

Oprah Winfrey is a fearless advocate who has shattered taboos surrounding menopause. Telling her own story of how she struggled to find out what was wrong and why she had seemingly strange symptoms like heart palpitations and sleeplessness in mid-life, she wanted to share her experience of discovering menopause and fill a gap in media coverage on the issue. In her now famous ‘The Menopause Talk’ Oprah hosts an unguarded conversation with Drew Barrymore, Maria Shriver, Sharon Malone, MD and Heather Hirsch, MD on the topic. O, The Oprah Magazine, also addresses issues related to aging, women’s health and societal stigmas. Through open discussions and informative sessions, she has sparked vital conversations about aging.

Photo Credit: MediaPunch Inc / Alamy Stock Photo.

Change: Where Do We Begin?

Confronting stereotypes begins with introspection. Are we perpetuating stereotypes? Are we unconsciously favoring younger colleagues? Are we using derogatory terms that reinforce ageist beliefs? The language we use can either perpetuate stereotypes or dismantle them. It's time to abandon derogatory phrases like "old geezer" and "fossil," replacing them with respect and appreciation for the wealth of experience older individuals bring.

Beyond Peaks: Embracing Life’s Later Chapters

Illustration Credit: Mark Long as shown in The Guardian’s
‘13 Peaks we Reach at Age 40 or Later’

Recent studies have highlighted the concept of ‘peaks’ in life, indicating that some of our most significant achievements and personal growth occur later in life, around the age of 40 or beyond. These peaks encompass career achievements, emotional intelligence and personal fulfillment, showcasing the richness of experiences that come with age. For instance, many individuals experience a peak in emotional intelligence in their 40s, allowing for deeper and more meaningful interpersonal connections. Career fulfillment peaks often occur in the 40s and 50s, as individuals have accumulated substantial experience and expertise, leading to greater job satisfaction. Additionally, the peak in life satisfaction tends to be in the 50s, indicating a sense of fulfillment and contentment with one’s life.

The Guardian recently ran an inspiring article titled, “Never past your prime! 13 peaks we reach at 40 or later – from sex to running to self-esteem.” It sets out to debunk the myth that life peaks in youth. Life really can keep getting better as we age!

Building an Inclusive Future Together

In the shared journey toward equality, age should never be a hurdle. From girls to grandmas, each generation offers unique perspectives and strengths that enrich our collective tapestry. The challenge is to confront ageism together, recognizing the inherent value in every individual, regardless of their age. By dismantling stereotypes and embracing the wisdom of our elders, we pave the way for a more inclusive and vibrant future for all.

About the author: Polina Smith is a staff writer for Seismic Sisters.

2023 Headlines You Might Have Missed

A Year Of Women In The News

By Ariel Neidermeier

As 2023 draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the feminist news headlines that may have slipped under the radar. From groundbreaking Nobel Prizes to inspiring acts of courage, these are the stories that remind us of the resilience and determination in the ongoing fight for gender equity and women's rights worldwide.

2023 Nobel Prizes highlight the contributions of women

The 2023 Nobel Prizes notably acknowledged the profound contributions of women in shaping a more equitable and just world. Among the luminaries was Iranian human rights activist and journalist Narges Mohammadi, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her unyielding fight against the oppression of women in Iran. The Nobel Committee's decision to award Mohammadi with the prize came after more than a year of protests in Iran led largely by women after the murder of Mahsa Amini using the rallying cry “Woman, Life, Freedom!” Despite facing multiple arrests and harsh sentences, Mohammadi's steadfast dedication to women’s rights in Iran stands as a powerful beacon of hope within the global movement for women's liberation.

Claudia Goldin, a distinguished economic historian at Harvard, made history by winning the Nobel Economics Prize. She was recognized for her groundbreaking work in exposing the causes of wage and labor market inequalities between men and women. Goldin's research has offered a comprehensive understanding of women's earnings and labor market participation over centuries, revealing the persistent gender gap as well as the progress that’s been made. Her insights into phenomena such as "greedy work" and the impact of societal and economic factors on women's work life balance have profound implications for policy and societal change.

The UN Creates the First International Day of Care and Support: A Milestone for Gender Equality

In an unprecedented move, the United Nations General Assembly established October 29th as the International Day of Care and Support. This landmark resolution (A/RES/77/317) aims to shine a light on the critical yet often undervalued role of care and support in our societies, particularly highlighting the disproportionate burden shouldered by women and girls in unpaid care and domestic work.

This new observance day encourages Member States, alongside the UN system, civil society, the private sector and academia, to raise awareness and develop policies to transform the care economy. It underscores the necessity of creating environments that facilitate women's economic autonomy and enhance the well-being of care workers and their communities. This observance day not only honors the tireless efforts of caregivers but also propels the ongoing struggle towards an emotionally and economically equitable society for all genders.

Licypriya Kangujam, Climate Activist and Young Keynote Speaker (left) at Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue in Berlin, 2023. Credit: dpa/Alamy Live News.

12-Year-Old Climate Crusader Licypriya Kangujam Disrupts COP28, Demanding Urgent Action

In a display of courageous activism, 12-year-old Indian climate activist Licypriya Kangujam recently made headlines by storming the stage at the COP28 UN climate summit. With a sign declaring “End fossil fuels. Save our planet and our future,” Kangujam captured the world's attention by voicing the urgent call for action against climate change. Despite being escorted off stage by security, her passionate plea was met with applause from delegates, signifying a resonance with her message.

Kangujam, often referred to as “India’s Greta Thunberg”, has been a fervent voice in the climate movement since the age of seven. Her spontaneous protest at COP28 underscored the growing frustration over the slow progress in combating the climate crisis. It also highlighted the increasing involvement of young female activists on the global stage of environmental politics. Her act of defiance is a powerful reminder that future generations are not just passive observers but are increasingly becoming active agents demanding change for a sustainable future.

Greta Gerwig's Record-breaking 'Barbie' Heralds New Era for Female Directors

Greta Gerwig, ‘Barbie’ movie Director (center right) Photo Credit: Warner Bros. / Album / Alamy Stock Photo

Director Greta Gerwig's record-breaking 'Barbie' not only captivated audiences worldwide but also shattered industry records, marking a new milestone in feminist cinema. This year, Greta Gerwig became the first female director to single-handedly direct a film grossing over $1 billion. This achievement places 'Barbie' above even the likes of 'Frozen II' in domestic earnings, further solidifying Gerwig's success in an industry dominated by male directors. Beyond box office milestones, the subject matter of ‘Barbie’ was distinctly feminist, delving deep into themes of equality, the patriarchy, and self-esteem. Gerwig's achievement is a harbinger of change, signaling an era where the voices and perspectives of women in film are not just heard but celebrated and embraced on a global scale.

The Renaissance of Women's Sports

How Women Athletes Are Transforming the Game and Society

By Ariel Neidermeier

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

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

Women to Watch

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

Simone Biles

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

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

Coco Gauff 

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

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

Alex Morgan

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

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

Candace Parker

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

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

Bianca Valenti

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

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

The pay and media gap in women’s athletics

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

Elevating the game

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

From disparity to destiny 

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

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

Rebel Royalty: How Women Have Reshaped The Monarchy

By Ariel Neidermeier

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

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

A faltering institution 

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

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

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

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

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

The women who have changed the monarchy

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

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

The People’s Princess   

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

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

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

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

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

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

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

The New Royals

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

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

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

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

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

A Defiant Legacy 

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

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

The Radical Act of Rest

‘Resting Our Eyes’ Exhibit at ICA SF Gallery

By Kim Christensen and Polina Smith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feminist Icons of Every Generation

Social Media Influencers We Love

By Ariel Neidermeier

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

GEN Z

Greta Thunberg

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

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

Amanda Gorman 

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

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

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

Nadya Okamoto 

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


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

MILLENNIALS

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

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

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

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

Meena Harris

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


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

Rihanna 

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


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

Gen X

Tracee Ellis Ross

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


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

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

Reese Witherspoon

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


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

Jennifer Siebel Newsom 

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


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

Baby Boomers

Jackie Speier

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

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

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

Jennifer Coolidge

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


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

Dolly Parton 

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


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

The (Not So) Silent Generation 

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

Nancy Pelosi 

“Organize, don’t agonize”

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

Jane Fonda 

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

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

Gloria Steinem 

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

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

Instagram: @gloriasteinem

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

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.

And the Oscar should go to...

By Ariel Neidermeier

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

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

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

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

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

AFTERSUN

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


ENOLA HOLMES II

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

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE

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

MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS

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

SHE SAID

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

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

THE WOMAN KING

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

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

THE SWIMMERS

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

TILL

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

WOMEN TALKING

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

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

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

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