Seattle Culture

Trailblazing Women: Persistence and Progress

These pioneering individuals courageously break down barriers, defy conventions, and push forward despite challenges

By Seattle Mag May 27, 2024

TrailblazingWomen_16x9

This article originally appeared in the May/June 2024 issue of Seattle magazine.

One creative approach for women to combat gender discrimination is through the power of storytelling. Creating platforms where women can share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs can be incredibly empowering and enlightening for both women and men. The May/June issue of Seattle magazine features a dozen women who raise awareness about the need of justice, and equal opportunity, the hurdles they’ve had to overcome to succeed, and what needs to improve for women to become more successful.

These inspiring stories illuminate the journey of resilience, determination, and advancement, showcasing the remarkable achievements and lasting impact of women in various fields and endeavors. Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be publishing the accounts of these trailblazers. Stay tuned to read about their experiences and insights.

Arts:

Government:

Health Care:

  • Dr. Nwando Anyaoku

Legal:

  • Tahmina Watson

Nonprofits:

  • Lynne Varner

Technology:

  • Merrie Williamson
  • Jamila Conley

Education:

  • Brenda Leaks

Financial Services:

  • Tama Smith

Business:

  • Julie Pham

Hospitality:

  • Angela Dunleavy

Follow Us

Trailblazing Women: Grace Yoo

Trailblazing Women: Grace Yoo

Executive director, Washington State Women's Commission

On my dating profile I aspirationally describe myself as “Lara Croft meets Joanna Gaines.” (Don’t feel bad if you had to Google either of those names; most people who know one usually don’t know the other. The video gaming and HGTV worlds rarely collide.) From first dates to panel discussions, I often get asked why...

Seattle Podcast: Ana Mari Cauce - Leader of Learning

Seattle Podcast: Ana Mari Cauce – Leader of Learning

Publisher's Note: Defining Success, Defying the Odds

Publisher’s Note: Defining Success, Defying the Odds

A celebration of Seattle's "trailblazing" women

At the time of this issue’s newsstand date, the newest season of Jean Smart’s Hacks will be making its much anticipated season 3 debut on HBO Max. With a hilarious “odd couple” dynamic between a young Gen Z comedy writer and a legendary standup comedian...

Rebuilding Re-Sole 206

Rebuilding Re-Sole 206

Seattle rallies to support local entrepreneur after break-in

After years of customizing sneakers in her home studio, Takiyah Ward decided to go for it and open her own shop. As an artist with a background in architecture, she personally designed and created Re-Sole 206, Washington’s first sneaker “dry cleaner.” Earlier this year, we caught up with Ward at Sneaker Con, where she stood…