2020 Marks 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage: Check Out These Powerful Female Voices
15 May 2020
2020 marks 100 years of women getting the right to vote! On August 18th, 1920, the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution finally gave women their full voting rights. APB continues to represent several speakers on women's issues, from award-winning actresses and activists to journalists, best-selling authors, entrepreneurs and innovative global leaders. Below, we have highlighted some of our most talked-about and requested female voices. Responsible for inspiring millions, these women continue to empower audiences worldwide.
IRIN CARMON
Co-author of Notorious RBG, senior correspondent at New York Magazine and CNN contributor Irin Carmon reports and comments on gender, politics and the law. Carmon and her co-author were featured in the award-winning and Oscar nominated 2018 documentary, RBG.
SHANA KNIZHNIK
Co-author of Notorious RBG, attorney and activist Shana Knizhnik has spoken at universities, law firms and companies about her role in the rise of Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a pop cultural phenomenon. Knizhnik is a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of New York City’s Criminal Defense Practice.
ADMIRAL MICHELLE J. HOWARD (RETIRED)
The first female U.S. Navy Four-Star Admiral, Admiral Michelle J. Howard (Retired) was also the first African-American woman to reach the rank of three-star and four-star in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and the first African-American woman to command a ship in the Navy. Bringing empowering insights as someone who spent her career shattering glass ceilings and breaking new ground, she continues to motivate others with her highly inspirational message.
KATHY NAJIMY
An award-winning actress and “social action hero,” Kathy is outspoken, energizing and inspirational. Best known for her work in more than 30 films (including the blockbusters Sister Act, Hocus Pocus, WALL-E and Rat Race), she combines her acting and talents with a passionate commitment to equality, women’s leadership and issues ranging from #MeToo to Time’s Up and LGBTQ rights.
JOHNNETTA COLE
President Emerita of Spelman College and Bennett College for Women, Johnnetta Cole is an accomplished educator and museum professional. The only person to serve as president of both historically Black colleges for women in the United States, she is a noted author on issues of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion, as well as a committed advocate for social justice.
DEBRA LEE
Chairman and CEO Emeritus of BET Networks, Debra Lee is honored as one of the most powerful women in the media and entertainment industries, known for leading BET Networks to become the largest global company dedicated to African American programming.
DR. MARY FRANCES BERRY
Author, activist, educator and historian Dr. Mary Frances Berry has been one of the most visible and respected activists in the causes of civil rights, gender equality and social justice for over four decades. A trailblazer for women and African Americans alike, she also became the first woman to head a major research university as Chancellor of the University of Colorado at Boulder.
ALYSSA MASTROMONACO
Former White House Deputy, New York Times best-selling author and Crooked Media contributor Alyssa Mastromonaco was the youngest woman ever to be Deputy Chief of Operations at the White House. A key figure in the "Sisterhood of the Administration 44," she made the presence of women felt and their voices heard – redefining the traditional White House boy's club culture. She believes in enforcing girl power to empower women to lead by example.