Meet the Badass(ery) Women Who are Making History Today
Women's History Month is a perfect time to not only celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of females throughout history, but also those who are currently making history. What inspires them? How are they so badass? Our crew spills their secrets…
“I turned my mess into my message!”
Meet Monica Rivera, a true badass woman who has turned her challenges into triumphs. As she phrases it: “I turned my mess into my message!”. At just 16 years old, while others her age were focused on typical teenage activities, Monica was living on her own, working part-time, and visiting her mother in the hospital every day. Despite this adversity, she persevered, paying bills and preparing for her SATs while supporting her mom.
Unfortunately, Monica's mother passed away before her junior year of high school ended. Although Monica faced significant challenges at a young age, she refused to let those experiences define her. Instead, she turned her experiences into motivation and became a keynote speaker, digital marketer, podcaster, and community builder. Today, Monica coaches others to build their own brands and businesses around their own badass stories.
Creating a platform for Asian Americans to express themselves.
Meet Krystie Yen, a badass woman who is paving her own path and doing work that’s changing the world. As a curious multi-hyphenate and daughter of immigrants from Taiwan and Thailand, Krystie is determined to empower young people to believe in themselves and pursue their passions. Her non-profit publishing house, Slant'd, is a testament to this commitment, providing a platform for Asian Americans to express themselves and share their unique perspectives.
But Krystie is not just all work and no play; she knows how to keep things spicy, adding a touch of excitement to everything she does. Krystie Yen is a badass woman because she is fearlessly pursuing her dreams and inspiring others to do the same.
Striving to live the story she wants to tell about her life every day.
Meet Laura Nespoli, a badass woman because she had the courage to unravel the story of her past and explore every fiber of truth in who she was and who she wanted to be. With empathy and compassion, Laura accepted her strengths and opportunities for growth, and strives to live the story she wants to tell about her life every day.
In 2018, Laura discovered her purpose and started Meshin Movement, a storytelling consultancy that operates in the blended space between strategy, social impact, and creative expression. Through Meshin, Laura is able to unite people and inspire movement through shared meaning. Her threads of identity weave together a beautiful expression of the woman she aspires to be, and that's pretty badass.
Empowering individuals to find their own spark and make a meaningful impact.
Meet Melanie McKee, a badass woman who is making a difference by supporting the mission of Badassery as a community and speaker marketplace. Through her marketing work on the corporate team, she helps provide a platform for curated speakers and leaders of diverse cultures and backgrounds to share their unique stories on stage. Melanie's commitment to uplifting others is a testament to the powerful impact of female mentorship throughout her career.
As a public speaker, data-driven marketer, and business strategist for 2060 Digital, Melanie is known for her dynamic and high-energy presentations that challenge audiences to focus on what really matters at work and in life. Melanie's passion for helping others and making a difference in the world shines through in her work, where she empowers individuals to find their own spark and make a meaningful impact.
Our community’s stories of resilience, courage, and passion prove that being a badass woman is not about perfection or fearlessness, but rather about being true to yourself, embracing your unique journey, and inspiring others to do the same. Let's celebrate and draw inspiration from the badass women who have paved the way for us. Who is your personal icon and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!