Women to Know in Advocacy
Written by Kaylee Morgan
March is Women’s History Month and this is Advocacy in Action, so it is only right that this week we highlight 5 women who are not just amazing women, but that are putting all their energy and efforts into advocating for others. There are so many women that exist in the Advocacy realm and we are grateful for each and every woman who dedicates their time to making sure the world is a better place for all! Below are the 5 women in advocacy we chose to highlight this month.
A survivor turned activist, Emma Gonzales was just a high school senior when she started her advocacy work. The Florida High Schooler is now using her voice to call attention to gun law reform. She and many members of her Florida community are working together to prevent future mass shootings. “If I’m able to communicate one thing to adults, it would be this: It should not be easier to purchase a gun than it is to obtain a driver’s license.”
2. Melanie Brown (aka Scary Spice)
Melanie Brown accepted the Fearless Future Award at the Stylist’s Remarkable Women Awards earlier this year. She was granted this title for her work as a domestic abuse advocate. Not only has she published a memoir about her own experience with domestic violence, but Melanie Brown has also partnered with Women’s Aid, a grassroots federation working together to provide life-saving services and build a future where domestic violence is not tolerated. “This is for the ladies who don’t have a voice,” she said as she accepted the award. “My story is their story and their story is my story.”
Artist, illustrator, advocate, and now the creator of the Oh Happy Dani collection at Target, Dani is a big supporter of overall wellness. She uses art to inspire and encourage, as well as to give a message of wellness and justice to those who enjoy her work. “My illustrations aim to make complex issues more digestible and help others find and use their passions to make a difference in their spheres of influence.”
A wife, mom, and California native who now resides in Georgia, Patricia Taylor is a big advocate for racial justice. When she is not working as the Program Director at Be the Bridge, Patricia is running her blog titled, Some Thoughts From Your Black Friend. “I want my heart to break for what breaks the Lord’s, and I seek to cultivate a space in which difficult yet necessary topics can be discussed with grace, truth, and love.”
Survivor of exploitation turned UCLA honor student, Harmony has a passion to help women and girls trapped in sexual exploitation and trafficking. She has a masters in social work and runs a nonprofit organization called Treasures, which she founded in 2003. She also has Congressional recognition and has had opportunities to train the Department of Justice and FBI. “It’s never too late for a new beginning and that the dreams of our heart, no matter how broken, dormant, or dead, can still be brought to life.” Listen to our interview with Harmony on The Iridescent Podcast here.
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