In the 28 years that we’ve celebrated Women of the Year—both in our pages and at our annual summit and awards ceremony—the stories of our honorees often start with the same idea: a woman that refuses to wait for someone else to make things better. Alone, or with an army behind her, she decides to act.
For our lifetime achievement winner, 97-year-old National Park Service Ranger Betty Reid Soskin, one of those moments came during planning meetings for the Rosie the Riveter Park. When it was clear her story as an African American woman was being left out, she didn’t sit silently. She spoke up and, as a result, the 60,000-plus visitors to the park each year learn a fuller version of history. Rachael Denhollander’s moment came when she stood in her kitchen and called the police, hoping she’d keep Larry Nassar from assaulting one more girl. Viola Davis made it her mission to stop the camera from overlooking unseen women—the maids, the wives, the grieving mothers—and kept at it for 30 years. Chrissy Teigen had an idea that social media could give all women a voice to share their passions and fears, while Kamala Harris is the politician women—and all Americans, for that matter—so desperately need.
We couldn't be prouder to introduce you to Glamour’s 2018 Women of the Year. They are a diverse bunch, including a senator, an actress, and two groups of powerful young women fighting to make a lasting difference, but they have one thing in common: They aren’t waiting for the world to change; they’re getting the job done themselves.
Below, read about them and the other remarkable females that comprise Glamour's 2018 Women of the Year, and head here to buy your tickets for our annual event celebrating these women in New York City. It's surely going to be an unforgettable three days.
The Women Who Took Down Larry Nassar, Voices of Courage
One woman spoke out, another listened. That helped put an end to the abuse Larry Nassar inflicted for more than 20 years. Meet the survivors, including Aly Raisman and Rachael Denhollander; as well as Detective Andrea Munford, Assistant Attorney General Angela Povilaitis, and Judge Rosemarie Aquilina who told the world: Believe women.
Viola Davis, The Icon
This was the year the world realized women's stories deserve to be seen and heard. Viola Davis has made that her mission for three decades.
Senator Kamala Harris, The Advocate
Senator Kamala Harris came to Washington to do the work and gave women nationwide a voice inside the room where it happens.
Chrissy Teigen, The Influencer
So funny. So true. And so damn necessary. Chrissy Teigen may be one of the most relatable people on the Internet, but she's also an unofficial spokesperson for Generation Fed Up.
The Women Activists of March for Our Lives, The Next-Gen Leaders
In the face of tragedy caused by gun violence, these student activists—clockwise from top left, Samantha Fuentes, Emma González, Naomi Wadler, Edna Chavez, and Jaclyn Corin—demanded change, and wouldn't take no for an answer.
Betty Reid Soskin, Lifetime Achievement
As the oldest career National Park Service Ranger, 97-year-old Betty Reid Soskin is unabashed about revealing all of America's history—and her optimism about our future.
Janelle Monáe, The Visionary
Janelle Monáe has been racking up the hits for a decade. This year she opened up about her art and her life—and showed us a future that celebrates all kinds of female power.
Manal al-Sharif, The Freedom Fighter
Manal al-Sharif got behind the wheel and helped launch a movement that gave women in Saudi Arabia the right to drive—and put them one step closer to equality.
Come back each day this week to read profiles of the 2018 Glamour Women of the Year honorees and get your tickets to the three-day event here.
