New York City, one of the greatest cities in the world, has been home to some of the most influential, inspiring and hardworking women. From artists to entrepreneurs, activists to politicians, writers to filmmakers and more, there is no denying the positive and lasting impact these stunning ladies have had on the city’s culture, economy, and spirit. Here is a look at some of the top amazing women who have changed NYC.
Twyla Tharp
Getting her start at the Jack Cole Dance Company in the 1960s, Twyla Tharp is a world-renowned American dancer, choreographer, author, and instructor. In 1965, she started her own dance company “Twyla Tharp Dance” and has since continued to shape the world of dance and make New York City a more diverse, creative, and fascinating place to be.
Gwen Ifill
Gwen Ifill is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and author, who is best known for serving as the senior correspondent for NBC News, moderating the 2004 and 2008 Vice Presidential debates, and for hosting the public-affairs show “Washington Week.” In 1999, she launched her own production company, which produced PBS shows like “Washington Week” and “Need to Know.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a renowned Supreme Court Justice and the first Jewish woman to be appointed to the highest court in the land. She has displayed multiple outstanding accomplishments throughout her career in law, particularly when she was a professor of law at Rutgers and Columbia law schools, and in her role as the director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Women’s Rights Project.
Barbara Corcoran
Barbara Corcoran is an iconic real estate mogul and one of the “sharks” on the popular show “Shark Tank.” She is the founder of The Corcoran Group, the biggest residential real estate business in NYC, and continues to serve as the Chairman of the Board. She was also the author of the best-selling book “Shark Tales” and has made innumerable contributions to the city’s real estate market.
Sylvia Rivera
Sylvia Rivera was a gay & transgender activist who was a cornerstone in initiating the Stonewall Riots alongside Marsha P. Johnson with the Gay Liberation Movement. She was also a part of the New York City Council and was the founder of the Street Transgender Action Revolutionaries, which strived to help street kids occupy the city’s economic and social resources.
Cindy Sherman
Cindy Sherman is an American photographer and filmmaker who grew up in Long Island, but got her fame in New York City. She is best known for her conceptual self-portraits, which study the problem of traditional gender roles and identity in society. Sherman has been a major influential force in photography since the 1970s and remains a major influencer in the art world.
Yoko Ono
Yoko Ono is a Japanese multimedia artist and musician who has brought not only major projects and collaborations to the city, but has greatly inspired other female figures of the city with her remarkable and awe-inspiring talent. Her influence in the city has definitely been one to remember and her artwork can still be found all around NYC.
Marilyn Orbach
Marilyn Orbach is an iconic American actor who has had an amazing impact on the culture of the city since she began her career in 1940s Broadway. As an actor, she has performed in some of the most amazing plays and musicals and was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 2000.
Jill Soloway
Jill Soloway is an American director, writer, showrunner, and producer who has been a revolutionary for feminism in the entertainment industry. She created the Amazon series “Transparent,” which focuses on the struggles of a transgender parent and in 2017, became the first female director to win an Emmy for directing a comedy series.
Angie Thomas
Angie Thomas is an award-winning author who made the New York Times bestseller list with her debut novel “The Hate U Give.” The novel chronicles the story of a black teen’s experiences with racial injustice and has served as a source of empowerment and a call to action for young readers.
Ellen Futter
Ellen Futter is an NY lawyer and corporate executive who was the first woman to lead the American Museum of Natural History. During her tenure, she made groundbreaking accomplishments, such as not only acquiring a new model of governance and reinstituting paid admission on Saturdays, but also bringing newer, fresher exhibitions and experiences to the museum.
From dancers and lawyers to authors, entrepreneurs, filmmakers, and more, these amazing women have been an inspiration for generations. By breaking cultural norms, finding ground-breaking solutions, and blazing new trails, these remarkable ladies have made New York City a better place and made an indelible mark on the city’s history.
