If you were at the Women's March in Washington last month, you may be familiar with some of the well-known activists who were there to speak about the issues near and dear to them. Now that the march is over, many people are thinking about how to keep these conversations going.
Sure, for news about what's happening in Washington, you can follow any number of journalists and political insiders. But if you want views more tailored to specific civil rights issues, there are a host of extraordinary women leading the charge, and they're worth listening to. Whether or not you agree with their positions, these are some of the strongest female voices out there right now — both on- and offline.
Their causes are many. Ahead, you'll find a transgender activist, an ACLU legal director, an undocumented immigrant advocating for education for all, and seven others fighting for basic civil rights. In this era of activism — and hashtivism — these women stand out. See what they're saying and decide how you'll add your voice.
Raquel Willis, @RaquelWillis_
An activist and communications associate at the Transgender Law Center, Willis speaks out on gender identity and other issues affecting the trans community.
Photo: via @RaquelWillis_.
Kristen Clarke, @KristenClarkJD
Clarke, the president and executive director for the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, offers legal insights into everything from President Trump's travel ban to voting concerns.
Photo: via @KristenClarkJD.
Faiza N. Ali, @faiza_n_ali
Ali has a background in empowering grassroots efforts. She previously worked as the Advocacy & Civic Engagement Director at the Arab American Association of NY and is now a community liaison at the New York City Council Speaker's Office. Look for her input on current immigration issues.
Photo: via @faiza_n_ali.
Ai-jen Poo, @aijenpoo
Ai-jen Poo's accolades are nothing short of extraordinary: She is a MacArthur Genius Award winner, the co-director of the Caring Across America tour, and director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. She is a strong advocate for the rights of housecleaners, nannies, and home care workers.
Photo: via @aijenpoo.
Linda Sarsour, @lsarsour
Sarsour, the well-respected national advocacy director at ACCESS and National Network for Arab American Communities, is also the lead plaintiff in a case against Trump's travel ban.
Photo: via @lsarsour.
Carmen Perez,@msladyjustice1
As one of the national co-chairs of the Women's March and the founder of the New York Justice League, Perez is one of the most prominent voices of resistance and a strong supporter of women's rights.
Photo: via @msladyjustice1.
Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, @rowefinkbeiner
The executive director and CEO of Moms Rising informs her followers about important issues coming up for a vote and actions they can take to stand up for their beliefs.
Photo: via @rowefinkbeiner.
Rhea Suh, @RheaSuh
As the president of the Natural Resources Defense Council and NRDC Action Fund, Suh speaks out about climate and environmental concerns.
Photo: via @RheaSuh.
Cecillia Wang,@WangCecillia
Wang, the Deputy Legal Director of the ACLU, offers an informed take on immigrant rights.
Photo: via @WangCecillia.
Julissa Arce, @julissaarce
Arce, an undocumented immigrant who went on to rule Wall Street, fights for the rights of students — whatever their immigration status may be.
Photo: via @julissaarce.
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