5 Women to Watch in Media

Throughout history, women have left their marks by not only being strong and capable, but by partnering this strength with the innate tenderness that women posses. From running households as single parents, to running Fortune 500 companies, a new generation of women has risen to the top to prove that being female is an asset. Among the many amazing women making a difference, here are five worth watching.

Allie Bombach

A videographer with 23 Feet, Bombach has created a film about a community of people who make the conscious choice to live simply to do what they love in the great outdoors. Bombach was joined by Greer Glasser and Lisa Montierth for the month-long expedition touring Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California and ending in Portland, Ore., in a rebuilt, 40-year-old Airstream. “We are striving to stir people to action by reminding them of how lucky we are to have access to nature, and to bring awareness to conservation efforts throughout the West,” said Bombach. Inspiring others by showing communities of people who are passionate about the outdoors was the motivating factor to create this film. And on a personal note, when asked what inspires her, Bombach replied, “Something that keeps inspiring me lately is what happens after inspiration has taken hold of others; the drive in people who are determined to take what inspires them and turn it into action. One talk motivates someone to be active in a nonprofit. One film pushes someone to change their purchasing habits. One person challenges another to take on life as a precious gift. It’s endless.” View the trailer and see footage from the road, visit http://www.23feet.org

Becky Henderson

When discussing amazing women in the media, how could we overlook Halogen’s own founder and general manager? Henderson founded Halogen TV in 2009 in order to motivate people to action, hoping that Halogen would be a platform encouraging social consciousness throughout society. She has won several prestigious awards, including Multichannel News’ “40 under 40” award. Henderson’s passion is people, both inspiring them and telling their stories, and to shape the world we live in. Halogen’s motto, “Be the Change,” inspired by a quote from Ghandi is more than just that to Henderson. “We must act on the things that bring us pain and delight. The moment you choose to engage with those longings is the moment you spark your purpose and begin to change the world in a way only you can.” Henderson played host to a debate between Harvard and Columbia teams last week in New York City on the subject of reality television. Pushing her programming to reflect social good, Henderson hopes reality TV can one day be known for positive contributions to society.

Melissa Jun Rowley

Rowley is a freelance journalist currently focused on “cause reporting.” This woman has covered entertainment, the news and the people through online and television outlets, including CBS News as the social media correspondent, E! Entertainment and through social good campaigns such as CauseCast, WhatGives, and Mashable. Outside of her media work, Rowley serves as the founding member of The Leap Foundation, a philanthropic women’s group, and supports Life Rolls On and Multiracial Americans of Southern California (MASC). Said Rowley, “I believe in the power and beauty of humanity in spite of our propensity to sometimes wander in fear and complacency. I believe they want to see news about innovators, good Samaritans, miracle makers, and dreamers.” And these are the stories that Rowley delivers. You can read Rowley’s personal blog at http://www.melissajunrowley.com.

Angela Tucker

A Brooklyn-based writer, producer and director, Tucker is carving a path into the media industry, confronting social issues that span diverse cultures. She was the director of production for Big Mouth Films, a company that produces social-issue documentaries. Among her Emmy-nominated documentary Deadline and critically acclaimed Beyond the Steps: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, her latest work focuses on refugee rights and resettlement. In Pushing the Elephant, Tucker chronicled the reunion of a mother and daughter who were separated for many years by conflict in the Congo. In addition to her thought-provoking films, Tucker directs and produces educational videos for nonprofit organizations such as Johns Hopkins Medical Center’s Project Restore and GLSEN. Check her blog for her past work and upcoming projects.

Terrie M. Williams

President and founder of the Terrie Williams Agency, this woman has been listed as one of Ebony magazine’s “Power 150 for Activism” and Women’s Day magazine’s “50 Women on a Mission to Change the World.” For more than 30 years, Williams has utilized her experience and influence to engage audiences in causes that affect the world. Author of many books, her heart is toward the people, donating her time to educating the young and engaging in charitable organizations such as Big Brothers-Big Sisters of America and Ryse Reaching Youth through Saturday Education. In 2002 she co-founded The Stay Strong Foundation, a nonprofit organization that guides young people. Williams said, “Always remember that whatever you do … you must honestly look into yourself and know that you will give all it takes to reach your objectives. You don’t get anything in life without taking a chance.” Visit her at http://www.terriewilliams.com.