March 2025: SHE-Labrate Women's History Month
It’s been a minute since we lifted up a Badass Woman of the Week, but I think you’ll agree with this choice: Sarah Inama, an Idaho teacher is in a standoff with her own school district after officials ordered her to remove classroom signs, including one that reads, “Everyone is welcome here.”
Inama, a sixth-grade history teacher at Lewis and Clark Middle School in Meridian, Idaho, says she won't comply with the order, arguing that the message is a fundamental part to ensuring a positive learning environment for her students. You can read more about Sarah’s story here.
Sarah Inama = badass woman!
What are all the Badass Women reading this month? First up is this recent release celebrating Women’s History in NYC…
Walk Her Way New York City is a collection of 10 curated walking tours through New York neighborhoods, each celebrating the city's history and the women that have made their mark here. Authors Jana Mader and Kaitlyn Allen have meticulously researched and traced the city blocks, uncovering important landmarks, events and women's stories, both well-known and forgotten, to create a series of fun and eye-opening walks throughout the city. You can read more and get your copy here.
Girl Scouts and Women’s History? Love!
When a group of New York City Girl Scouts learn in 2016 that there are no statues of women in Central Park, they organize and combine forces in a quest to change that shocking fact. The girls raise funds, spread awareness, provide testimony, and convince city officials to erect the first monument of women in Central Park. What started out as a discovery on a field trip turns into a four-year process of not giving up or giving in. This powerfully true story chronicles how young girls made a significant impact through unity and perseverance. You can read more and get your copy here.
And while this next one is not a new release, still one worth checking out!
This insider’s guide uncovers the hidden and remarkable sites tied to women’s history throughout Washington, DC—revealing feminist landmarks, untold stories, and modern-day changemakers that traditional travel books often overlook. With 111 full-color photographs, it celebrates the legacy and ongoing impact of women in the capital, inviting locals and visitors alike to explore a city rich in herstory. You can read more and get your copy here.
I had never heard of Alice Marble before picking up this book, but wow—what a life.
Ace, Marvel, Spy tells the extraordinary true story of tennis legend Alice Marble, who rose from humble beginnings to international stardom before trading her racket for espionage during World War II. This fast-paced historical novel captures her fierce determination, resilience through personal loss, and daring secret mission, offering a powerful portrait of a woman who refused to be defined by limits. You can read more and get your copy here.
And, finally – switching up genres – just downloaded this one…
Florence Grimes is a thirty-one-year-old party girl who always takes the easy way out. Single, broke and unfulfilled after the humiliating end to her girl band career, she has only one reason to get out of bed each day: her ten-year-old son Dylan. But then Alfie Risby, her son’s bully and the heir to a vast frozen food empire, mysteriously vanishes during a class trip, and Dylan becomes the prime suspect. Florence, for once, is faced with a task she can’t quit: She’s got to find Alfie and clear her son’s name, or risk losing Dylan forever. The only problem? Florence has no discernible skills, let alone detective ones, and all the other school moms hate her. Oh, and Florence has a reason to suspect Dylan might not be as innocent as she’d like to believe. You can read more and get your copy here.
Moving on to what to watch and listen to…
If you don’t know the name Katharine Graham, you’re not alone—but the new Prime documentary Becoming Katharine Graham sets out to change that, shining a long-overdue spotlight on the badass Washington Post publisher who stood her ground, spoke her mind, and changed the game for American journalism.
While Running Point on Netflix is not a documentary, it is inspired by the real-life experiences of Jeanie Buss, the Los Angeles Lakers' president and co-owner. Produced by Mindy Kaling and starring Kate Hudson, it's a fictional comedy, with the team, "The Waves," also being a fictional representation of the Lakers. It was a very fun watch – and it’s already been renewed for a second season!
Speaking of funny women, be sure to check out this new podcast - Tina Fey | Good Hang with Amy Poehler
I’ve written about The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville a few months ago, but I was excited to learn about these 5 Southern Hotels That Pay Tribute to Women's History. Several of them are within driving distance of me!
And speaking of traveling, if you are in the Miami airport, you’ll be excited to know that MIA passengers can now check out books after check-in. I wish more airports did this!
While it’s hard to focus on just one federal agency that has been decimated by this new administration, the proposed defunding of IMLS (that’s the Institute of Museum and Library Services) would gut critical funding for public libraries—meaning fewer programs, fewer resources, and fewer safe, welcoming spaces for our communities. Here are some actions you can take to support local libraries:
Until next month, keep living your best badass life!