Contemporary Cool Women

Courageous, passionate, dedicated and driven-these words describe all the women featured in your Cool Women book, right? Well, fortunately female heroines don't only exist in history books. You're probably surrounded by quite a few cool women everyday-women who accomplish amazing feats and create incredible discoveries. These are the type of women who contribute to a community, break barriers, inspire others, defy stereotypes and fulfill their dreams. Yet, these modern day heroines don't receive the recognition of their historical counterpoints. This is, until now.

Cool Women, an original series on the cable network WE: WOMEN'S ENTERTAINMENT, celebrate unsung heroes by highlighting their inspiring achievements. Each episode of Cool Women, produced by award-winning director, producer, actress, choreographer and cool woman, Debbie Allen, spotlights real-life women who work regorously, live adventurously, and think profoundly. You may wish to tape an episode of Cool Women to uses as a visual aid and springboard for discussion in your classroom. Meet a few of these contemporary Cool Women now.

Cynthia Barbee
In 1987, Cynthia became the first woman to qualify for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Was named one of "10 Women of the Year" by the L.A. County Commission for Women for her contributions to women's success in the fire department and was the subject of Firefighters, a 1986 made-for-TV film.

Emma Broman
Emma is an advocate for the needs of families and adolescents in dealing with issues like homelessness, teenage pregnancy, unemployment and AIDS. She is the founder and director of Liberty House, a home for unwed, pregnant teenage girls in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Bhairavi Desai
Bhairavi is the founder and organizer of the Taxi Workers Alliance in New York City. Her organization fights to improve conditions for taxi drivers and promotes awareness of their rights.

Kathy Kusner
In 1968, Kathy became the first licensed woman jockey in the United States. She rides (and wins) in races all around the world and joined the U.S. Equestrian Team at the age of twenty-one.

Captain Sheri Miller
One of the only female Navy fighter pilots, Sheri is currently on active duty aboard an aircraft carrier.

Lisa Shulte
Lisa is the owner and operator of the largest-female owned prop house in the nation. Not only does she service some of the biggest productions in Hollywood, she's also a neon pioneer! You know the famous Hollywood sign? Lisa's dream is to light it up in neon at night. This uncanny entrepreneur started her company from the trunk of her car. Since then, she's gone on to develop such memorable props as adding neon light to the Batmobile.

Marjorie Thomas
One of the few African-American architects working in the U.S., Roberta is an advocate for historical buildings. She restores endangered buildings in Harlem, New York.

1. Who might the historic counterpart be for these contemporary Cool Women?
2. Who are some Cool Women you know?

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