The heartbeat of any community is the powerful women creating positive change and making things happen. While our list of inspirational women in the Boston and Cape area is endless, today we share nine women that have shown immense impact and continue to improve our local communities.
AMBER HENRY
Amber Henry has committed her life to finding justice for her brother, Danroy “DJ” Henry Jr., who’s life was tragically cut short. To honor DJ’s legacy, Amber and her family created the DJ Henry Dream Fund, that provides community-based scholarships to Massachusetts children so they can achieve their dreams.
ASHLEY MITCHELL
Ashley Mitchell is a well-known Boston fitness instructor, mother, and the co-founder of The Courage Campaign. The Courage Campaign works to “provide public schools and communities with high-caliber physical fitness instruction combined with personal development and Social and Emotional Learning.” Ashley uses her social platform to educate and explore topics of race, allyship, inclusivity, and motherhood.
CHLOIE JÖNSSON
Chloie Jönsson is a transgender athlete and CEO of The OUT Foundation. The OUT Foundation is on a mission to “remove the barriers that block LGBTQ+ individuals’ access and participation in fitness, health, and wellness to ensure their success.” Despite many challenges, Chloie has come back stronger and continues to fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
JAXIE METH
Dr. Jaxie Meth is the founder of THE METHOD: Performance + Physical Therapy, which provides one-on-one care based on the individual’s specific goals and needs. Jaxie is a highly accomplished Physical Therapist who is dedicated to helping others live their full potential, enjoy a healthy lifestyle, and do what makes them happy.
JOANNE CHANG
Award-winning chef and pastry connoisseur, Joanne Chang is a major name in the Boston restaurant scene. Joanne is the owner of Flour Bakery, which has 10 locations throughout Boston and boasts some of the best sticky buns around. In 2007, Joanne and her husband opened Myers + Chang, an Asian fusion restaurant in Boston’s South End.
KARA ROSELLE SMITH
Kara Roselle Smith is an Afro-Indigenous model and social media influencer that has leveraged her strong following to make a difference. Amongst her stunning photos, Kara amplifies POC voices and shares how to be a better ally. As an Indigenous woman, Kara is dedicated to educating and supporting the Chappaquiddick Wampanoag Tribe of Martha’s Vineyard, of which her mother is a tribal leader. She founded and helped to grow the Chappaquiddick Instagram page.
LIZZY ROCK
Liz Rock is a central part of Boston’s fitness community. She co-founded TrailblazHers Run Co., a women’s running group dedicated to empowering women of all shapes, colors, and backgrounds. Liz herself is an avid and accomplished cyclist and runner.
REBECCA SKUDDER
Growing up an accomplished and avid athlete, Rebecca Skudder forged her own career path and founded MyStryde. MyStryde offers strength, HIIT, and run classes as well as run coaching. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Rebecca has only showed perseverance and has become a strong voice for locally-owned fitness studios in Boston.
SAGIE VANGELINA
Sagie Vangelina is an Afro-Dominican, Boston-based artist and muralist that draws upon repetitive lines, bright colors, and a psychedelic vibe. Her work illustrates a journey of self-healing and is fueled by life experiences. Whether across an entire building side, in a fitness studio, a salon, or in a home, you can find Sagie’s work all over the Boston area (and beyond!).
