Our Story

Celebrating Columbia's Women Leaders

We're here to put women in their (rightful) place — on the map.

Our Mission Is Simple

To connect Columbia residents of all backgrounds, and all gender identities, to the rich legacies of our all-too-often undersung women leaders, whose contributions are woven into the fabric of this city.

See This Year's Honorees

What Columbians Are Saying

A Word From Our Founder, Rachel Hodges

All of this started with a map.

It was a gift from my son—a map that featured all the stops of the New York City subway system, but with one significant alteration. All the stops were named for women rather than men.

Read On
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Meet the team that made this initiative possible.

Advocates, lawyers, educators, public servants, our 2020 Columbia City of Women members run the gamut, professionally speaking, but are united in their commitment to championing women's stories. Interested in joining the committee? Reach out today.

Rachel Barnett

Rachel Barnett

The message that City of Women sends to young girls and boys is the most compelling to me-it reimagines the landscape in Columbia to give them inspiration to contribute to their community. 

Dr. Traci Cooper

Dr. Traci Cooper

As a mother of two daughters, I feel it's essential for young women to see images and symbols that remind them of the sacrifices and contributions women have given to our society. 

Lauren Elliott

Lauren Elliott

I'm a native New Yorker familiar with the subway map, and this initiative made me realize how little we acknowledge women in our public spaces. I'm excited to recognize amazing women in our city. 

Rachel Hodges

Rachel Hodges

I'm excited about the eagerness of our community to embrace a new innovative way to honor women, from the past and present, who always pushed to make life better in our city.

Sally McKay

Sally McKay

Our most compelling message is, when we share stories, we connect with each other. When we add the stories of women in our city, we're connecting with our important history and with each other.

Ann Warner

Ann Warner

I'm excited about the opportunity to connect past, present, and future visions of Columbia.

Robin Waites

Robin Waites

This is a unique opportunity to highlight women who have made a real impact in our community and have historically been underrepresented.  

Lara Winburn

Lara Winburn

I've been inspired by the vast possibility of women who we can highlight in our city. 

Mary Baskin-Waters

Mary Baskin-Waters

I am deeply appreciative for this opportunity to finally honor the great South Carolina women who led – and are leading - exemplary lives as agents of change.

T Lilly Little Water

T Lilly Little Water

I am honored to be part of Columbia City of Women. It is my intention to amplify the voices of Columbia’s Native American Indian Women and highlight their contributions to the City of Columbia.

Kimberly Tissot

Kimberly Tissot

I’m excited to honor women who have made a true difference in our community while empowering others.

Vanessa Mota

Vanessa Mota

As women we must always lift each other up. Columbia City of Women is just that -- women who celebrate each other and encourage other women. It is an empowering group. It's an US thing!

Maria Martin

Maria Martin

Columbia City of Women means that we can bring our voices forward and be heard. I feel that there is power in our unity!

Photo of Roslyn Artis

Roslyn Artis

The Columbia City of Women is a vehicle for acknowledgement, inclusion and engagement of women. Our success contributes to a stronger and more vibrant Columbia!

Sustaining the Columbia City of Women

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