Since we initiated our Cool Girl movement in 2009 we've featured scientists, athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, hopers, dreamers, and doers. We've had the pleasure to meet and get to know a lot of amazing women of all ages doing amazing things. And as of December 2017, we hit 100 Cool Girls! But, who is a Cool Girl? A Cool Girl is someone who defends awesome: an everyday superhero! Someone who exudes positivity, and leads by example. Cool Girls make a difference in their communities and the world, challenge the norm, and aren't afraid to be themselves. We'd like to take this momentous occasion to highlight some individuals who have made a lasting impression. Each and every Cool Girl is inspiring, but if we included them all this post would be, well, 100 Cool Girls long. So, please use this as a teaser of truly extraordinary women and then take a look through the whole blog. Know some inspirational women yourself? Nominate them to be a Cool Girl. They may get featured here, get some cool socks, and might also get some support for a project or charity of their choice. If you just want to give a shout out to a really awesome woman in your life, you can also leave a comment.
Graphic novel artist & author
Featured 2016 Lucy has been drawing since she was a kid, publishing comics since she was 19, and published her first graphic novel when she was 21! A lot of her work is autobiographical including growing up with her chef mom (
Relish), jet-setting around the world (
Age of License), and her work in progress about becoming a parent (
Kid Gloves). Read more. "Other girls and women in cool professions are the best and greatest resource you can possibly imagine. Hold up your fellow lady, and your fellow lady will hold you up!" -Lucy Knisley, Cool Girl
Roxanne Modafferi Professional Fighter, Writer, Teacher
Featured 2014 Roxanne started practicing Tae Kwon Do in grade school after watching Power Rangers and trained hard to make it onto The Ultimate Fighter 18! She's triumphed over injuries and ill-timed food poisoning to not only win fights, but teach and write (Memoirs of a Happy Warrior). Read more. "I was greatly influence by TV superheros who always did the right thing no matter how troublesome, and saved people." -Roxanne Modaferri, Cool Girl
Irene Gabashvili Founder of Aurametrix, Inc Featured 2012 Irene realized there was a serious need for people to be able to alleviate symptoms for certain chronic ailments and conditions on their own. She developed Aurametrix which is like a digital nurse that looks at all of the different details that can contribute to a person's symptoms in order to figure out what parts of their life are making them feel better or worse. Read more. "Believe in yourself, dream and aim high. Don't be afraid to ask successful people for advice." -Irene Gabashvili, Cool Girl
Anna Stern Vice President of Tri-North Buidlers, Inc Featured 2012 Anna is Vice President of one of the largest construction companies in the country. Not only is she a powerful figure in a male-dominated industry, she helps host events like Kids Building Wisconsin, which bring attention and support for the construction workforce she oversees. She also supports events for Women Building Wisconsin, an organization that helps connect women within the construction industry and find newer members mentors. Read more. "I would say the best advice would be to find a good mentor. I've been blessed to have great mentors throughout my career and have benefited from their guidance, experience, and willingness to stand up for me." -Anna Stern, Cool Girl
Lindsay Amer Artist, Activist Featured 2017 Lindsay created her YouTube channel Queer Kid Stuff to bridge the gap in theater and education for LGBTQ+ kids. Lindsay creates fun, easily accessible videos made for children featuring inclusive, queer storylines. She powers through online harassment to push for "a kinder and more equal future." She does have a lot of supportive fans, though, growing every day! Read more. "If you love it, do it and be it. Don't listen to what other people want you to do, or think, or say, or be. Listen to yourself and your wants and needs and just do you. You'll be so much happier for it." -Lindsay Amer, Cool Girl
Being a kid!
Featured 2012 Payton has been riding since she was 5 and started competing in BMX at a high level when she was 7 and even qualified for the World Championships. She's traveled all over the United States racing and making a name for herself. She advises other girls interested in the sport: (Read more.) "They should know that this is an aggressive sport. You need to dress for the crash and not for the ride. But most of all, you need to keep it fun." -Payton Ridenour, Cool Girl
Julie Wagne Co-Founder Petal
Featured 2016 Julie co-founded Petal, which fosters a partnership between artists, designers, and weavers in West Africa and San Francisco. She and her partner Ibrahima are committed to providing resources to tribal villages and communities, to exceeding fair wages, giving security to families, and protecting the cultural heritage of the Fulani people that inspires their textile creations. All this while helping provide education for children in West Africa. (Read more.) "If you want to do something, do it. Believe in yourself and keep going!" -Julie Wagne, Cool Girl
Sharon Lin Writer, Developer, Activist, Founder
Featured in 2016 Sharon founded two non-profits to educate girls about technology, has written for publications including Huffington Post, and has started hackathons to spark creative development across communities and industries...all this before she graduated High School. Sharon wasn't done inspiring other students to pursue computer science, so she also founded BitxBit Camp, which partners middle schoolers with older mentors and opportunities to develop projects. (Read more.) "Never lose hope of the goals you have, and never let anyone else talk you out of them by saying you're not good enough, or that you're not meant for this. Seek out mentors if you can, or find older girls who you admire, and befriend them." -Sharon Lin, Cool Girl
Joan Manaster Biology Lecturer
Featured 2010 Ever wanted to see Gummi Bears get liquefied by sound waves? This Cool Girl has you covered. Joan works as a lecturer for students studying for their Masters of Science in Teaching Biology, but she wants to reach as many people as possible when it comes to the wonders of science. She thinks it's especially important that women and girls see science as exciting and are able to see more women in STEM roles. She's fueling this push with her
website and
Twitter. (Read more.) "I find myself with a strong desire to have more women in science be seen and heard, as I think this could really influence young ladies. I hope to accomplish this by creating something of an Internet 'science channel' featuring video segments that highlight women in science, and to challenge more of them to be visible in this realm." -Joan Manaster, Cool Girl
Alanna Wall Polished Girlz Founder
Featured 2015 Alanna founded Polished Girlz to bring nail parties to those who couldn't treat themselves to a nail salon. This non-profit visits those hospitalized due to illness or those with special needs who might not be able to paint their own nails and does it for them! While bringing them a little color and company, it also teaches the importance of frequent hand-washing to reduce infection transmission and the potential for resulting hospital visits. (Read more.) "For girls facing any challenges, I would like to tell them that they are strong and brave and that I am honored to be able to make you smile even if it is just a little while." -Alanna Wall, Cool Girl
