Whether you are an OG or a new member of the #GloryGang, we hope one thing is pretty apparent: our mantra is always collaboration over competition. So, to celebrate Women’s History Month, we asked the behind-the-scenes Glory Team to name BIPOC womxn who serve as a constant source of inspiration. See below for just a handful of women we admire and who deserve their flowers.

“I may be a bit cliche, but she really is an inspiration to me. I can relate to @michelleobama. She showed me that as a dark-skinned Black woman, I can accomplish anything I put my mind to, despite challenges along the way. She carries herself with much grace and conviction, and I admire that.”

Nominated by @alisiamford – Founder, Glory

“This Women’s History Month, I’d like to give media maven and social activist Ohavia Phillips (@ohaviaphillips), of Charlotte, NC, her flowers. Recently, the city of Charlotte forced an eviction upon the houseless community, known as “Tent City”. In fewer than 48 hours, Ohavia, along with several other organizations and individuals, rallied the community to find funding for hotels, food, and supplies. A true sweetheart and a true gem of the Queen City.”

Nominated by @deeperthandesigner – Social Media Manager, Glory

“Dounya (of @unsweetenedandunfiltered) has used her platform to bring awareness to issues so many Muslim women are sometimes afraid to discuss. She has used her own experiences to advocate for mental health, sisterhood, and shed light on transparency within the community. Her platform is a refuge for so many who still do not see others like themselves in the podcast sphere. I’ve had the pleasure of being on her podcast and she’s since become a friend of mine, who I look up to so much.”

Nominated by @Sofia__Haq – Head of Operations, Glory

“@irenesarah is an American-Bengali Muslim woman who is breaking stigmas in the South Asian community by talking about topics that have been taboo for generations. She is a blogger whose work centers on motherhood, beauty, travel, home renovations, and fashion (she’s a YouTuber, as well). Her work is versatile, but an underlying goal of hers is always to empower girls and women to take on anything, as well as to uplift each other. Recently, she addressed issues around fertility and motherhood, which is not something many South Asian public figures speak about. She has a huge impact through these conversations by educating and empowering so many women to take control of their health. When it comes to taboo topics, she’s playing a role in breaking down stigmas and encouraging women to speak up for what is right. Her adorable (and growing!) family is also a joy to watch!”

Nominated by @komalazeeem – Social Media Intern, Glory

WHO: Lena Horne

“A woman that I admire greatly is the late actress and activist, Lena Horne. Beyond her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and NAACP, I recently learned that In 1942, she signed a seven-year deal with MGM studios, becoming the highest-paid African-American actor at the time. She advocated not only for herself, but other Black actors to get better roles — evolving from maids, nannies, and other subservient roles. It was even stipulated in her contract — a first in the industry.”

Nominated by @jmargaretbeauty – Freelance Content Editor, Glory

“Three years after I moved to the US, my body was a wreck. My incredibly fast-paced job and lifestyle had taken a toll on me mentally, physically, and emotionally. 2019 was the year I had to have major fibroid surgery and 2020 became the year I dealt with the fallout – internal scarring, infertility, and yes, IVF. I was a husk of the person I knew myself to be – disconnected in a way that I couldn’t fix with face masks and Netflix binges. All that to say, my recent discovery of Erica Chidi (@ericachidi) on Instagram was a revelation. Hers was a voice I so desperately needed just three short years ago. She’s championing an incredibly important conversation about the body and reproductive literacy for women, advocacy, and how we need to build working cultures that empower women to honor their bodies and thrive. Big surprise, the two can co-exist! She’s also one of the very few Black women to have raised more than $1M in venture capital for her company @loomhq (she raised $3M in fact). What more can I say, I stan.”

Nominated by @elekima – Head of Social, Glory

“From the Olympic field to the news desk — and everything in-between — Rosey Edeh (@roseyedeh) seamlessly moves from one talent to the next. Whatever she works on, she puts her whole being into it (like directing her debut documentary film based on the life of acclaimed Canadian jazz pianist Oliver Jones). Whether she’s inspiring you to move your body, in order to keep (or get) active, or educating you on important historical figures, I admire Rosey for her genuine heart, integrity, and perseverance.”

Nominated by @kendrakabasele – Copywriter, Glory

“I stan Tracee Ellis Ross (@traceeellisross). She is such an icon and free-spirited woman who has walked through life with such enthusiasm. She lights up a room with her laughter and joy. I admire her commitment to authenticity and ability to expand her many talents. What a QUEEN!”

Nominated by @hiyabgabriel – Fulfilment Intern, Glory