As Women’s History Month is drawing to a close, let’s remind ourselves that women’s history happens everyday right before our eyes. Leah Thomas, Emily Adams Bode, and Pranjal Jain are influential women making a difference today with their work. These young changemakers are improving the spaces of sustainability, fashion and women’s empowerment. Their dedication to creating a brighter future will certainly leave a mark in women’s history.
Leah Thomas
Leah Thomas aka @GreenGirlLeah on Instagram is an environmental communications specialist and eco-lifestyle blogger. Thomas ventured into climate activism upon studying Environmental Sciences and Policy at Chapman University. As a St. Louis, MO native Thomas was deeply affected by the events surrounding the fatal shooting of Michael Brown. Consequently, intersectional environmentalism became the foundation of her advocacy. Intersectional environmentalism is an inclusive approach to environmental issues that prioritizes people and the planet. Intersectional environmentalism identifies the ways marginalized communities are impacted by environmental injustices. Thomas has previously worked closely with Patagonia and the National Park Service. She was also a regular contributor for The Good Trade. Thomas is now the founder and creative director of the Intersectional Environmentalist platform. IE is a resource and media hub that promotes environmental justice and inclusivity within environmental education and movements. In the past, IE partnered with companies such as AllBirds, Tazo, ATMOS and more. Thomas continues to use her platform to advocate for social and environmental justice.
Emily Adams Bode
Emily Adams Bode is breaking a barrier in fashion as a menswear designer. Her eponymous brand, Bode sells luxury menswear and has been sported by celebrities like Harry Styles, Jordan Peele and Leon Bridges. Bode’s designs combine “modern workwear silhouette with female-centric traditions of quilting, mending and applique shape”. Additionally the brand utilizes sustainable practices by using vintage-sourced material and generating small production sizes. In February 2017, Bode became the first female designer to ever show at New York Fashion Week: Men’s. A year before Bode’s NYFW debut Business of Fashion reported that female designers are still in the minority. The article revealed that only 40 percent of womenswear brands were led by female designers. Being a female designer in menswear is far more rare. Bode’s accomplishments are truly exceptional. Her outstanding work offers hope that there will be more opportunities for women in men’s fashion.