Looks like we made it!
(If you’re old, like me, you probably sang that. If not, well, you can still appreciate the sentiment.)
Please permit me a bit of levity, after the year we’ve had. There was the 2024 Election cycle, which introduced the surprise prospect of our first woman president, only to conclude (once again) with Donald Trump winning the race to the White House. There were the literal wars, and wars against women, that raged throughout the world, especially in places like Palestine and Afghanistan; the heartening bits of progress and inspiring tales of women-led mutual aid – and the heartbreaking regressions, as more lives were needlessly lost because of increasing attacks on reproductive rights in America.
Ahead of 2025, we’re reflecting on the tumultuous year that was through a team-built selection of articles, projects, podcasts and more. It’s difficult to know what to expect going forward. But there’s one thing we know for certain: The Story Exchange will continue to track it all through women’s eyes and voices.
(Credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr)
Behold! The Smallness of Man
This was an oddly prescient op-ed, as it was penned before its featured subject, JD Vance, became Trump’s running mate. The piece is direct in its condemnation of conservative men’s shared desire to control women, both personally and politically. It plainly asks: “What gives them the right?” And it’s a question worth keeping in mind as we charge ahead into Trump’s second term in office, this time with Vice President-elect Vance at his side.
(Credit: B.J. Bumgarner, Flickr)
Terrifying Weather Events That Shock Us Into Action
Extreme weather events – stronger, more devastating hurricanes, more frequent wildfires, heat waves and cold snaps that keep us reeling – have become a regular part of our lives. (They were also the theme of this year’s Women in Science Incentive Prize.) This in-depth, multi-pronged project consists of a two-part podcast, an interactive timeline and several insightful articles. As climate change continues to alter our everyday lives, understanding the crisis is more critical than ever – making work like this vital.
(Credit: Rise St. James, Peter G. Forest/Forest Photography, LLC)
A Troubling Diagnosis Led This Grandmother Into Environmental Activism
This article wonderfully captures how an ordinary citizen – a 72-year-old grandmother, at that – can find themselves doing the extraordinary in challenging circumstances. The piece focuses on Sharon Lavigne, who founded RISE St. James, a grassroots environmental organization, to deal with toxic pollution in Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley.” A timely piece that both spotlights what ails us, and gives us a blueprint for how best to navigate the path ahead.
Once NASA’s Dream, a Food Startup Is Making ‘Air Protein’ a Reality
“Imagine that you’re on a trip to a distant planet,” Lisa Dyson said to us, “and you have to figure out how to feed yourself and the rest of your crew.” This video, on a female entrepreneur, is a delight. What Air Protein founder Dyson is doing is, in a word, cool. (In a few words: It’s out of this world.) She makes sustainable alternatives to beef, chicken and pork – out of thin air. A testament to the magic of science, and women in STEM.
(Credit: Courtesy of Valerie Bauman, Alexandra Hopkins and Tanika McKelvy)
How Reproductive Restrictions Impact Single Mothers By Choice
This story spotlights single mothers who are choosing from the outset to have kids solo, and the ways in which conservative attempts to curtail reproductive rights could potentially limit their freedom in this regard. It also highlights these mothers’ resilience and dedication to having the families they want – naysayers and online trolls be damned.
(Credit: Courtesy of Mary Claire Haver)
Meet Mary Claire Haver, a Top Menopause Influencer
This podcast is an accessible way to learn more about an aspect of women’s health that has been overlooked for far too long – and chips away at annoyingly persistent stigmas around menopause in the process. It features our interview with Haver, a board-certified OB-GYN and nutritionist who has won a loyal following on TikTok for sharing information (often through fun “point and text” videos) on older women’s health needs.
(Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
She Turned a Crime Committed Against Her into Art
Resident historian Victoria Flexner penned a fantastic series throughout Women’s History Month that served as a mini-crash course on influential-but-unsung women in art. This piece, on Renaissance artist Artemisia Gentileschi and her famous work, “Judith Slaying Holofernes,” stood out to us for its powerful, heartbreaking backstory, relayed thoughtfully.
(Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
No, Women Should Not Shut Up Just Because Their Opinions Challenge Your Own
Singer Chappell Roan came under fire for not endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the presidency. But as this op-ed notes, shouting down young women with genuine concerns isn’t a flex of progressive solidarity. And, it argues that we must become more accustomed to fighting for what we believe in, and finding ways to fight and still work together. It’s not easy work, but it’s certainly important work.
(Credit: Claretta J. Bellamy)
How to Manage Stress, With Cuddly Cats
Ours is a cat-loving office, which is why we loved this look inside North Jersey’s Cat Cafe, a place for fans of felines and generally stressed-out people alike. As you’ll see in the adorable images that accompany the article, there are cats aplenty to take in as soon as you enter. And, if you find yourself falling in love with one of the store’s furry denizens, Cat Cafe can help you with the adoption process. A warm and fuzzy story in every way.
(Credit: Courtesy of Fran Maier)
Match.com Co-Founder Reflects on Sexism, Dating Apps and a Career in Tech
Fran Maier often counsels other women entrepreneurs, and works hard to help close a stubborn gender gap in VC funding. She’s certainly learned a lot about such hurdles over the years – she helped launch the world-famous dating site, and is now running another successful company: BabyQuip, a baby gear rental platform with over $5 million in net revenue. We loved this profile, and her insights.
(Credit: Courtesy of Buildher)
She’s Empowering Tradeswomen in Kenya
Our ongoing 1,000+ Stories project features impressive women entrepreneurs from around the world like Tatu Gatere, whose company, Buildher, offers training in carpentry, painting and tiling to women throughout Kenya. Each profile is crafted with care, allowing stories like Gatere’s to shine – and inspire other would-be female founders.
The Race for the States
Though the 2024 Election didn’t go the way many progressives had hoped on a federal level, there were some bits of hope-inspiring news to be found along the way. Melissa Walker of The States Project – a political action organization that manages a grassroots funding program – says her outfit works to flip state legislatures, which can be easier to accomplish, and will have more of an everyday impact on voters’ lives.