In many ways, it has been a tough year for women. Our girl Hillary lost the apocalyptic election from hell, the GOP has declared war on our reproductive rights, and turds like Brock Turner are still getting sympathy sentences. It’s been rough, but we’ve fought back. Over 50,000 of us have made donations to Planned Parenthood under Gov. Mike Pence’s name. The female fighters of Kurdistan are taking the heaven away from ISIS. Many of women of color and the first LGBT governor (a woman) were elected into office this year. Who run the world? A cheeto in a red hat….but also GIRLS.
Last time we (virtually) held the Bad Bitch Awards, we honored Elizabeth Warren, Chrissy Teigen, and Sophia Amoruso (among others.) This year, we’re shouting out more strong independent women than ever.
Best Dressed: Monica Rose
Whether you know it or not, Monica Rose is most likely your style icon. She has played a massive roll in the rise of popularity of slip dresses, duster coats, and sheer everything. Most young American women count the Jenner, Hadid, & Kardashian sisters as some of the most well dressed celebrities. Monica Rose is the genius behind the looks of everyone from Chrissy Teigen and Kim Kardashian, to Giuliana Rancic and Chanel Iman. On a personal level, she’s married to a former pro skater and has two adorable kids. On a professional level, she’s the mastermind behind all your weekend looks (whether you know it, or not.)
@monicarosestyle
LEAST APOLOGETIC: ANA NAVARRO
Ana Navarro is Nicaraguan born Republican strategist and political commentator for CNN. If you’ve heard her name, it’s probably because she’s been famously against Donald Trump. She’s the woman you saw on Youtube/FB/everywhere bashing a Trump supporter that asked her to please not use the word “pussy” on live television. In an anxiety inducing political climate, it’s nice to have people like Navarro & Meghan McCain. These are a few examples of Republican women who don’t blindly follow their party.
@ANANAVARRO
The Icon: Joanne (Lady Gaga)
In the beginning of 2016, Lady Gaga announced via Instagram that her and Taylor Kinney were ending their engagement. Her post was so touching that TIME covered it, and I cried about it. In October, Queen Gaga, released Joanne, a tribute to her late aunt who she always felt a deep connection with, despite having never met. Everyone expected an album full of dance jams, but the soft rock album was created to highlight Gaga’s vocal abilities. Gaga decided instead of making an album full of club hits– she was going to play with our heart strings and make us cry to “Million Reasons.” Proving, once again, that Gaga can do no wrong.
P.S Read about why we should all be Little Monsters.
@ladygaga
Most Likely to Succeed: Megyn Kelly
If you asked my opinion of this Fox news anchor in 2014, I wouldn’t have had many positive things to say. Fast forward to the end of 2016, and she’s the saving grace of a major news network. Kelly knows how to ask the tough questions, is unapologetic about wearing clothing others deem “inappropriate,” and she recently released a book called Settle for More. I may disagree with more than one of her political views, but she is the real deal.
@megynkelly
Best Bikini Bod: Ashley Graham
The cover of the annual Sport’s Illustrated swimsuit edition is always graced by a beautiful woman. This year, the magazine featured yet another stunning model who looks amazing in a bikini. The model happened to be plus-sized, and it was amazing. Ashley Graham is a bonafide hottie with an amazing body that doesn’t conform to the daunting American beauty standard. She’s an activist, a lingerie model, and someone everyone wants to hang out with. Oh, and they also made a Barbie for her.
@theashleygraham
Supervillain: Tomi Lahren
Do I like Tomi Lahren? No. Do I agree with nearly anything she has to say? No. Can I ignore the fact that at the age of 24 she played a critical role in the presidential election from hell? No. For this reason alone, it would be insane not to mention Tomi in this list. Homegirl has led the war on Colin Kaepernick. She’s the guilty pleasure of Trevor Noah of the Daily Show. This woman, who was nearly unknown 12 months ago, is pretty much a household name. Tomi speaks with conviction, and though I believe many of her views are mislead, I am also not the host of a political news show…. And she is only 6 months older than me.
@tomilahren
Miss Congeniality: Yusra Mardini
This year, for the first time ever, a refugee team competed in the Olympic Games. While they may not have won any medals, their presence in Rio was enough to tug at heartstrings around the world. One athlete, Yusra Mardini (of Syria), had a particularly touching story. Just 30 minutes into her journey from Turkey to Greece, the motor of the boat carrying 20 people went dead. Yusra, her sister, and another woman took it upon themselves to swim the boat over 3 hours to safety. She went from swimming for her life, to swimming in the Olympics. As much as I love watching flips and stuff, this young woman’s story was my favorite part of the Olympics this year.
@YusraMardini
Most Likely to Save the World: Shailene Woodley
Unless you live under a rock (see what I did there), you know about the efforts to block the Dakota Access Pipeline. This is a hugely important fight to protect our water. Well, this chick who once starred in an ABC family show about a pregnant teenager, brought the Standing Rock movement to the forefront of national attention. She’s addressed this herself, saying that it’s ridiculous that it took her arrest at the protests to get the media attention the issue deserved. She’s the real deal.
@shailenewoodley
Biggest Power Move: Malia Obama
There is a lot to love about the first family. I trust these people with my life, but I’d also love to have a drink with any one of them. When Malia was taped droppin’ it low and smoking a joint at Lollapalooza, the right wing media had a field day slaughtering her character. How did she respond? By wearing a “Smoking Kills” shirt to the Made in America festival with her Auntie Bey and Uncle Jay. Malia is the level of petty we all must aspire to be.
You can’t follow her (yet.)
Best Role Model: Karlie Kloss
Did you like my pun? While a Swarovski ad and plenty of endorsement deals are sweet and all, creating a coding school is wayyyy cooler. That’s what Karlie did. She’s empowering more girls to study computer science. In a world that is obsessive about appearances; she’s doing her part to invest in the brains of young girls.
@KarlieKloss
The Ceiling Smashers: US Women’s Soccer Team
The boys played worse than the women, and yet they got paid more money. The women’s team was producing more revenue, but the boys had higher pay rates. Despite being the best soccer team in the United State’s history, the women’s professional soccer team had a salary cap of $99k (including bonuses.) The men, who performed drastically less, could make up to 3x what the women make. The teammates have been fighting, obviously, for equal pay. They’ve filed wage-discrimination against U.S soccer, and will most likely win. If they make this happen, it will be HUGE win for professional women’s sports.
@ussoccer_wnt
THE Comeback: alicia keys’ makeup free face
She’s always been a soul queen, but Alicia Keys just keeps getting better. This Fall she was a coach on the Voice, and debuted a makeup free look alongside her new album. Thought it seems like this is an entirely new makeover for her, vocally & physically, Alicia has always embraced natural hairstyles and her music has always had a feminine power message. She’s starting the conversation about the need for everyday makeup, and challenging it. Alicia has been around for a long time, but this time she’s back in the spotlight, and there is a lot to be a fan of.
@AliciaKeys
