The editorial team has a special attachment to our new series, The Trailblazers: Rewriting the Narrative, because so many of us feel that media portrayals of women have been too one dimensional. Today, women are doing incredible things in all fields – from science and technology to finance, law, business, athletics and more. With the Trailblazers series, we hope to highlight and celebrate female role models, encourage more equal and just representation in the media, and help foster a more tight-knit community locally helping women find mentors, business partners, friends and more.
Below, you’ll find some incredible trailblazers from in and around South LA that we hope you will check out, follow and support.
Veronica Melvin
I grew up in a suburb of San Diego, one of four kids. My mother, an immigrant from Mexico, was a force – fearless, determined, unstoppable. But navigating the education system was not a priority or a cultural norm for her. Work and paying the bills came first, coupled with a general naiveté that all public schools provided the same equitable education to every student. Read more>>
Roqui Theus
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, specifically in the historic neighborhood of View Park/Baldwin Hills, also known as the “Black Beverly Hills.” My mom Elaine was the 1st black network gameshow model via “Sale of the Century” back in the 80’s (she introduced me on the show as a newborn and we like to say that was the beginning of my career), and my dad Reggie is a former NBA All-Star, Coach, and Broadcaster. Read more>>
Brandy Florence
I have always felt that I had a story to tell and have the gift of helping others even when it seems that I can’t help myself. So in 2018, I began a certified life coach and started a doctoral program in organizational change leadership. Now that I have completed my degree, I am planning to launch both my coaching business and also to start my consulting firm. Read more>>
Angela Ellefson
I am a mother, wife, WBFF Pro Fitness Model, and Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Trainer. I wish that I had a super crazy and inspiring tale of physical transformation to share with you as part of my journey, but that just isn’t the case. My journey has been more about self-discovery and spiritual awakenings that have manifested into a healthy body and career in the Health and Wellness Industry that I am grateful for. Read more>>
Angela Ellefson
I am a mother, wife, WBFF Pro Fitness Model, and Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Trainer. I wish that I had a super crazy and inspiring tale of physical transformation to share with you as part of my journey, but that just isn’t the case. My journey has been more about self-discovery and spiritual awakenings. Read more>>
Karen Yarima Ramirez
Early Saturday mornings in the early 2000’s meant I could follow my dad to his job at a factory that bought and sold plastic. We would wake up very early and go to the donut shop across the street from the factory. He would get a cup of coffee and I would ask for apple juice and donut holes. We had a shitty, tiny, old television with antennas that never got the reception quite right, and we would set it down on the dirty floor of the factory’s lounge. Read more>>
