
Traditionally, as a woman, people expect you/me to make a lot of things: homes, babies, CityBeat Women’s Issues, etc. Thankfully, no one required me to get pregnant during the making of this special section. I probably would have said no. But since it’s already 2009, I figured we’ve been fighting for equality long enough that some of the social stigma has worn off of this Suzy Homemaker persona. Instead of revolting against her, we could probably recognize her, maybe even embrace her — but only if she said it was OK. Otherwise it’s sexual harrassment.
We know the emissions from our SUVs will eventually suffocate us. We know the same soil that sprouts our vegetables is polluted by pesticides and countless other contaminants. But we also know that we’re capable of changing this by making both big and small adjustments to our daily lives. Allie Yoko, recognizes the importance of making these adjustments and has reacted by launching Black Orchid Fashion, a Web-based eco-fashion company that offers a line of women’s clothing made from sustainable bamboo fibers.
Marcelina Robledo is a woman of many hats. Or, perhaps more accurately, many shoes. Robledo, 38, has walked the road less traveled, a collection of winding paths that has led her to her present place in life. She is a self-starter who is constantly reinventing herself, rolling with life’s punches and taking risks.