5 Incredible Women Reflect On 2022
As 2022 draws to a close, five Incredible Women share their biggest inspirations and most memorable moments from the past 12 months, as well as the reflections they will be taking into the year ahead. By KATIE BERRINGTON
Munroe Bergdorf, model, activist and writer
My inspiration of the year
“Seeing the fearless women and girls of Iran stand up in protest against the misogynistic regime that has, across generations, stripped them of equal rights and bodily autonomy is incredibly inspiring. When speaking about feminism, it’s important to ensure that we are doing so in a way that includes all women, as a global experience, and not just the experiences of women in the western world.”
Most memorable moment
“Speaking at the United Nations headquarters has been an ambition of mine since I began my journey into activism almost a decade ago. In 2018, I was appointed a UN Women UK Changemaker to help campaign against violence towards women and girls. This November, I was invited to deliver the keynote address at the UN’s Unstereotype Alliance Global Member Summit in New York. It was an incredibly proud moment to be able to represent my communities and speak about industries needing to move away from harmful stereotypes when depicting marginalized groups.”
A reflection to take into the new year
“You need to make space for joy. Trauma keeps us living in the past or makes us anxious about the future. Joy takes place in the here and now. Remember to be present. Make it a priority.”
“You need to make space for joy. Trauma keeps us living in the past or makes us anxious about the future. Joy takes place in the here and now. Remember to be present. Make it a priority
”
Marjon Carlos, journalist and podcast host
My inspiration of the year
“It’s difficult to whittle my inspirations down this year, so instead, I have compiled a small list of moments and people: Rihanna’s pregnancy, Ziwe [Fumudoh]’s show, Doja Cat’s Grammy speech, Michaela Coel, Quannah Chasinghorse fighting for climate change, [the TV show] Reservation Dogs, Chani Nicholas’s readings, Tessa Thompson at the Venice Film Festival, Serena Williams retiring, Beyoncé’s Renaissance album, Tracee Ellis Ross turning 50, Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Emmy acceptance speech, the midterm elections… When I see remarkable women doing remarkable things against great odds, they reassure me that all is not lost.”
Most memorable moment
“Professionally, changing book agents was a significant moment in my writing career. Maybe I was making a mistake that could derail my career? The fear of being wrong or upsetting someone almost outweighed my own wants and discomfort. As women, we are pressured to keep the peace, even if it means compromising our own. So, in that awkwardness, I had to learn how to advocate for myself and really listen to what Mara Brock Akil calls ‘my heart’s desires’ – those lifelong desires that pull at us. In my personal life, I became a dog-mom, which flipped my world upside down – everything from my house and routine to my patience. But he’s brought so much love to my life.”
A reflection to take into the new year
“I think, above all else, it’s not to waste time thinking about what I want to do with my life – and, instead, to go after it. I’m obsessed with the details and perfection – an outgrowth of my Virgo moon and the need to overcompensate as a woman of color. But it does keep me from acting on my dreams. No more. Just do the thing that makes you happy and you can fix the rest.”
“Just do the thing that makes you happy and you can fix the rest
”
Tracy Chou, tech entrepreneur and founder of the Block Party app
My inspiration of the year
“It feels like we’ve had so much bad news this year, and the chaos and tumult in the tech industry hits especially hard for me. But I am inspired by people’s strength, resilience and ability to find joy and humor even in the most unbelievable and catastrophic of times.”
Most memorable moment
“Doing the seed fundraise for my start-up, Block Party (an app to tackle online abuse), was one of the most grueling professional experiences I’ve ever had. But, ultimately, I came out the other end with a fantastic syndicate of investors who believe in me, our vision of cleaning up the internet and ensuring that everyone can participate in online spaces. The funding enables me to keep pressing forward on a very personal mission (I’m trying to solve online harassment because I’ve dealt with so much of it as a visible woman on the internet) – and it’s a big professional juncture as well.”
A reflection to take into the new year
“History may not repeat itself, but it often rhymes. I’m not much of a history buff, but Russia invading Ukraine made me pick up some books on war – specifically World War 1. I was surprised to see such clear parallels in people’s original scepticism about the likelihood of war, with an end result of a long, punishing conflict. The war is just one example, but it is a stark reminder that the problems of today are not so different from the problems of yesterday. I’m pushing myself to take more lessons from history – especially if I hope to be a part of effecting positive change in today’s world.”
“I’m pushing myself to take more lessons from history – especially if I hope to be a part of effecting positive change in today’s world
”
Pandora Sykes, journalist and podcast presenter
My inspiration of the year
“Actor Rob Delaney writing about the death of his child in A Heart That Works, and Pippa Vosper gathering stories of baby loss for Beyond Grief. Grueling endeavors that offer solace to many, and education to the rest of us.”
Most memorable moment
“The remarkable citizen journalism in Ukraine, for example, and the documentation of the protests in Iran after the tragic death of Mahsa Amini. They show that journalism is not ‘dead’ (as is frequently pronounced), but is undergoing a huge and important change into, yes, something more sprawling – but also more democratic and political.”
A reflection to take into the new year
“The importance of offline, local community. It feels like a whole new world has opened up to me now my daughter has started school, and it makes me feel grounded – in my family, and in the immediate vicinity – in a way I’ve never experienced in London before. I will definitely be holding on to it, and hopefully investing further in it, next year and beyond.”
“It feels like a whole new world has opened up to me now my daughter has started school, and it makes me feel grounded – in my family, and in the immediate vicinity… I will definitely be holding on to it
”
Marine Tanguy, art entrepreneur and founder of MTArt Agency
My inspiration of the year
“Globally, I have been worried for the state of the world this year. In our home, we hosted an incredible Ukrainian woman called Oksana from March to June – and we lived the horror of the daily news with her.”
Most memorable moment
“This year has been a whirlwind for me, both professionally and personally. My company [MTArt Agency, the first talent agency in the art world] went from a tiny structure to a global business – it’s now one of the fastest-growing companies in the UK, with a £35m valuation. I also got engaged to the man I have loved for the past eight years, and fell pregnant for the second time. But it’s also been the year when I broke my leg and had to fly across the globe fundraising for my business with two crutches and high blood pressure, and I experienced cyber-bullying for the first time. I listened on repeat to The Four Seasons by Vivaldi, recomposed by Max Richter, and learnt even more to live in the present – finding no excuse if I can bake a cake, go for a walk, hug a friend or laugh with my son. I read so much and I felt so much this year. I feel proud, confident and grateful coming out of 2022.”
A reflection to take into the new year
“The phenomenon of girls being put off leadership roles, which I’ve read about in the UK press, truly worries me. 2022 is the year when women leaders were attacked online, at the same time as the rights of women demising in multiple countries. This results in young girls saying that they are scared to lead. We have worked so hard, and have benefited from the sacrifices of the generation of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Simone Veil to get here. My dearest grandmother is still around and she fought to obtain the rights that we have today. Let’s support each other in making sure that we keep them and constantly strive to live in an equal world.”
“Let’s support each other in making sure that we keep our rights and constantly strive to live in an equal world
”