These Women Give Us LIFE!

Music has always been a powerful way to tell stories, challenge norms, and celebrate identity. For Women’s History Month, we asked our team:

Which women move you through music?

From bold anthems to deeply personal tracks, here’s what they shared.

Janelle Monáe — “Pynk”

Julie Snell, Director of Housing

Janelle Monáe is deeply inspiring to me because she celebrates identity, autonomy, and joy in ways that are bold and unapologetic. She uses her music and visual art to challenge norms around gender, sexuality, and womanhood. Pynk is a song that sticks with me because it celebrates femininity and queer expression. The song and its imagery uplift bodies and identities that are often marginalized, reminding queer women that their existence is powerful, beautiful, and worthy of celebration.

Songs That Stay on Repeat 🎧

Garian Bridges, Program Support Specialist

Young and Beautiful – Lana Del Rey
The most perfect wedding song, lol! And who doesn’t want to be loved beyond their looks & age

B.A.S. – Megan Thee Stallion
The best hype song—especially when you’re in the gym!

Blind – SZA
She’s just a great artist, and this song is a 10/10.

Icons, Anthems, and Everything In Between 💿

Courtney Kahler, Pride Pantry Coordinator & Program Support Specialist

Demi Lovato – Sorry Not Sorry / Cool for the Summer / Kiss
Ke$ha – Your Love Is My Drug / Boy Crazy / Crazy Kids
Miley Cyrus – (every damn song)
Zara Larsson – Lush Life / Pretty Ugly
Cardi B – (huge ally)
Hilary Duff – Come Clean / This Is What Dreams Are Made Of

And the list goes on!

Selena Quintanilla — A Lasting Legacy 🌹

Julia Garcia, 340B Program Manager

Selena Quintanilla, known for hits like “Como la Flor” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” was a trailblazer long before social media existed. As a young Mexican American woman, she rose to international stardom in the 90s and evolved into the businesswoman she was always meant to be all by the age of 23. Beyond her music, she launched her own boutique, fashion line, and perfumes, becoming a true pop icon within the Latino community.

In an industry often dominated by men, she shattered stereotypes and demonstrated what determination and talent can achieve. Her vision and drive at such a young age continue to resonate deeply with me. Selena’s strength and passion fuel my daily life and inspire me to pursue my own dreams, and her music reminds me to live life to the fullest.

Songs That Feel Like a Vibe ✨

Najja Nicole Lewis, Housing Case Manager

Artist: Alex Isley, Song: 105
This song puts you in a trance as it builds up and makes the world feel beautiful again. Ales Isley embodies self-love, community love, and forgiveness in such a dreamy way.

Artist: Victoria Monet, Song: Moment (The whole album is fire)
This song is very beautifully layered, and the music video has the greatest visuals. Her music is on the spicier side exploring sexuality and also so empowering challenging the societal expectations of being a sexually liberated woman.

Artist: Rosalia, Song: La Fama
She is such a talented and well-rounded Spanish artist that has dappled into many genres. The song talks about how egregious fame can be but also addicting it can be as well. She really pours emotion into her songs and passes a message within her art.

Missy Elliott — A Virginia Icon 🎤

Meley Tesfamariam, Program & Diversion Specialist

I have far too many women artists in my catalogue. The artist and song who comes to mind right now is Work It by Missy Elliott, which is arguably one of the most iconic songs of the 2000s. What’s not to love about Missy? She’s a Virginian legend, gained her icon status despite rampant misogyny in her industry, is the first woman rapper to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, has the most platinum albums by a woman rapper, and is just an overall trailblazer. I love her sex/body positive, Afrofuturistic, feminist music. Go visit Missy Elliott Boulevard in Portsmouth, VA! Just an icon🎵💅🏾

The Aces — “Gold Star Baby” 🌟

Leah Raisor, Senior Medical Case Manager

The Aces- Gold Star Baby

I chose The Aces because they are an all-female band that write and perform their own music. Many of the band members are openly LGBTQ+, which makes them an important example of representation in the music industry. Their songs show how women and queer artist can share their stories and connect with listeners through honest and relatable lyrics.

Olivia Dean — “Messy” 💛

Dominique Cravins, Economic Empowerment Coordinator

Messy by Olivia Dean. I love this song because it empowers woman to not be perfect. Society often wants women to stay in a performance role, but this song reminds me that sometimes the best parts of my life are the ones that are unorganized, unplanned, and yeah, messy.

🎶 A Playlist Powered by Community

These songs and artists reflect more than just great music, they reflect identity, resilience, joy, and expression.

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