100 Women We Love 2011
It’s been a whirlwind year for Chely Wright. The award-winning country artist and songwriter stunned the conservative country music world by coming out in 2010, a difficult and life-changing decision she detailed in her 2011 autobiography, Like Me. She also released her critically-acclaimed seventh album, Lifted Off the Ground, a tour-de-force more than five emotionally-grueling years in the making. The documentary film, Wish Me Away, chronicles her journey from preparation to aftermath of her decision to come out to Nashville, her hometown, and within the LGBT community, will make its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival this summer. Her soul-searching, however, has been worth it: The newly-minted LGBT role model serves as the national spokesperson for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and speaks out against school bullying. Wright believes “that to whom much is given, much is required. I have lived a very blessed life and I know what it feels like to achieve goals. I want to do my part in helping others have as many opportunities to have milestones in their lives too.” –KL
The 100 Women We Love – out artists, elected officials, business leaders, athletes, community activists – are role models for us all. Many are up-and-coming movers and shakers; some are at the zenith of their careers. Some of their achievements change our world and, just as importantly, others improve the world’s perception of out women. They all strive tirelessly to increase our visibility and continue our incredible progress toward equality and justice.
We proudly present the class of 2011, in random order, so each gets her well-deserved turn in the spotlight.
Angela Daniels
The Assistant Vice President in New York Life’s Agency Department in the Women’s Market, Angela Daniels travels the country to educate the company’s agents and managers on the value of focusing on women. She also supports local offices in building and implementing plans to recruit women agents and increase sales to this market. Daniels joined New York Life Insurance Company, the largest mutual life insurer in the U.S., in 1987, and has been helping the company recognize women in both recruiting and sales opportunities since 2000. She also oversees the company’s LGBT field initiative, something that coincides with her work on the Corporate Board of Advisors for the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Daniels also serves on other industry organizations, but her professional passion is her job. “I am inspired working for a firm that allows me to come to work as my authentic self and be a part of something great,” she says. “What we do changes communities, individuals and helps to build financial foundations to support dreams.” –SJ
