100 Women We Love

100 Women We Love 2011

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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.

BEVERLY KOPF & BOBBIE BIRLEFFI

Beverly Kopf (left) and Bobbie Birleffi—a.k.a. TV Gals Media—have racked up so many awards and accolades in their 11-year partnership that they’re going to need a bigger mantle. Since 2000, Birleffi and Kopf have produced, directed and written documentaries for PBS, NBC, A&E, Bravo, Lifetime, TLC, VH1 and many more. Prior to forming their production company, Birleffi won an Emmy for Men Who Molest, a one-hour documentary for the PBS series Frontline; earned several Emmy nominations for her public affairs-focused programs, and made a number of critically acclaimed independent documentaries. Kopf spent four years as part of the creative team producing NBC’s award-winning series First Person with Maria Shriver. She later won an Emmy for writing The View, and created the show’s trendy “Hot Topics” segment. TV Gals Media latest project, the feature-length documentary Wish Me Away, follows country star Chely Wright during her difficult coming-out process—and it’s already generating serious buzz. “Chely is an amazing ambassador for anyone who feels like an outcast, that they have something to hide, or that they’re not accepted for one reason or another,” says Kopf. “She has already saved lives.” adds Birleffi, “She connects with people in places where gay is not acceptable and she represents a positive image of

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