100 Women We Love, Queer Women We Love, Wonder Women

100 Women We Love 2011

June 17, 2011

Corina Maritescu, Dulci Pitagora, Kat Long, Sharyn Jackson

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.

Elizabeth Falkner

While the faces of Botoxified housewives and spray tanned twenty-somethings proliferate on reality television, there’s at least one refreshingly real presence on the tube. Enter Elizabeth Falkner, chef/partner of Citizen Cake and Orson in San Francisco, a recent judge on Bravo’s Top Chef: Just Desserts, a 2009 competitor on Top Chef Masters and a three-time competitor on Food Network Challenge, among other gigs. Falkner founded her flagship bakery in 1997, which has since been awarded recommendations by Michelin. By expanding into savory fare with Orson, Falkner proved she’s about more than just desserts. She says it’s her loved ones who keep her going. “What inspires me are all the talented people around me who I genuinely care for and who are wanting me to do my work better every day.” –SJ