100 Women We Love Class of 2010
A Houston, Texas native, Annise Parker has remained close to her roots. She was sworn in as the 61st mayor of Houston in January, becoming only the second woman and first openly gay person to hold that office. She graduated from Rice University and worked for two decades in the oil and gas industry, with 18 of those years spent at the Houston-based Mosbacher Energy Company. For ten years, she co-owned Inklings, a Houston-based independent gay bookstore. Parker was involved in Houston politics for several years prior to becoming mayor, serving six years as a member of the City Council and one six-year term as Houston City Controller. -CB
As the first decade of the new millennium comes to an end, we take a moment to celebrate 100 out lesbians who have made the past year one of inspiring change and amazing progress.
Sharon Isbin
Multiple award-winning guitarist Sharon Isbin, a former soloist with the New York Philharmonic and other orchestras, is the creator and director of the guitar department at The Juilliard School. The prolific recording artist recently performed for President Obama at the White House and contributed to the soundtrack to Martin Scorsese’s film The Departed. Isbin has appeared on Showtime’s The L Word and was named one of POWER UP’s “10 Amazing Gay Women in Showbiz 2009.” “I’m gratified that my openness and pioneering efforts inspire others to pursue their dreams,” she says. Her latest CD, Journey to the New World, includes guests violinist Mark O’Connor and legendary musician Joan Baez. The 2010 Grammy Award-winning recording became a #1 bestseller on Amazon.com and iTunes. -CB
