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.
Tamika Jackson
As the program coordinator for the HIV Prevention Initiative and HIV/AIDS Awareness programs at Safe Space NYC, Tamika Jackson visits public schools with teams of peer educators to present skits about HIV/AIDS prevention. Safe Space offers a variety of preventive and community health services to underserved families and youth in Jamaica, Queens and Manhattan. Jackson also coordinates the Safe Spacemobile, a mobile outreach program for at-risk youth that provides information about the organization, and works at the Queens High Risk Youth Drop-In Center. “The most challenging aspect of my job is trying to provide the proper service to a youth or family when there’s a lack of resources within the community,” Jackson admits, “[but the] most rewarding aspect is changing lives and receiving the appreciation from those I have inspired.” -CB
