MEET THE HONOREES

The 100 Women to KNOW Across America Award, presented by JPMorgan Chase is a recognition that showcases the most influential, achieved, and honorable women in our society. Following a nomination and interview process, these women entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, and philanthropists have not only grown their dreams, but have created boundless opportunities for the next generation of female leaders. These women exemplify what it means to be high-achieving and ambitious on the next level and continue to pour into their communities as they do so.

Shael Norris is the Founding Executive Director of SafeBAE, the only national survivor-founded, youth-led organization working to prevent sexual violence among teens. She has dedicated her career to ending sexual violence and empowering youth activism. As a young activist, she was a founding staffer of V-Day, overseeing all benefit productions of “The Vagina Monologues” across the world from 1999-2016. It was the impact of V-Day at colleges that culminated in her creation of the “Campus Accountability Project” to improve prevention/response to college sexual violence, after which led to bringing this work to high schools with the creation of SafeBAE.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Overachieving in school rarely translates to a successful and happy adulthood. Pace yourself for the long game.

What is your favorite quote?

“Each of us is put here in this time and this place to personally decide the future of humankind. Did you think you were put here for something less?”