Posted March 2023
March is Women’s History Month—commemorating and encouraging the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. While women in the United States and abroad are achieving at higher levels than ever before, they still face many challenges from the lingering effects of oppression. Since Boston University boasts a plethora of alumnae who are positively impacting society, we’d like to highlight some of these women and their accomplishments.
Former co-captain of the BU Women’s Soccer team, Alexandra Cooper (COM’17), is now the host and executive producer of the podcast, Call Her Daddy. This year, Cooper’s accomplishments earned her a spot on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list. With a $60 million Spotify deal, Cooper is among the highest-paid female podcasters in the U.S. In 2021 and 2022, Call Her Daddy was ranked second on Spotify, and is the top-ranked female-focused show on Spotify worldwide.
As an undergraduate student, Nicole Black (ENG’14) always wanted to make a difference in the biomedical field. After graduating from Boston University, Black continued her education at Harvard University. During her time as a PhD student at Harvard, Black developed the PhonoGraft—a 3D-printed tympanic membrane graft made from biodegradable ink that has improved the success rate of reparative eardrum surgery. After she graduated, Black founded the start-up, Beacon Bio, to get her device on the market. Last summer, Black sold the PhonoGraft to Desktop Metal for $10 million. Black is currently the vice president of biomaterials and innovation for Desktop Health, and was recently named on the 2023 Forbes 30 under 30 list.
Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, Hong Chau (COM’01) was able to attend BU thanks to Pell Grants. At BU, Chau enrolled in improv classes to conquer her shyness, and was encouraged to audition for screen roles by her improv teacher. Chau’s time at BU paved the way for her career, and she soon became an accomplished actress. This year, Chau’s role in The Whale as Brendan Fraser’s caretaker earned her BAFTA, SAG, Gotham, and Oscar nominations. Chau has also starred in other notable films and TV shows including Downsizing, The Menu, and Watchmen.
While female conductors are few and far between, Lina Gonzalez-Granados (CFA’20) is swiftly making a name for herself. In addition to a master’s degree in conducting with Charles Peltz and a graduate diploma in choral conducting from the New England Conservatory, Gonzalez-Granados also holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from BU’s College of Fine Arts. Gonzalez-Granados was named the new Solti Conducting Apprentice under the guidance of Maestro Riccardo Muti, and also currently serves as resident conductor of the LA Opera. To add to her impressive accomplishments, Gonzalez-Granados founded the Unitas Ensemble chamber orchestra, which promotes the works of Latin American composers. Gonzales-Granados is also the recipient of the 2022 BU Young Alumni Award.
Deena Sheldon (COM’84) made history this year by becoming the first female camera operator to be inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. As a student in COM, Sheldon interned at CBS News/Sports, graduated with a degree in broadcast in film and began her career at Continental Cablevision. Since then, the nine-time Emmy Award winner has covered countless Super Bowls, Triple Crown races, PGA Championships and more. Undoubtedly, the driving force behind Sheldon’s accomplishments has been her diligent preparation, dedication, and enthusiasm.
A highly respected poet, essayist, and playwright, Elizabeth Alexander (GRS’87) is also the president of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the largest philanthropic funding of arts and culture initiatives in the country. Her memoir The Light of the World was shortlisted for a Pulitzer Prize and her most recent book, The Trayvon Generation, was named a “most anticipated title” by Time and the New York Times. Alexander was recently named on the new Forbes 50 over 50 list for her accomplishments.
Modest fashion is not widely known for being synonymous with “stylish,” but Ameera Hammounda (Questrom’18) is committed to changing that. As a young Egyptian-American Muslim woman with a knack for design, Hammounda set out to create a clothing line that would redefine modesty as chic, lively, and youthful. Her clothing line, “Ameera,” has become an international success, and even made an appearance during New York Fashion Week.
Let us know how you’re making a difference or what you’re up.