15+ Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month in Raleigh for 2024

As a mother of two daughters, and someone who has worked hard to push against male defined ceilings to create a thriving life I love, celebrating the achievements of women and our powerful voices is very important to me. 

March is the month for celebrating women’s contributions to history, culture and society. I love that we have an entire month dedicated to remembering to give that little extra support to voices that typically are rooted in nurturing peace, love, and joy.

Empowering women is a benefit to societies, and I find Raleigh does a pretty good job at it, and it’s only getting better. 

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate and rejoice in womanhood but to also look at the injustices we still face and how we can work for a more equitable society. Also, taking into consideration the even further inclusion disparities with black and brown women and transgender!

Raleigh is full of diverse, women owned businesses and entrepreneurs. 46% of businesses in Downtown Raleigh are women-owned, this is in comparison to the state average of 21% and the country’s 19.9% (State of Downtown Raleigh 2023 report).

Here is another celebratory fact: in 2022, Raleigh was named the best city for working women in the nation?

According to Coworking Cafe, Raleigh is the second-best large metro for women in tech in the USA and the unemployment rate among female workers is one of the lowest in the country at less than 3%.

Is there a list Raleigh is not on?

In this post we’ll share ways you can celebrate women this month, including great local women-owned business in Raleigh you can support.

Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments. Include your favorite female creatives, artists, business owners, friends and why you love them! I spent hours writing this post and still haven’t scratched the surface. I had to hit publish at some point. This is where we need your help by contributing to the comments and continuing our celebration of amazing women in Raleigh!

The History of “Women’s History Month”

Women’s History Month grew out of a week-long celebration that was organized by the school district of Sonoma, California in 1978. The idea soon caught on and spread across the country until President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. Six years later it was expanded by Congress to the entire month of March. 

Falling within this month is International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women, which took place for the first time on March 8, 1911. 

The 2024 Theme for Women’s History Month

The Women’s History Month theme for 2024 is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “ The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.

In 2024, we pay tribute to the remarkable women in our community, both historical and contemporary, who have courageously led the way in advocating for change and instituting stronger protections, norms, and laws that embody these principles.

After enduring years of discrimination, we take pride in honoring the women dedicated to advancing fundamental values of inclusion, equality, and justice.

Check out our post on 14 women-owned businesses in Downtown Raleigh telling great stories.

Ideas for celebrating Women’s History Month

1. Hear the stories of your female loved ones

Always start with those closest to you, family, friends, work associates. Spend time this month to hear their stories. How can you honor them? What can you learn from them? How can you pass it and pay it forward?

2. Host an event to celebrate women

Gather your women friends to learn, create, and celebrate together. Here are a few ideas:

• A movie might watching female directed films or those with female leads (hello Barbie! Trailblazing Smash hit of 2023)
• Create artwork together – perhaps murals of empowering female quotes.
• Play music by female artists – and of course, bust out in your best Beyonce moves (speaking of who, I love her new Texas Hold Em Song)
• Give out awards, achievements, positive notes of affirmations to you gal pals.
• Discuss what sisterhood means and how y’all can make it better.
• Host book clubs with books written by women.
• Watch TED Talks given by women. Check out this one by Raleigh local, and former WRAL Anchor, Mikaya Thurmond on Human Touch in an AI World: Authenticity in Public Relations
• Attend a fun woman focused event
  • Crowded Table are hosting a Women’s History Month Kickoff Party at Joy Worthy Co. Arts and crafts, mini facials, mimosa/coffee/breakfast bar and the chance to make new friends! March 2, 12-2pm
  • Artspace are hosting a hands-on workshop where you can create a stunning collage composition commemorating an important woman from history or your own life. March 13 6pm at Dorothea Dix Chapel.

3. Learn the history of women in Raleigh

• Visit the exhibition: Women of Change: The Legacy of the 19th Amendment at the COR Museum. It chronicles the quests for equal suffrage in 1920 and what women did with the vote over the next century. Visitors will be introduced to Raleigh’s suffragists, organizers, and elected officials who redefined women’s role in politics. 
• Also, at the NC Museum of History is the Made Especially for You, an online exhibit showcasing 20th century formal wear made by Raleigh’s renowned Otey sisters.
• The NC Museum of History will have two women-focused online programs: History and Highballs: Obstacles and Opportunities in 20th Century American Women’s Sports and History at High Noon: Listen to How She Changed the World (HYBRID)
• There is a Raleigh Women’s History Walking Tour on Sat March 9. On this tour, you will learn about several amazing women, including the city’s first female mayor, one of the most influential women in the civil rights movement, and the woman who earned the nickname “Lady Edison” because of her numerous inventions! Pay what you want (recommended $15)

Read more: 8 Fantastic Museums in Raleigh (most are free!)

4. Educate and Empower yourself 

There’s no better way to ensure a better future for our daughters then to educate and empower yourself. Learn more about the current issues that affect women, so you are better able to help create solutions. 

Learn how to believe in, and trust in your own voice and story. Develop the confidence and courage to share your story with the world – if you positively impact just one person, you’ve made a difference.

• The NC State Women’s Center is creating a community of authentic and engaged allies and leaders to pursue gender equity and social justice, enhancing the campus climate through education, advocacy, support and leadership development. You can join here. 
• The Raleigh Chamber of Commerce is celebrating We Connect: Women’s History Month with an inclusive business networking meetup to support and celebrate our diverse workforce. 
• NC Vibes will host an International Women’s Day Event at The Raleigh Convention Center on Sat March 9 with a variety of speakers from accomplished entrepreneurs and businesswomen in Raleigh.

5. Support these women-owned non-profit organizations

The following local non-profit organizations working to create a better Raleigh are all female owned. You can support them via donations, shopping in their stores, volunteering, or just spreading their good work. 

• Maggie Kane is the Founder and Executive Director of A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s pay-what-you-can cafe helping those experiencing homelessness in our community. (listen to our podcast interview with Founder Maggie Kane)
• Cary Heise / Kristen Sydow are co-founders of Designed for Joy where they provide second chance employment to vulnerable women. Artisans are paid a living wage and taught skills to create the Designed for Joy brand of jewelry, handbags, and home decor. Listen to our podcast interview with Cary Heise here.
• Co-founder, and CEO of Carroll’s Kitchen, Vicki Ismail is using her non-profit restaurant to provide women recovering from addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and domestic violence with employment. Caroll’s Kitchen on Martin St offers grab-and-go breakfast & lunch.
• Mother and daughter team, Mary and Gabi currently have over 40 employees with special abilities at their 2 nonprofit companies: Gabi’s Grounds & Gab’s PALS. They don’t just have their private label coffee blends, but a packaging, assembling and shipping service for businesses. 
• No Woman No Girl: Fantastic local non-profit founded by Shirnetta J Harrell to provide essential items to those women and girls in our community at risk.
  • NWNG) will host its second annual Bringing H.O.P.E. Women’s Day event on March 16 from 12pm – 3pm at the Boys & Girls Club (605 Raleigh Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27610). This free, interactive event will provide onsite health and wellness support to women, girls, and families. WNG will offer attendees free supplies of everyday hygiene essentials, while partnering agencies will provide clothing, housing, medical, mental health and other critical resources to address urgent needs within the Triangle. The family-friendly event will also feature free food from local vendors, a DJ, and engaging activities to create connection, spark conversation, and promote a stronger, more inclusive community.
• Jackie Craig and Beth Smoot founded The Green Chair Project in 2010 to collect and reuse essential furnishings to benefit their Wake County neighbors in need.
• Esteamed Coffee is a non-profit coffee shop and cafe located in Cary, NC who employs individuals with various disabilities. Co-founders, Angie Hudson and Tamara Lapsley provide job coaching and a supportive/encouraging environment where the employees and patrons feel they are part of a warm, welcoming community. 
• Local 321 Coffee in Downtown Raleigh employs 50+ employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities who all roasting the coffee, take the orders, and make the lattes. They also have locations in the State Farmers Market and Durham.

6. Volunteer to help Women in Need

In addition to the above, here are a few more women’s organizations that are looking for volunteers in the Triangle Area.

• Women’s Center of Wake County
• The Women’s Club of Raleigh
• Interact Family Safety and Empowerment Center
• Dress for Success Triangle NC
• SHE NC

7. Donate to a Women’s Rights organization

You can help promote social justice for women around the world through monetary donations. Consider the above-mentioned local organizations. Here are a few highlighted organizations that strive for the global empowerment of women:

• The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women
• Rise Up Women International
• Association for Women’s Rights in Development
• Center for Reproductive Rights
• Equality Now

8. Shop at women-owned stores (offline too!)

There are so many local businesses in Raleigh that you can support with your dollars. Here are a few of our favorite women-owned stores. 

• The Flourish Market in the Warehouse District is a unique women’s + gift boutique store owned by local entrepreneur, Emily Grey. All of their products have a higher purpose for supporting female owned businesses creating sustainable impact.
• Deco Raleigh owner Pam Blondin opened the shop in 2012 with the intention to support locals. She stocks hundreds of locally made gifts, housewares, books and cards from more than 75 local artisans and makers.
• Rose & Lee Co Boutique in Apex Amber Rose and Prisca Lee are the founders of this cute store in Downtown Apex. They feature brands (many local), each with their own mission of change and empowerment, from sustainability to human rights. I’m a regular shopper here!
• The Gathering Gallery in Downtown Raleigh Erica Heilmann’s store on E Hargett St features products from local artists and makers and employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Erica is focused on creating an inclusive environment and make a difference in our community.
• The Bath Place at Pop-Up Shops at Martin Street has divine candles and handcrafted, spa-quality, natural soaps. Founder, Kimberly Clayton also has an online store. 
• Edge of Urge in North Person St is owned by Jessie Williams. They specialize in handmade and independent designer clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories.
• Munjo Munjo is owned and operated by a Latinx artist. This design studio highlights women and BIPOC artists, through collaborative works, live art events, and other opportunities.
• Nashona Boutique. The beautiful prints and textiles of Tanzania have created this unique clothing line from Lilian Danieli, a Tanzanian native who now resides in North Carolina.
• Triangle Pop-Up founder Sarah Moody local pop-up events and markets in the area supporting local businesses. She also has a storefront Curate on E Hargett St that features a unique collection of handmade goods which included candles, jewelry and homemade sauces from over 60 local artists.
• Anne’s Apothecary a skincare brand owned by Anne Suinner-Lawoyin that offers 100% clean, eco-friendly, plant-based skincare products at affordable prices.
• Liberation Station Bookstore, owned by Victoria Scott-Miller, is a newly opened store on Fayetteville S, Downtown Raleigh, is North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore.

9. Make self-care a priority (with these women owned business to help)

There’s never a better time to prioritize your health than a month focused on supporting women. Get your annual checkup including relevant pap smears, mammograms and whatever else you need! 

Start eating cleaner and move your body! Here are some fantastic women-owned wellness businesses to help! 

• Well Centered Wellness is our go-to for all things wellness related. Dr Allison Peters has spent the last 17 years in practice as a nutrition-based chiropractic physician specializing in functional nutrition, amputation and traumatic brain injury recovery and human potential neurological optimization. You can listen to our podcast interview with Dr Allison here. She is responsible for helping me lose 25lbs in 2023 and, so far, keep it off! Sadly, in 2023 Dr Allison suffered a traumatic spinal injury, and while is not personally seeing patients as she is busy learning to walk again, she has many of her programs still running. She is the most inspirational and resilient person you’ll ever meet so follow her journey to miraculous recovery.
• I love all that Current Wellness does to support health and wellness in the Raleigh community. Owned by Britt and her husband, they offer a range of movement, cooking, and nutrition classes, as well as fun events and services like massage therapy. 
• Raleigh locals Katie Clemons and Jolene Johnson own Yoga Soullective in the Warehouse District. They also run yoga retreats! This month it’s in Tulum!
• Emily Wallace owns DOSE Hot Yoga and Smoothie Bar in the new Smokey Hollow Development and newly opened Innovation district in North hills. They also have teacher training, wellness events, and yoga retreats (hello Bali!)
• Providing wellness solutions to the Triangle Community through organic hair care and Infrared Sauna services is Kristina Graham from Rize Salon and Infrared in Cary. We use the infrared sauna at least once a week.
• Marina Lando from Harmony Life Reiki in Cary has been my monthly Reiki healer for years and is what I call my monthly non-negotiable! Marina is the author of four books, is a Reiki Master and Teacher, and Certified Aromatherapist,

Listen to our podcast on 6 health and wellness businesses we love in Raleigh and our interview with Dr Allison Peters.

10. Watch Women’s Sports

We love to support women’s sport, and just like the men’s version, we have a lot of options in Raleigh with our Triangle colleges, and professional NC Courage team. 

Women’s sports are just as exciting, skillful, fast and intense as men’s. 

The ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament games will start on Wednesday, March 6-10 in Greensboro and the championship will determine the ACC’s automatic entry to the NCAA tourney.

We are avid fans of watching the NC State women’s basketball at the gorgeous art deco Reynolds Coliseum and are regulars at the women’s soccer at WakeMed Park in Cary. 

The North Carolina Courage women’s soccer will start their 2023 NWSL Regular Season this month with a game against vs Houston Dash on March 16, 2023, at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary.

Don’t dismiss the women’s college soccer teams. UNC’s run for the NCAA title last year was an on-the-edge of your seat game to remember!

Read our guide to the Wake Med Soccer Park, see our Reel of NC State Women’s Basketball in action, and the UNC women’s soccer team.

11. Cheers to Female Drink Crafters (of all kinds!)

It’s not just mean making waves in the craft brew scene. Many women are innovating in the space of beers, wine, cocktails, and coffee. Let’s give an extra cheer to them this month!

• Lindsay Rice owns the Vita Vite Wine Bar and Gallery in the Warehouse District and North Hills. Vita Vite comes from the Italian words for “life” and “vine” – the idea of life revolving around wine and food, and how they bring people together in a common space of appreciation for the beautiful things that can enrich life. (Read our interview with owner Lindsay Rice)
• Raleigh Brewing was the first female owned brewery in NC with Kristie Nystedt as majority owner. It’s their 11th anniversary party on Sat March 9th. (Don’t miss our suggestions things to do each weekend in Raleigh.
• Bombshell Beer Company in Holly Springs is owned by three female brewers who love to remind us that until Medieval times, it was the woman’s job to brew beer for the household and laws of that time stated that the tools of brewing were solely the woman’s property.
• Tiffany Welton recently opened RBF Champagne Bar in Downtown Cary dedicated to honoring women’s authentic self. Show up with any face you like, and you’ll be honored. 
• DRINK on Glenwood Ave claims itself as more of a small wine society of friends than a wine shop. They specialize in small production wines and invite you into their intimate tasting space, outdoor seating and a Fine Wine “Cave”. I love the peacock mural on the outside of the building. 
• What about a dessert and cocktail bar? Yes. Please. Head to Bittersweet in downtown Raleigh owned by Kim Hammer. It’s where you’ll find one of my favorite pairings: Pumpkin creme brulee and Irish coffee. 
• Looking for some bitters for your cocktails? Crude Bitters and Sodas was founded in 2012 as the first cocktail bitters company in North Carolina. Owners Craig Rudewicz and Lindsay Lasserre, They have a shop front in Downtown Raleigh near Transfer Food Hall.
• What about cold brew? You may have seen, or tasted, the creamy goodness of Slingshot Coffee in a can at your local grocery store. It was founded in 2012 by local Jenny Bonchak.
• Lashonda Fort-Modest, is the owner of Melanated Wines & Spirits, Durham’s first Black-owned winery. She aims to decomplicate wine, embody the motto, “uncork the culture,” and represent the under-represented minority community in the world of wine.
• Local 321 Coffee was founded in 2017 by Lindsay Wrege and Michael Evans to embrace diversity to its fullest. Apart from providing great coffee to the Raleigh community they employ 50+ employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

12. Explore Women in the Arts

Raleigh has a thriving art scene for all kinds of mediums and styles. You can easily find an exhibition in Raleigh celebrating the artistic talents of local female artists. It doesn’t even have to be local, just support a women’s voice expressed through art. 

There are concerts, live music, standup comedians, art galleries, theater productions, and so much more. Here are a few ideas:

• First Friday is a fantastic opportunity to explore the different art galleries in Raleigh and their exhibition and fun events. This month will be March 1, 2024, and will be the theme of Feminist First Friday.
• The aforementioned Vita Vite Gallery, which regularly has art exhibitions and is fun to combine with a wine of First Friday. 
• 311 Gallery in the warehouse District has 12 artist’s studios as well as a gift shop in the front and an exhibition gallery out front, which changes every month with the First Friday opening reception. 
• Why not take a day trip to Johnston County and visit the excellent Ava Gardner Museum and her incredible contribution to the world of film?
• Don’t forget perusing female works in the outstanding North Carolina Museum of Art It will host a Women’s History Month Special event: the 1975 film Adoption: Trailblazing auteur Márta Mészáros gives aching expression to the experiences of women in 1970s Hungary in this sensitive and absorbing slice-of-life drama, which became the first film directed by a woman to win the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. March 6, 2024 @ 2pm.
• Also, the spectacular Art in Bloom festival is on at NCMA, which will have many female artists represented.
• CAM Raleigh will have a Dinner with Anna Valdez in March 16, whose exhibition The Nature of Things is on display at CAM until March 24. She’ll be discussing her career, journey, creative process, and plans for future endeavors! A ticket to this event will include a delicious multi-course meal, refreshing drinks, and a limited-edition signed print.
• Look around as you’re walking through Downtown Raleigh and neighborhoods across the Triangle. You’re bound to see some beautiful murals, many of which will be the work of female artists.

13. Clean the air in your house with Help From these Plant Bosses

Life is just better when you’re surrounded by plants: Better quality of air, pretty spaces, and Zen-like vibes are just some of the benefits!

Here are three female plant experts in Raleigh to go to for help to ensure you find the right fit for you:

• Raleigh native, Anna Grace is the owner of Copperline Plant Co in the City Market district. Not only does she have a store filled with gorgeous plants, but she also offers plant consultations, and monthly plant-based classes.
• Houseplant Hippie is a cool mobile unit filled with plants, and products from other women-owned businesses. You’ll find Kay at many local markets. Even better have her consult with your home and help you create a plant oasis (with tips on how to keep them alive). Her family also owns Haven Farm in Knightdale (Kay’s mom is Leslie Logan Brown of Logan’s Garden Shop fame), which is a beautiful space for events and more.
• TG Floristry is a Black woman-owned, Raleigh-based floral design studio, owned and operated by Tiera George. Itera has participated in Art in Bloom (on this March in Raleigh) and she offers creative workshops!

14. Dine at these amazing women-owned restaurants + Foodies

• Ashely Christensen needs no introduction in Raleigh. A James Beard Award winner and owner of the speakeasy, Fox Liquor Bar! And 4 outstanding iconic Raleigh restaurants 
  • Beasley’s Chicken + Honey
  • Death & Taxes
  • Poole’s Diner
• A transformative visit to Mexico inspired Angela Salamanca to bring a taste of Oaxaca to Raleigh, North Carolina. Centro Mexican Restaurant has become a staple in downtown Raleigh, and they take pride in being a space that fosters community and diversity. I LOVE the mezcal bar upstairs, Gallo Pelón.
• Known to have one of the best masala chairs in Raleigh and delicious homemade Indian Food, Cheeni in North Raleigh is owned by Preeti, who was born and raised in South India. I LOVE the vibe of this restaurant. As soon as I walked in I was transported back to my days backpacking Asia. I only had a snack of a very memorable Aloo chaat. I’ll be back.
• Mofu Dumpling Shoppe has its beginnings with business partners Sunny Linn and Sophia Woo and their popular food truck, The Pho Nomenal Dumpling Truck. You’ll find a menu of reimagined Asian classics. When I need a taste of Asia, I come here.
• While not a restaurant, one cannot call themselves a Raleigh resident until they’ve eaten a lemon meringue or pumpkin pie from Slice of Pie Company. Founder (and true Raleigh local) Kristen Mullins really proves she is the Pie Lady with the diversity of her homemade pies and bona fide deliciousness of them. She even has gluten free! Listen to our podcast with the Pie Lady!
• Sara Coleman Fitzpatrick is the owner of The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery, Raleigh’s first cupcake shop! Located on Glenwood Ave you’ll find freshly baked cupcakes, homemade batch of cookies, a cup of locally roasted Joe Van Gogh coffee, paired with a calming ambiance. Her cupcakes are delicious, and she even has gluten free and vegan. Read our interview with Sara.
• Caroline Morrison and Siobhan Southern, are the co-owners of Raleigh’s Fiction Kitchen. Not only does Fiction Kitchen serve delicious food from their all-vegan menu, but they also have a business that is all about inclusivity. Y’all are truly welcome here at this iconic Raleigh restaurant.
• Originally from the Bahamas, Randi is obsessed with beautiful cake creations. You can find them at her store Sugar Euphoria in the North Person St area.
• I tasted the chocolates from Spring & Mulberry at the Boylan Art Walk, and they were delicious (and healthy!) Owners Kathryn Shah and Sarah Bell create date-sweetened chocolate with fantastic-for-you flavors that showcase the depth and spectrum of “sweet” found in whole, pristine ingredients.
• Flavors Ice cream on Jones Franklin serves SUPER PREMIUM ice cream. Owner Elisa McLean is an inspiration, not only for bringing joy to community via ice cream, but also running her business as a single mother and a brain tumor cancer survivor.

15. Join a Women’s organization or club

There are plenty of women-centric organizations and clubs in Raleigh. From educational, to networking, emotional support and just fun sisterhood times, there are clubs to suit all types and missions.

• Raleigh Women in Marketing is a women’s networking community to connect, network, and inspire those in the marketing realm!
• Raleigh Chamber of Commerce has initiatives and groups focused on women in leadership and Triangle Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Alliance
• Thrive Motherhood is a community for moms with mom-only events designed to help them thrive in and out of home.
• The National Association of Women Business Owners has a chapter in Raleigh. It’s a premier member-based organization for business acceleration resources, leadership development opportunities and inspiring programs that empower, equip and propel women business owners.
• Blush Coworking Space in Cary is a women’s only co-working space, which clearly shows they understand women, with their on-site childcare services!
• Women’s Social Club is a club in Raleigh where women can come together at fun events to connect with other women and learn more about the city they live in.
• Crowded Table has themed events to help women connect and have fun!
• The City Club in Raleigh is another private and business social club that has mini groups inside for women. I joined their Women in Leadership Coffee and Conversation morning group on Monday, and it was fantastic.

Other Raleigh Women you want to hear about

Here are some other female trailblazers in Raleigh you’ll want to know. I’ll continue to add to this list as there are so many to love and we’re always meeting new people and hearing cool stories.

• Adrienne Cole – the first (and current) female CEO of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. We adore Adrienne, and feel Raleigh is so blessed to have such an energetic, passionate, compassionate, and friendly leader for the Raleigh business community. You can listen to our podcast interview with Adrienne here.
• Kiara Ruth from BananaMoon is a mommy blogger, lifestyle influencer, and thought leader who, along with her husband Terrance, are committed to creating positive social change that is representative of all. Listen to our podcast interview with them here.
• April Blackwell from Blackwell Mortgage was our mortgage broker helping us attain a mortgage when we thought it couldn’t happen. She’s not only savvy with finance, but has a positive, joyful spirit that you want to be around. Listen to our podcast interview with her here. (With tips for getting mortgage finance!)
• Mikaya Thurmond. You may remember her as the weekday morning anchor for WRAL! She recently left there to pursue a career in Public Relations. We have such high admiration and respect for Mikaya and are thrilled to be working with her as our PR rep starting this month!

Comment: Who are your favorite female creatives, artists, business owners, friends etc. and share why you love them? What are some other ways you will celebrate Women’s History Month in Raleigh this year?