These women are using their hard-earned knowledge to protect our planet already ravaged by brutal storms, epic floods and intense wildfires.
Colleen DeBaise
Colleen DeBaise is former small business editor of the Wall Street Journal. Her most recent book is “Start a Successful Business.” She has also written about the rewards and challenges of entrepreneurship for Inc., Entrepreneur and BusinessWeek, among others. She has been interviewed on MSNBC, Fox, CNBC, CBS and NPR. Colleen has a master’s in journalism from Northwestern University. Contact her at [email protected].
Posts by Colleen DeBaise
Making Butter Without Agriculture – No Plants or Animals Needed
At Savor, Kathleen Alexander is using organic chemistry to create fats and cooking oils that won’t damage the planet.
Wrapped 2025: The Story Exchange’s 10 Most Popular Stories
We’re most surprised at No. 6 on this list, about a powerful woman activist (from 100 years ago!) who fought for Native American culture.
RIP Jane Goodall, Role Model for Women in Science and More
The famed naturalist died this week, leaving behind a legacy of lessons, values and influence that will continue to shape the planet.
An Innovator in Pest Control Has Her Sights on Invasive Species
Pam Marrone’s startup, Invasive Species Corp., is developing biological ways to tackle non-native plants and animals. A potential blockbuster weed-killer is in the works.
The Woman Behind Those Seaweed Snacks in Your Kids’ Lunch Box
Korean-born Annie Chun grew up watching her mother roast seaweed on the stovetop. She’s now the co-founder of Gimme Seaweed, a popular, healthy and sustainable brand.
DEADLINE PASSED: Nominate a Trailblazer for Our ‘Cutting-Edge Women in Science’ List
If you’re a member of the scientific community, tell us who deserves the spotlight. Deadline: Sept. 15.
Norah O’Donnell’s New Book Celebrates Unsung Women Heroes
The journalist said she wrote the book in part because “I love history, but in school I did not learn a lot about women in history.”
Her New Line of Drinks Is Inspired By Nature
Dana Thompson, who built the celebrated Owamni restaurant, is now turning her attention to functional beverages. Her social-impact brand, Heti, also plans hempcrete housing.
The State of Abortion, 3 Years Since Dobbs
We’re thrilled to announce that this June 2025 episode has been nominated for a Webby Award, in the News & Politics category. Listen here!
The Resilient Provider Who’s Survived Arson, Death Threats and Supreme Court Rulings
Before Julie Burkhart could even open Wyoming’s only full-service abortion clinic, an extremist tried to burn it down. That hasn’t stopped her. Neither has the Dobbs ruling.
Yes, We Need Goat Yoga Now More Than Ever
In 2016, Lainey Morse introduced goat yoga for stress relief as the world became increasingly divisive. Not much has changed.
A Conversation About Abortion Care — and It’s Not All Bad News
Angel Foster of the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project on how medication abortion is here to stay, even as anti-abortion forces double down.
The Making of California Baby
In this 18-minute podcast, we share how Jessica Iclisoy was inspired to create all-natural baby products — after a fateful trip to the library.
The Woman Behind the Dating App Match.com
In this podcast, we talk to Fran Maier, who 30 years ago brought a woman’s perspective to the online world of dating. She’s now the CEO of BabyQuip.com.