She the People’s 20 for 2020 highlights women of color organizers, elected leaders, and strategists across the country who will play a crucial role leading up to the 2020 election.  Many of these women also hail from battleground states -- Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin among others -- where their work will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the results of the election and the future of our democracy. All have bold, audacious plans for 2020 that range from registering hundreds of thousands of new voters, knocking on millions of doors, protecting every vote, flipping state legislatures, and electing more women to public office. 

Here we recognize the very women whose contributions have been historically overlooked. Women of color who have long been a driving force for social change. It’s time that we give credit where it is due. 

Each is determined to fight for the change that she wishes to see in the world and each is a pivotal leader in this very moment. Selecting just 20 women was not an easy task -- there are so many inspiring women working for change within their local communities. But the 20 for 2020 list are the women to watch, to listen for, to follow in the most critical election of our lifetimes.

In addition to the serious work these women do every day to make our country better and more inclusive, they also have a fun side. We asked them to share with us what they are reading right now and the music they currently have on their playlists (spoiler alert: Lizzo topped the list!). Check out the books and music that keeps our honorees inspired, informed, and dancing wherever they go.  

The women on this list show us all how powerful we can be in service to our country and our communities. It shows the generosity of women who readily point to their sisters in the work and by doing so, encourage us all to shine. Each honoree named their “plus one” who they want to elevate and celebrate. That’s the beginning of yet another list of dreamers and doers, storytellers and strategists, organizers and officials. Each one of us knows a woman whose work we should acknowledge - and together we are a powerful force to create a country where we all belong, and where we are seen and heard.

Come 2020, this will be the key to creating a world we imagine. When we lift each other up, we can bring light and joy into the necessary work ahead for all of us.