A FLIP THROUGH THE PAGES of any history textbook will yield the stories of people whose actions have made an impact on the world — for better or worse . Yet throughout much of history , the narrative was written by men . With art as her arsenal , Ann Shen ’ 06 has written and illustrated her own perspective on history , focusing on the lives of those she calls “ bad girls ”— the revolutionary women who have made their mark on the world .
“ Women ’ s history needs to be told ,” says Shen . “ It ’ s important for us to cultivate empathy and understanding for each other so that we know our collective story as a people .”
Bad Girls Throughout History features 100 revolutionary women from all backgrounds , eras and disciplines , from artists and activists to warriors and writers . Through her extensive research , Shen ’ s focus was to redefine the common definition of “ bad ” to mean breaking the standards of society and transgressing the lines that shaped the traditional role of women .
Each woman ’ s accomplishments are highlighted and complemented by a lively and richly hued portrait design in Shen ’ s signature style — an aesthetic inspired by the works of Frida Kahlo and Mary Blair , and that evolved from her time in Muir College and on through graduate school at Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles .
Shen traces much of the initial spark that helped shaped her career to her time at UC San Diego , specifically performing in The Vagina Monologues and studying abroad at Cambridge University . “ Both experiences pushed me to grow enormously as a person , and introduced me to so many inspiring , strong and intelligent friends . It really taught me that I could achieve what I set my mind to , and that I could pursue my passions unabashedly .”
Shen , an illustrator , letterer and author , has created artwork for The New York Times and Bust , and for brands like Mattel and HarperCollins publishers . She has since turned her devotion to art into her full-time career , and her passion for feminist ideals shows in the scenes and inspirational quotes she illustrates and puts forth on social media . And with notes like “ Following your passions will always take you to incredible places ,” Shen ’ s life and work show she knows just what she ’ s talking about .
“ Women ’ s history needs to be told . It ’ s important for us to cultivate empathy and understanding for each other so that we know our collective story as a people .”
— ANN SHEN ’ 06
THE ORIGINAL FLY GIRLS
Alumna honors grandmother , a World War II aviatrix
Add one more to the list of Bad Girls : Elaine Harmon , World War II veteran . Her story never went in the history books , but her granddaughter , ERC graduate Erin Miller ’ 98 , hopes to change that .
During World War II , the United States solved a severe shortage of pilots by training female civilians to fly military aircrafts . Harmon was one of the 1,100 women who volunteered for the WASPs , or Women Airforce Service Pilots , serving their country for two years until the program ended in 1944 .
“ They were told not to publicize what they had done , and they went home and raised families ,” explains Miller . Initially , the WASPs had to fight for military recognition , only earning veteran status and retirement benefits in 1977 . Their eligibility to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery was revoked in 2015 , a month before Harmon ’ s passing . That struck a nerve with Miller .
The family launched a grassroots campaign and petition that gained over 178,000 supporters and mass media attention . In May 2016 , a law was signed ensuring that Miller ’ s grandmother , and all other WASPs , can be buried at Arlington . Harmon was laid to rest alongside fellow veterans this past September .
“ My grandmother was passionate about the legacy of the WASPs and hoped the next generation would learn about these women ,” says Miller . In this spirit , Miller is working on a book , Final Flight , Final Fight , to share the history of the WASPs , the story of her grandmother , and the fight to ensure equal recognition .
– Regina Limcaoco ’ 17
Erin Miller ’ 98 ( back right ) with her grandmother ’ s fellow WASP pilots and cause advocate Congresswoman Martha McSally .
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