WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Independent Women Features (IW Features), the grassroots storytelling and original journalism arm of Independent Women, is announcing the relaunch of its popular “Champion Women” series in honor of Women’s History Month. The monthly series will continue its goal of celebrating and highlighting the stories of women who inspire generations, seek change for good, and believe in what they do.
The first profile in the revamp features Charlotte Hays, who first joined Independent Women in 1999 as editor of The Women’s Quarterly, Independent Women’s Forum’s magazine. Hays began writing the Champion Women series in 2012 and over the last 13 years has shared the stories of hundreds of remarkable women including Tulsi Gabbard, Lynn Friess, Kristi Noem, Harris Faulkner, Karol Markowicz, Betsy Kallop, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa, Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana, Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan, and Rep. Michelle Steel of California.
“The idea behind Champion Women was if you’re a Left-wing woman, you get all of these write-ups. You’re featured in the style section, The New York Times writes about you, all the magazines write about you,” Hays told IW Features. “If you’re a really prominent Left-wing woman, you get on the cover of Vogue, and women of the Right who have tremendous achievements don’t get anything like that.”
Hays added that the Champion Women series features conservative women “who had achievements, who were interesting, who had something to say, but who would never be written up in The Washington Post.”
“What I would say is that everybody I profiled for Champion Women is a woman who thinks for herself. These are not women who just follow the party line. Not a single sheep in the bunch—and it grew into a large bunch. Conservative women almost have to go against the grain, don’t they?” Hays told IW Features.
Hays’ contributions to Independent Women extend well beyond The Women’s Quarterly and the Champion Women series. She authored a book for the organization in 2020, titled The Women Who Won the Vote, to celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage, and in 2014 wrote a chapter for LEAN TOGETHER: An Agenda for Smarter Government, Stronger Communities, and More Opportunity for Women. Hays also served as director of cultural programs, senior editor for Independent Women, and creator of Daily Musts, a morning newsletter for Independent Women’s Network with top curated news and Ms. Musts hot takes, prior to her retirement in December 2024. Hays continues to contribute to Daily Musts for Independent Women.
Charlotte Hays speaks at Independent Women’s Forum’s Women LEAD Summit on June 4, 2015, in Washington, D.C.
Read the feature article of Charlotte Hays HERE.
Carrie Lukas, president of Independent Women, said: “Charlotte has always helped keep Independent Women focused on the North Star of what we are trying to preserve: A country of boundless opportunity that encourages the best in people, in part by expecting the best. We care not only about government policy, but creating a vibrant culture and civil society that is aware of our country’s history, respects it, and seeks to build on it to make us all better.”
Amber Schwartz, executive vice president of Independent Women, said: “Charlotte’s incredible wit and entertaining writing have helped make Independent Women the powerhouse it is today. Over the years, she has elevated countless conservative women who deserve to be celebrated by telling their stories of trials, growth, and triumph. Now it’s time to celebrate Charlotte’s story, and she deserves every bit of recognition for the amazing woman that she is!”
Champion Women profiles drafted by Charlotte Hays will remain in an archive accessible here.
As part of the series relaunch, Champion Women will now showcase highly visual profiles with stunning portrait photography and in-studio recorded video interviews alongside the written piece. Appropriately announced during Women’s History Month, this innovative update aims to create an immersive, multimedia experience that incorporates professional magazine-like photography, photos from the subject’s past, studio production, and video content, capturing the essence of each featured individual.
“We believe that every story deserves to be told in the most impactful way possible,” said Samantha Aschieris, senior contributor at Independent Women Features and producer of the newly refreshed Champion Women series. “By incorporating high-quality visuals and video content, we are elevating our storytelling to new heights, allowing our audience to truly connect with the inspiring journeys of these incredible women.”
Direct media inquiries and booking requests to [email protected].