8 American Traditions Getting a Modern, Female-Driven Makeover

Alright, let’s talk about tradition. You know, that thing we do because… well, because we’ve always done it that way. But what happens when “the way we’ve always done it” starts to feel a little stale?

Enter the game-changers. Women across the country are stepping into traditionally male-dominated arenas and not just participating—they’re flipping the script entirely.

For example, according to the World Association of News Publishers, in 2024, women make up 24% of leadership roles across traditionally male-dominated industries, a significant step forward in reshaping the narrative. They’re taking old-school American traditions and giving them a much-needed, 21st-century glow-up. And spoiler alert: it’s fantastic.

Women are rewriting the rules, breaking records, and building empires. This isn’t just about “girl power” fluff; it’s a measurable, data-backed revolution.

Here are the eight American traditions getting a powerful, female-driven makeover.

Pro Sports: More Than Just a Game

Remember when women’s sports felt like the pre-show entertainment that no one really paid attention to? Well, consider that era officially over. We’re now witnessing a massive boom in women’s professional sports, and frankly, the numbers are mind-blowing.

In 2024, the WNBA saw 22 regular-season games pull in over 1 million viewers each, as noted by NBA Communications. Think about that. The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) drew nearly 400,000 fans to arenas in its inaugural season. We love to see it.

Rodeo: Cowgirls Are Running the Show

Women are literally taking over the contemporary world of rodeo, and they are not just accessories; they are the game.

For example, the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) began with 74 original members, but today, the association boasts more than 3,000 members, over 1,500 events, and payouts totaling over $5 million.

At youth events like the International Finals Youth Rodeo, female events made up well over half of the total entries. The kids are alright, and they’re roping and riding their way to the top.

Barbecue: Queens of the Pit

Barbecue has long been sanctified as one of the last strongholds of American masculinity. It’s all about big dudes, big smokers, and a whole lot of gatekeeping. At least, it used to be. Today, women are taking over the pit, and honestly, the food has never been better.

Take Susie Bulloch, who started her BBQ blog in 2012 when the scene was a total boys’ club. Today, she has more than 500 recipes on her website, a product line of sauces and rubs, and a barbecue empire, Utah Farm Bureau notes.

She’s not alone. Megan Day’s Burnt Finger BBQ Sauce was named the best on the planet in 2024. Sorry, fellas. What’s even cooler is how they’re bringing up the next generation.

Craft Beer: Reclaiming an Ancient Craft

For thousands of years, brewing beer was considered women’s work, according to the Museum of Oxford. It was a way to preserve grains and earn some independent income. Then, somewhere around the Middle Ages, men took over and pushed women out. Rude.

And get this—women might be biologically better at this. Women have more taste buds and a stronger sense of smell than men. This gives them a literal superpower when it comes to developing complex flavor profiles.

So next time someone tries to “well, actually” a woman about beer, you can kindly inform them of her genetic superiority in this arena.

Organizations like the Pink Boots Society are ensuring this trend continues by offering scholarships and networking opportunities for women and non-binary individuals in the industry.

The Coffee Industry: From Roasting to Revolution

Long before your fancy pour-over existed, women were roasting coffee beans in cast-iron skillets over an open fire. It’s a craft with deep roots.

Today, women are once again at the forefront, driving a new wave of quality, sustainability, and community in the specialty coffee world. These female entrepreneurs are building businesses focused on more than just profit.

They prioritize fair trade, sustainable farming, and creating welcoming community spaces. They’ve faced down skepticism and funding biases to build thriving businesses that have elevated the entire industry.

So next time you sip a perfectly balanced single-origin brew, thank a woman.

Sustainable Fashion: Saving the Planet, But Make it Chic

Let’s be real, fast fashion is a hot mess. It’s bad for the planet, bad for workers, and the clothes fall apart after three washes. Who’s leading the charge to fix it? You guessed it: women.

Female entrepreneurs are at the heart of the sustainable fashion movement, building brands that are ethical, eco-friendly, and actually stylish.

Pioneers like Stella McCartney have been doing this for decades, refusing to use leather or fur and innovating with materials like Mylo, a leather alternative made from mushrooms. These women aren’t just selling clothes; they’re selling a philosophy.

They’re proving that you can run a successful business without exploiting people or destroying the environment. It’s fashion as activism, and it looks good on everyone.

Tech Startups: Building It Their Way

The “hustle culture” of Silicon Valley—where sleep is for the weak and scaling at all costs is emphasized- is getting a much-needed rewrite. Female founders are flooding the startup scene, building businesses on their own terms and prioritizing sustainability and flexibility.

In a massive shift, nearly half (49%) of all new businesses in 2025 were founded by women, as highlighted by Forbes. That’s a 69% increase from 2019.

It’s a quiet rebellion against the old way of doing things, with tech. Women are proving that you don’t need a billionaire’s check to change the world.

Restaurants: Changing Kitchen Culture

The restaurant industry? Brutal hours, toxic vibes, unfair pay. But a new generation of fierce female chefs and owners is tossing that old recipe out the window and cooking up something completely fresh.

They are ensuring that everyone gets a fair shake, even by redesigning how tips are distributed. Think of a supper club that provides its staff with weekends off -you have never heard of it, right?

Consider cooperation, understanding, and support networks to mothers and underserved populations. It is about transforming the kitchen from a pressure cooker to a place where everybody can prosper.

The result? Better days, amazing food, and an industry that is a little more human.

Why investing for retirement is so important for women (and how to do it)

Why investing for retirement is so important for women (and how to do it)

Retirement planning can be challenging, especially for women who face unique obstacles such as the wage gap, caregiving responsibilities, and a longer life expectancy. It’s essential for women to educate themselves on financial literacy and overcome the investing gap to achieve a comfortable and secure retirement. So, let’s talk about why investing for retirement is important for women and how to start on this journey towards financial freedom.

Science Tells Us What To Expect As We Age: Strategies for Thriving in Later Life

Science Tells Us What To Expect As We Age: Strategies for Thriving in Later Life

How does aging affect our bodies and minds, and how can we adapt to those differences? These are questions that pertain to us all. Aging gradually alters people over decades, a long period shaped by individuals’ economic and social circumstances, their behaviors, their neighborhoods, and other factors. Also, while people experience common physiological issues in later life, they don’t follow a well-charted, developmentally predetermined path. Let’s take a look at what science has told us to expect.