She Shapes History NYC Walking Tours: Celebrating the Women Who Built New York City – Episode 216
For a NYC historical walking tour that goes beyond the typical sightseeing route, She Shapes History NYC invites you to see the city through a completely different lens.
When we think about the icons of New York City: the statues, the skyscrapers, the social movements, and the cultural institutions, we often hear the same names repeatedly.
They are predominantly male.
But here’s an important question:
Where are the women who shaped New York City into what it is today?
Women didn’t just contribute to New York’s story. They shaped it, challenged power, rewrote laws, and built movements.
And yet, so many of their names remain hidden or unknown, rarely found on plaques or monuments.
That’s exactly what She Shapes History NYC Walking Tours is working to change.
Continue reading or listen to the podcast episode for a full conversation.
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In this episode, Nikki Padilla Rivera and Beth Santos, the women behind She Shapes History NYC, join me. Together, they reframe how we experience New York City by centering the women whose stories have long been overlooked.
What is She Shapes History NYC?
She Shapes History NYC shines a light on the women who transformed and influenced the city.
“We’re talking about women who did really big things that may or may not have been really well known at the time.” Beth Santos, She Shapes History NYC
Guiding locals and visitors through the streets of NYC with a fresh lens, this NYC walking tour highlights women’s impact on politics, architecture, activism, art, and culture.
The tour starts at Grand Central, lasts 90 minutes, and prioritizes comfort and accessibility for all.
Women You Probably Didn’t Learn About in School
1. Audrey Munson
One of the fascinating stories highlighted on the tour is that of Audrey Munson.
Audrey Munson, a model for many of iconic New York City statues, has a story rarely told despite her visibility.
Audrey Munson is considered one of the first supermodels and was the first woman to appear nude in a film. She was once one of the most famous women in America, and today, she’s largely forgotten.
2. Frances Perkins
Frances Perkins was the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet, appointed Secretary of Labor in 1933.
Before that, she worked tirelessly for labor reform in New York. After she witnessed the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, the tragedy compelled her to fight for safer working conditions.
She later helped shape major New Deal policies, including Social Security, minimum wage laws, the 40-hour workweek, unemployment insurance, and child labor protections.
In short? Many of the workplace protections we enjoy today trace back to her leadership and her roots in New York City.
3. Ellen Stewart
Then there’s the story of Ellen Stewart, founder of La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, now considered one of the most influential experimental theaters in the world.
She saw that theaters in mid-20th-century New York refused to produce her brother’s work as a playwright of color, so she opened a small basement theater. What started as a passion project became a global cultural institution.
But did you know that was her second act?
Stewart arrived in New York aiming to design fashion, but initially worked as a porter due to limited opportunities.
A manager noticed she had designed and sewn her own dress and promoted her to an in-house designer. She eventually launched her own clothing line, with pieces carried by luxury retailers like Lord & Taylor and Bergdorf Goodman.
Two extraordinary careers. And yet, most of us have never heard her name.
Stories like these prompt us to ask: how many other names have been edited out of the narrative?
Tired of reading? Listen to this full podcast episode on Spotify.
Looking for the best women’s history walking tour in New York?
Here’s why She Shapes History NYC should be at the top of your list.
How This Tour Is Different from Other NYC Walking Tours
New York City has no shortage of walking tours. But most focus on well-known (and often male-dominated) narratives.
What makes She Shapes History NYC different?
- It reframes the city’s history through a women-centered lens
- Highlights stories that mainstream conversation often overlook
- You hear directly from the featured women themselves through quotes — no added assumptions or revisionist gloss
- It blends storytelling, cultural context, and social commentary
- Open-ended questions invite you to participate and chat with others on the tour
- These stories stay with you long after the walk ends and change the way you see the city — permanently
After the Badass Women of New York walking tour, historic sites and city landmarks will hold new meaning.
You’ll start asking deeper questions:
Who built this?
Who influenced this?
Who fought to make this possible?
“The whole goal is to get you thinking about what else has been erased from history. How can I get this information? It’s an experience in the truest sense of the word.” Nikki Padilla Rivera, She Shapes History NYC
“The best thing that people can do after taking one of these tours is to start looking at their surroundings with eyes open and realizing that everything has been created with some intention.” Beth Santos, She Shapes History NYC
The Perfect Women’s History Month Experience (Or Anytime)
March is Women’s History Month, making this an especially meaningful time to book a Badass Women of New York Walking Tour. But truly, this tour is impactful year-round.
Whether you’re:
- Visiting New York City for the first time
- A long-time local
- A history lover
- Or someone who wants a deeper, more inclusive understanding of the city
This experience is powerful and thought-provoking.
How to Book (Plus a Discount)
Ready for a new perspective? Book a walking tour with She Shapes History NYC.
➡️ Use promo code ‘TTC100’ at checkout to get (2) tickets for $100.
Spots fill fast, so plan ahead.
Plan Your NYC Trip
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Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.
