Celebrating Radical Women Shopkeepers

In observance of International Women's Day 2011, I began tweeting about some of the amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs we've interviewed since this site launched in 2009. It was a wonderful experience to step back and see the scope and breadth of vital work being done by women all over this country. I am humbled by their contributions and successes, resolve and determination. I'm honored to know them.

Without further ado, a roundup of the some of the wonderful women of Sheepless Nation:

Micki Krimmel of NeighborGoods, a new online network of your neighbors designed to get you sharing your stuff and building community.

Jen Angel of Aid & Abet, a unique promotion and marketing agency specifically for artists and activists.

Caitlin Boyle of Film Sprout, one of the nation's top grassroots distribution consultants for environmentally-focused films.

Liz Kinnmark and Kegan Fisher of Design Glut, the wildly imaginative duo behind tounge-in-cheek wearable art and a blog featuring fellow artists.

Brook Sarson of H20-me, helping home-owners in drought-prone areas conserve water, harvest the rain, and install greywater recycling systems.

Katrina Scotto di Carlo of Supportland, Portland's highly effective independent business network and promotional program.

Britta Riley of Windowfarms, the crowd-developed, customizable, apartment-sized hydroponic indoor farm prototypes.

Emily Green of Emilime Handcrafted, working with Peruvian women's cooperatives of Alpaca wool knitters to bring eco-conscious fashions to the US.

Jessica Stockton Bagnulo and Rebecca Fitting of Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn, NY, built on neighborhood loans and community engagement.

Marni Majorelle of Alive Structures, the indomitable New York landscaping firm specializing in green roofs, ecological landscapes, and green walls.

I'd also like to take the opportunity to recognize and appreciate the creative and generous women who have contributed to Sheepless over the past few years: Chelsea Batten, Emily Warren, Jacqueline Bos, Jennifer Boyer, Kate Bryant, Maggie Feuchter, Tiffany Swift, and Vanessa Levine-Smith; as well as our remarkable guest contributors Cheryl Heller, Clara Kennedy, Erin Loechner, Jennifer Dessinger, and Stacy Mitchell.