History-making Women in the Bay Area

Artist Ruth Asawa poses in front of her unnamed original piece, which consists of a wall of ceramic masks. Photo courtesy of Metro Silicon Valley.

To mark Women’s History Month this March, we’re celebrating the many inspiring women making history around the Bay Area. From chefs and artists to entrepreneurs and even the first female Major League Baseball coach, so many women have contributed to the success and vibrance of our local cities. While there are loads of females to honor, these five are extraordinary, and you can witness their work near BART. Don't forget your Clipper card!

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Photo courtesy of the San Francisco Chronicle. 

Alice Waters | Downtown Berkeley

The James Beard Foundation’s first female “Best Chef in America” made history with her restaurant Chez Panisse, which rose to fame in the early 1970s by introducing fresh farm-to-table meals. Currently, Chez Panisse offers California cuisine using only peak-season produce. Patrons can dine downstairs in the main restaurant for a rotating four-course fixed menu or upstairs in the café to dine a la carte. If that wasn’t enough, Waters’ innovative vision of food spreads well beyond her popular Berkeley restaurant and into her Edible Schoolyard Project, which teaches school-aged children how to grow, cook and share healthy food in the Bay Area. In 2015, President Obama awarded Waters a National Humanities Medal, further solidifying her spot in the history books. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley to dine at the famous Chez Panisse 0.7 miles away at 1517 Shattuck Ave.

 Ayesha Curry smiles behind the bar of her award-winning restaurant International Smoke. Photo courtesy of Chron.

Ayesha Curry | 19th St/Oakland or Embarcadero

Ayesha Curry is married to one of the biggest NBA stars, but she is a powerful woman making history in her own right. A renowned restaurateur, she teamed up with award-winning chef Michael Minna to create one of San Francisco's most popular restaurants, International Smoke. The restaurant is a global celebration of international cooking techniques, producing dishes full of flavor and creativity. Curry is also a New York Times bestselling cookbook author, producer and host. Her inclusive lifestyle brand, Sweet July, aims to uplift diverse voices and creators through sales and stories. The brand includes a brick-and-mortar store and cafe in Oakland, a product line, a lifestyle magazine, a production company and a publishing arm. Curry and her husband are also co-founders of Eat.Play.Learn., which focuses on childhood hunger, education and safe places to play. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland to visit Sweet July 0.3 miles away at 455 23rd St. You can also take BART to Embarcadero to enjoy a meal at International Smoke 0.2 miles away at 301 Mission St.

Alyssa Nakken smiles for her official SF Giants headshot. Photo courtesy San Francisco Travel.

Alyssa Nakken | Embarcadero

Starting as a baseball operation intern for the San Francisco Giants in 2014, Alyssa Nakken made history in 2020 when she became Major League Baseball’s first female full-time coach. And she didn’t stop there. In 2022, Nakken also became the first woman to coach on the field when she filled in for Antoan Richardson at first base. In 2023, she became the first woman to officially interview for an MLB managerial job. Nakken’s achievements have inspired women around the country. Currently, there are 43 female coaches in the league. As an added accolade, in early 2024, this trailblazer became a first-time mom. Take BART to Embarcadero and walk 1.2 miles, or transfer at Embarcadero to the Muni Metro N Line and pop out at the stadium, 24 Willie Mays Plaza. 

Angie Clifton stands in front of the Palace Hotel. Photo courtesy of the San Francisco Examiner.

Angie Clifton | Montgomery St

In 2023, after 25 years in the hospitality industry, Angie Clifton stepped into the role of General Manager at the Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in San Francisco. Upon doing so, she became the first female manager in the hotel’s nearly 150-year history. The accommodation on the corner of New Montgomery and Market Streets is famous for its Garden Court. It features a 110-year-old ornate glass dome, gorgeous Austrian crystal chandeliers and Italian marble pillars. The hotel is also home to the Pied Piper, a unique restaurant and bar named after the famous painting by Maxfield Parrish that adorns the wall. This dark and cozy lounge serves delicious dinners and tasty drinks in a warm and charming atmosphere. Take BART to Montgomery St for tea in the Garden Court or a cocktail in the Pied Piper just 160 ft away at 2 New Montgomery St.

Ruth Asawa's fountain in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Google Images.

Ruth Asawa | Powell St

Ruth Asawa is one of the most well-known artists in the Bay Area. Chances are, you’ve probably seen at least one of her inspiring pieces in a local museum or decorating a city street. Asawa made history in the Bay Area through her sculptures that challenged traditional norms and her advocacy for the arts, including the creation of the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts in San Francisco. Her artwork continues to inspire those who see it. Luckily, you can spot Asawa’s creations throughout the Bay Area, but one fun BARTable location is the San Francisco Fountain, a bronze statue between the Apple store and the Grand Hyatt hotel. This community-minded piece depicts intricately detailed city landmarks and is well worth a visit. Take BART to Powell St to see Ruth Asawa’s masterpiece, which is 0.4 miles away at 301-349 Stockton St.

Who is Your Favorite Bay Area Woman Making History?

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