Call it the year of we-don’t-have-to-live-like-this. In 2021, a growing number of passionate Baton Rouge women decided it was time to refuse to accept the status quo—and that they were not too small to make a major impact on our community and our world. Their actions are beautifying our streets, helping to prevent future flooding, providing nourishment to those in need, and literally saving lives.

Below, inRegister highlights nine such women—six individuals and one group of three. Click their names below to learn about their inspiring efforts.

Marie Constantin, Kelly Hurtado & Renée Verma

Louisiana Stormwater Coalition

Carla Brown

COVID Crusaders

D’Andra Odom

One BReath Project

Christina Carville

Knock Out MS Foundation 

Jennifer Richardson

Keep Tiger Town Beautiful

Whitney Breaux

Day 18 Campaign

Lori Bertman

Center for Disaster Philanthropy