Ep.121 “Rooted, Unbothered, and Leading: Beacon’s Women Making History”

In this special Women’s History Month episode of This Is Beacon, Brooke, Reuben, and Brandon welcome guest co-host Tara Simmons for a conversation celebrating the women shaping Beacon’s past, present, and future.The episode kicks off with the city buzzing after the Beacon High School Varsity Boys Basketball team’s Sectional Championship win, while also highlighting the incredible leadership behind Beacon’s girls basketball program, led by Christina Ricottilli and Maritza Anderson.The hosts reflect on the lasting legacy of women in Beacon—from trailblazing educators to Beacon’s first female mayor, Clara Lou Gould—and recognize the strong presence of women-owned businesses throughout Main Street. They also acknowledge the legacy of BJ’s Restaurant, a longtime community staple run by Barbara and Brenda Sims.Guest Tara Simmons introduces her new faith-based women’s initiative, Rooted and Unbothered, focused on personal growth, resilience, and building authentic sisterhood in a time when many women are seeking deeper connection and support.The conversation also highlights the upcoming EmpowerHer Women’s Health Event, hosted by Les Soeurs Amiables Civic Club, taking place March 21 from 10am–2pm at St. Andrew & St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Beacon. The event will feature sessions on women and wealth with Jasmine Vasquez, navigating menopause with Thomasina Brock of M.E.A.N. Girls, and yoga and meditation with La’Shawn Martinez, creating space for women to prioritize their health, knowledge, and wellbeing.The episode wraps with ways to get involved locally—from supporting women-owned businesses to showing up for community moments like EmpowerHer, the Parade of Green, and other events that bring Beacon together.Because when women lead and communities show up for one another, Beacon thrives.