Those of you who have followed me for long time know that since 2016 I have dressed up every Halloween as a woman I admire. Here’s a roundup of who I have been and why I chose her. Read to the end to uncover who I will be this year!

1. Rosie the Rivetter 

This iconic marketing campaign was launched during World War II to promote female empowerment and encourage women to join the workforce in support of the war effort, filling the labor shortage as men went off to fight. The tagline: “We Can Do It!” Many women who worked in wartime industries were collectively referred to as “Rosie,” inspired by the 1943 song “Rosie the Riveter” and various promotional posters. Over time, Rosie has come to symbolize the broader struggle for women’s rights and gender equality in the workplace. I admire Rosie as a ubiquitous cultural icon who is recognized and revered across generations and party lines.

2. Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball was a pioneering American actress, comedian, and producer, best known for her groundbreaking work on television. She became a cultural icon through her role in the classic TV sitcom I Love Lucy, which originally aired from 1951 to 1957. Her portrayal of Lucy Ricardo, a zany and determined housewife with dreams of showbiz fame, made her one of the most beloved comedic performers in American television history. Her legacy remains strong, with I Love Lucy continuing to be celebrated by new generations of viewers. I have always admired her wit and creativity.

3. Billie Jean King

A trailblazing advocate for gender equality in sports and beyond, in 1973, King famously won the “Battle of the Sexes” match against Bobby Riggs, a retired male tennis champion. Riggs had boasted that no woman could beat him, and King’s victory was a significant moment in the fight for gender equality in sports. King fought tirelessly for equal pay in tennis. In 1973, she played a key role in helping the U.S. Open become the first major tennis tournament to offer equal prize money for both men and women. King has received numerous awards for her work both on and off the court, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, the highest civilian honor in the United States. She is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of sports, using her platform to push for social change. I admire her determination to win.

4. Ruth Bader Ginsberg

An influential American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1993 until her death in 2020, she was the second woman ever appointed to the Supreme Court and became a prominent figure in the fight for gender equality, civil rights and social justice. Ginsburg earned the nickname “The Great Dissenter” for her passionate dissents in cases where she believed the majority was wrong, particularly in issues related to women’s rights and social justice. In her later years, Ginsburg became a pop culture icon, affectionately referred to as “The Notorious RBG” (a play on the name of rapper Notorious B.I.G.). I admire her standing up for what she believed in even if it wasn’t the popular opinion.

5. Ellen DeGeneres

Comedian, television host, actress and producer first became known for her quirky, deadpan style. In 1997, both Ellen DeGeneres and her TV character came out as gay on Ellen. This was a historic moment for LGBTQ+ representation on television, for which she won the Peabody Award. After coming out, DeGeneres faced backlash from some viewers and advertisers. In 2003, DeGeneres launched The Ellen DeGeneres Show, a daytime talk show that became hugely popular for its blend of humor, celebrity interviews, musical performances and feel-good segments like giveaways and charitable acts. Ellen’s affable personality, upbeat demeanor and the show’s positivity made it a major hit. I admire her for continuing her success in the face of adversity.

6. Dolly Parton

An iconic American singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist and businesswoman, Parton is known for her significant contributions to country music as well as her larger-than-life personality and philanthropic efforts. Her career spans over six decades, and she is recognized as one of the most successful and beloved figures in the entertainment industry. She recorded hits like “Jolene” (1973), “Coat of Many Colors” (1971), and “I Will Always Love You” (1974), all of which are now considered classics. Parton made her acting debut in the hit film 9 to 5 (1980), co-starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. I admire Dolly for her unbridled success in a male-dominated industry and for songs like “9 to 5,” which highlight women’s struggles in the workplace.

7. Jackie Kennedy

First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963 as the wife of President John F. Kennedy. She is remembered for her elegance, style, and contributions to the arts and historic preservation, as well as her resilience in the face of personal tragedy. Later in life, she became a successful book editor. Before her marriage to John F. Kennedy, she worked as a reporter and photographer for The Washington Times-Herald, where she gained a reputation for her intellect and charm. I admire her for being a champion of the arts and culture, as she often invited artists, writers and intellectuals to the White House. And, of course, for her impeccable sense of fashion. Last and most importantly, for her composure in the aftermath of the assassination of her husband, which left a lasting impression on the world.

8. Mary Poppins

A beloved fictional character created by British author P.L. Travers, she is the magical and whimsical nanny who appears in the Mary Poppins book series and became even more widely known through Disney’s 1964 film adaptation. In the books, Mary Poppins is portrayed as a somewhat strict but ultimately kind and magical nanny who arrives on the doorstep of the Banks family in London to care for their children. She has a no-nonsense attitude and carries herself with dignity, but she’s also capable of incredible magical feats, such as flying with an umbrella or sliding up a banister. The film was a massive commercial and critical success and is still considered one of the best and most beloved films in Disney history. It received 13 Academy Award nominations and won five. I admire this character for representing joy, magic and the importance of imagination.

9. The Target Lady

This year I will be The Target Lady, played by Kristen Wiig. The character is a quirky, enthusiastic, and slightly clueless cashier at a Target store. She’s known for her extreme excitement about her job and the products people buy, often to a ridiculous degree. Her over-the-top enthusiasm for even the most mundane items, like laundry detergent or paper towels, is a key part of the character’s comedic appeal. One of her common catchphrases is, “I love it!” uttered in a guttural voice whenever she scans a customer’s purchase, no matter how ordinary the item is. I admire this character for reminding us to get excited about everyday life and embrace our awkwardness.

Who shall I be next year?

Since 2007, Big Buzz® has helped Stage II to Stage III organizations systemize marketing to achieve growth goals. Founder and CEO Wendy O’Donovan Phillips is the author of two books available on Amazon, Kaboom and Flourish, multiple data-driven eBooks, has been published in McKnight’s, in Forbes, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, ABC News, and Chicago Tribune. She has lectured for the American Dental Association, Argentum, several chapters of LeadingAge, and dozens of other organizations in front of audiences ranging in size from 25 to 3,000. She has been honored by the American Marketing Association for excellence in her field and has been named a Gold Key Award Winner by the Business Marketing Association. In her two-decades-long career, she has consulted with hundreds of organizations globally to support improved marketing clarity, strategies and outcomes. Get details: visit www.bigbuzzinc.com and follow Wendy.