Since 1982, Seattle’s official nickname has been “The Emerald City.” The Seattle-King County Convention and Visitors Bureau coined the term to attract visitors. The nickname for the city came about in 1982, and they included it in the city’s emblem.
The name came after a competition for the best nickname for the city held by the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Several individuals submitted “The Emerald City” in the summer of 1981 to the contest. Sarah Sterling-Franklin, a photographer and author from Carmel, California, was the main prize winner.
For her entry, Sterling-Franklin got a one-week vacation in Seattle and a one-week holiday in Acapulco. Karen Holum, a graphic designer, created the logo. For at least the following 20 years, the image appeared in advertisements, pamphlets, presents, and t-shirts.
Seattle’s History of Inspiring Women
Seattle has a long history of inspiring women who have had a significant impact on their communities. For over 50 years, Visit Seattle has been the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County. They’ve created a list of information and facts that show how valuable women are to their beloved city.
In Seattle, some organizations are assisting women with modifying their careers in the computer industry. Women Who Code and Ada Developers Academy are two local programs aimed at increasing women’s participation in the computer industry. These are programs that are well known in Seattle.
Women account for 43.8% of small business owners in Seattle, according to articles published by Inc.com and Forbes in 2020. According to those figures, Seattle is the second-highest city in the United States for female entrepreneurs due to myriad programs to support their ability to thrive. Not only does Washington State feature no corporate income tax, but there’s also many female venture capital support companies including:
- Female Founders Alliance (FFA)
- Women’s Funding Alliance
- Women’s Funding Network
- 100% Talent
This doesn’t include all the women venture capitalist that support women-run businesses in the Pacific Northwest. People like Hope Cochran, Liz Dunn, & Meredith Han. There are numerous studies that have found women-led startups drive more revenue than their male counterparts, yet venture capital goes to less than 3% of all women-owned businesses.
Plus, Seattle is still more affordable than California or New York — two other contenders for female entrepreneurs.
Women owned businesses continue to grow, recording $33 billion in sales to bolster Seattle’s economy.
Women’s History Month In Seattle
March is Women’s History Month, and Seattle is a city with a long history of notable women. Women like Marita Johnson and Thelma Fisher DeWitty. They were the first Black women teachers employed by Seattle Public Schools.
Bertha Knight Landes was the city’s first female mayor. In 1911, Sylvia Hunsicker, became the first female officer in the Seattle Police Department. Sylvia also had run for city council before joining the police force.
Kikisoblu, also known as Princess Angeline, was Chief Seattle’s oldest daughter who stayed on Duwamish land even after the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott.
The month of March is the time of year when they honor women like those mentioned. It is a time when the sacrifices and achievements of the women of Seattle Washington, past and present, receive the recognition they deserve.
Photo by CoWomen