InStyle USA – August 2019

 51

BADASS WOMEN

AR: What makes a standout journalist?

RR: Asking the tough questions and

not flinching or apologizing when you

do. Male journalists do it all the time.

They don’t have to make excuses; no

one looks at them sideways. A woman

does it and it’s like, “Who do you think

you are?” I’m a badass, that’s who I am,

and I’m going to ask a question and

make sure it gets answered.

AR: What’s the most badass thing

you’ve ever done?

RR: Going on the air bald. For me, as a

woman and as a woman of color, hair

is a daily conversation. Not only to go

on the air bald but also to have held my

head up high, embracing what I was

experiencing—that was my moment.

AR: What is the toughest part about

being a journalist right now?

RR: There are people in our profession

who die, who put their lives on the

line both at home and abroad. And for

us to be labeled as “untrustworthy”

or “fake”—it makes me angry.

AR: What have you learned from the

women you admire?

RR: I’m staring at one right now. There

The co-anchors of Good Morning America and 20/20, respectively,

have learned a lot about life, success, and survival during their time at

ABC. Here, Robach interviews Roberts about her biggest triumphs plus

the breast-cancer struggles they have helped each other get through.

19-20

Robin Roberts

& Amy Robach

many venture capitalists
passed on—but now, take
note, this is what the future
looks like.”

18 GRACE STRATTON
In March the 20-year-old
New Zealand native
launched All Is for All, a
specialty e-commerce
site featuring clothing and
accessories presented
in an accessible way for
people with disabilities.
It provides detailed alt-text
descriptions for the visually
impaired and information
about closures for those
who have dexterity issues.
She also established an
agency for models with
access needs. “Once you
feel strength in who you
are, you’ll know your power,”
says Stratton, who has
used a wheelchair since
she was 1 year old. “I
believe that’s the first step
to becoming a badass.”

was never that “Oh, she’s trying to

take my job!” You were there to hold

my hand and help me, especially when

I was going through my breast-cancer

diagnosis and treatment. I always

used to say to myself, “How will I ever

be able to repay this woman?”

AR: With my life! [Roberts persuaded

Robach to get an on-air mammogram

in 2013, which later showed she

had Stage 2 breast cancer.] I realized

that fear can either cripple you or

motivate you, and I chose the latter.

And you don’t have to have cancer

hanging over your head—you could be

in a school, a church, or a synagogue

and the unthinkable could happen.

You gotta start living. It certainly

helps when you have friends sitting

next to you.

RR: Dang! I’m glad you say that,

because I think women get a bad rap.

There can be mean girls any where.

And men tend to be able to knock each

other out and go have a beer. But I

would love to think that we’re more

the rule than the exception.

AR: We’re stronger together.

KATRINA

LAKE

SARAH

BERGBREITER

AMY ROBACH (left)

& ROBIN

ROBERTS