Ms. Rachel Wins Woman of the Year, and Hearts
When most people think of Ms. Rachel (Rachel Griffin Accurso) they picture her gentle voice leading toddlers through songs, sign language, and early learning on YouTube. But recently, she showed the world that her influence goes far beyond preschool education. At Glamour's 2025 Women of the Year Awards, she accepted her honor in a dress that spoke volumes, literally carrying the stories of children living through unimaginable hardship in Gaza.
A Platform Built on Care
Ms. Rachel's rise began out of a mother's love. She started making videos to help her own son with a speech delay, and over time her Songs for Littles channel grew into a global phenomenon.
Today, she oversees a media empire: billions of YouTube views, bestselling books, a line of toys, and a hit Netflix series.
But what makes her truly stand out is how she uses that reach.
Why She's Woman of the Year
Glamour recognized Ms. Rachel in 2025 not just for her success in children's media, but for her courageous advocacy. In her acceptance speech, she reminded everyone that her care "doesn't stop at my own children," it extends "to every child of the world."
She specifically called out her efforts to support children in Gaza, a cause she has made deeply personal.
The Dress That Carried a Message
Fashion became activism on the red carpet.
Ms. Rachel wore an up-cycled black-and-white gown, not just because she values sustainability, but because she wanted the dress itself to tell a story. The bodice and capelet were embroidered with drawings made by nine children from Gaza, each illustration matched with the artist's name in Arabic.
The imagery ranged from a dove covered in flowers to a girl embracing a watermelon (a symbol that has deep meaning for many Palestinians). In her speech, Ms. Rachel held up a sheet with photos of the young artists and said, "I'm carrying their stories in my heart."
One child, Rama, who lost both her sisters in the conflict, shared her words, and Ms. Rachel quoted her in her speech:
"I want to tell the world my sisters are not numbers. They are moons. They are like the stars; they shine and sparkle."
The dress was styled by Risa Kostis and paired with earrings from House of Whitty, but the emotional weight of that gown came from every stitch made in collaboration with children.
More Than Symbolism: Real Action
Ms. Rachel didn't just wear their art, she also made sure the children benefited materially. She donated to each of them and publicly acknowledged them on her platforms.
Her message is clear: having a platform is a responsibility, and she is using hers to elevate voices that are often ignored.
Why Her Impact Matters
Early Childhood Education: Ms. Rachel's approachable, kind style has made early learning accessible.
Advocacy: She's using her frame not just to entertain, but to speak out for children who are suffering.
Empathy Through Art: By asking children in Gaza to draw their own stories and wearing their artwork, she creates a deeply personal and visible bridge.
Global Attention: Her decision amplifies the experiences of those children to audiences who might not otherwise hear their voices.
Big Feelings, Bigger Lessons
In a world where celebrities often feel disconnected from real issues, Ms. Rachel offers a model of what it looks like when influence meets empathy. Her Woman of the Year award isn't just a recognition of what she's done, but it's an acknowledgement of her belief that caring for children should know no borders.
Her dress wasn't just fabric, it was a canvas for stories, grief, hope, and resilience.
To learn more information, visit www.womenspeakupus.org for resources, events and more.
Written by: Peighton Yoakam
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