Her City San Francisco:How Greether brought women's Herstory to life through the streets of SF
On March 29, 2026, the streets of San Francisco became something more than a backdrop. They became a stage for stories long overdue, for a community of women finally gathered in the same place, and for a walking experience that proved, without question, that the history of this city has always had women at its center.
Her City: San Francisco, hosted by Greether— one of the fastest-growing platforms redefining women's travel, connecting female travelers with verified local women in over 100 countries and 1,000+ cities worldwide — was more than a walking tour. It was San Francisco's first-of-its-kind women-only walking experience: a cultural celebration, a community gathering, and the beginning of something much bigger.
The event arrived at a meaningful moment. As conversations around women's safety, and representation continue to shape global travel. Her City offered a timely reminder of what this city has always been: a place built, in no small part, by women.
What Is Her City?
Her City is a women's walking tour concept created by Vanessa Karel, founder of Greether and a San Francisco local, designed to uncover the untold stories of the women who shaped a city — while spotlighting the women leading it today.
The San Francisco edition was the inaugural event, taking place in honor of Women's History Month. It guided participants through some of the city's most iconic neighborhoods — from Union Square through Chinatown and into North Beach — weaving together history, community, and the kind of storytelling that doesn't make it into most guidebooks.
Along the way, participants encountered stories of women who left their mark on San Francisco: arts patron Alma de Bretteville Spreckels, influential Chinese American political advocate Rose Pak, and global artist Frida Kahlo, who spent time in San Francisco during a formative period of her artistic life.
"Her City is about reclaiming space — physically, historically, and culturally. For generations, women have shaped cities in ways that often go unrecognized. This experience honors their impact while creating a safe, empowering space for women to gather, connect, and celebrate one another. It's a love letter to the women who came before us and the women who are here today paving the path for future generations." - Vanessa Karel, Founder & CEO of Greether
The event also marked the beginning of Greether's effort to build what aims to become the largest directory of women-led and women-owned businesses in San Francisco — a living resource for women traveling to or living in the city, designed to increase visibility and economic opportunity for women entrepreneurs across San Francisco.
"When women travel, they often look for places where they feel welcomed and represented. Our goal is to make it easier for women visiting San Francisco — and women who live here — to discover the incredible businesses built by women across the city and to continue to contribute to their economy." - Vanessa Karel, Founder & CEO of Greether
The Walk: Stop by Stop
Her City unfolded across ten carefully curated stops, each one chosen to tell a different chapter of San Francisco's women's history — and to introduce the women writing its next one.
Union Square — Where It All Began
Where women gathered in shades of pink and purple, ready to see their city through a new lens. The energy was immediate — a community of strangers becoming something more within minutes of arriving.
Maiden Lane — The Gold Rush Era
The first stop on the walk took participants back to the Gold Rush era, exploring the women who lived through one of the most transformative — and often dangerous — periods in San Francisco's history. Led by Vanessa Karel, this stop set the tone for the day: nuanced, honest, and deeply human storytelling.
Corgi Cafe — The First Woman of the Present
At Corgi Cafe, the walk transitioned from past to present with the introduction of the first Woman of the Present — a local woman making her mark on San Francisco today. Coffee in hand, the community all around.
St. Mary's Square — The Comfort Women Column of Strength
One of the most powerful stops of the day. Alondra Esquivel and Josie Dominguez-Chand, co-founders of SF Latinas Social Club, introduced participants to the Comfort Women Column of Strength — a monument honoring the women who suffered sexual slavery during World War II. The moment drew silence, reflection, and more than a few tears.
On Waverly — A Business Spotlight
Waverly Place, tucked into the heart of Chinatown, became the setting for a spotlight on women-led businesses shaping San Francisco's economy today — a reminder that Her City isn't just about looking back. It's equally focused on the women building the city's future.
Fortune Cookie Alley — Surprises and Storytelling
In keeping with the spirit of surprises Vanessa had promised, Fortune Cookie Alley delivered: Greether fortune cookies, the story of the Josie cookie factory, and an unexpected moment of joy mid-walk. One of those stops that reminds you why in-person, community-driven experiences can't be replicated online.
Jack Kerouac Alley — Into North Beach
The walk moved into North Beach through Jack Kerouac Alley, where Vanessa introduced the neighborhood's layered history — and the women whose stories the Beat Generation often left out of the narrative.
The Frida Surprise & Redwoods — A Hidden Chapter of Art History
Perhaps the most talked-about stop of the day. Here, participants learned about Frida Kahlo's time in San Francisco — a period that proved formative to her artistic development, and a detail that most people in the group had never encountered before. Combined with a reflection on the Transamerica building's sustainability legacy, this stop captured everything Her City was designed to do: surprise, educate, and inspire.
R-Evolution — The Fourth Woman of the Present
The penultimate stop brought another contemporary trailblazer into the spotlight, honoring the women who are actively redefining what San Francisco looks like today.
Closing of Tour — And Then, the After-Party
Vanessa closed the walking experience with remarks that brought the day full circle — celebrating both the women who came before and the ones walking beside her. VIP ticket holders were then guided to Hôtel Biron, a candlelit wine and art bar in Hayes Valley known for spotlighting female winemakers and artists, for an exclusive after-party to close out the evening.
“As a travel girlie who’s done plenty of walking tours in cities worldwide, no lie, Her City is now in my top 3 faves 🙌🏽💕
Wandering around the city with a group of inspiring women learning about other inspiring women was the perfect wrap-up to Women’s History Month and I hella can’t wait for the next Her City tour!” - Avagail, Female traveler & Her City attendee
Photo credit: @avagailadventures
Investing in Women, Investing in Communities
Her City was supported by a coalition of women-led and mission-driven partners who believe in the economic and cultural power of women's communities.
Root & Rise, the Champion City Sponsor and a retreat-style summer camp in the French countryside for women and nonbinary adults, brought both financial support and a shared vision to the event. Root & Rise began when founder Erin McGuire shared a vision for a space centered on nourishment, creativity, and community care — a vision that quickly became a collective movement, with more than 40 women stepping forward to invest and form a Founders Circle.
"When women gather, history shifts. Women's History Month reminds us that we are not just inheriting stories — we are actively writing them together." - Erin McGuire, Founder of Root & Rise
Women Tech Meetup, a community of over 10,000 female founders and women in tech led by Dasha Shunina, also joined as a key partner. "The city needs to know its heroes," said Shunina. "San Francisco has so many incredible women who have left their mark on history — and continue shaping the future."
Additional partners included SF Latinas Social Club, #LatinaGeeks, Cherish Tours, Latino World Travelers, Lady Falcon Coffee Club, Charmed in SF, For Women's Health, Corgi Insurance, SF Social Club, Beekeeper's Naturals, Bloom, and the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department — together reflecting Her City's broader mission of creating spaces where women are visible, celebrated, and supported locally and globally.
"The launch of ‘Her City’ 💜✨ was such an amazing experience. I really felt the power of women and all the stories and contributions they’ve shaped the city and continue to do so today in San Francisco.
It was incredible to see the city through a different lens and realize the big things we can create together.
Greether is not just about exploring a place, it’s about connecting with other women, feeling safe, and sharing meaningful experiences while traveling.
For a day, I didn’t feel like a tourist… I felt part of something special. 🫶🏼 " - Cindy G., Content creator and Her City attendee
About Greether: Redefining Women's Travel
Greether was founded by Vanessa Karel with a mission as clear as it is necessary: help women navigate the world with fewer risks while creating economic opportunities for women globally.
The platform connects female travelers with verified local female Greeters — think of it as booking your local best friend, wherever you go. It has grown organically to help women in over 100 countries and more than 1,000 cities worldwide, across every continent.
Greether has been recognized as Travel Startup of the Year at WTM London, named one of the 25 Hottest Travel Startups by PhocusWire, and previously recognized as one of the most innovative female-empowerment travel startups globally by the UNWTO Awake Tourism Challenge.
Her City is a natural extension of that mission — applied locally, with global implications. Because empowering women to travel safely and meaningfully doesn't stop at booking a Greeter. It extends to how cities are experienced, how history is told, and how communities are built.
"My favorite part of the Her City experience definitely would have to be how much I learned about the history and the rich culture of San Francisco. Being able to walk the same streets as so many amazing philanthropists, artists, etc., is what really made me feel immersed in the city more than I typically would." - Kylie A. , Her City attendee
What Comes Next
Her City: San Francisco was the first — but it won't be the last.
For women who travel — and for the women who call San Francisco home — Her City represents something important: proof that when women's stories are centered, something shifts. Conversations deepen. Connections form. Communities grow stronger.
"Thank you for the wonderful experience. My favorite moment from the walk was learning so much history. Vanessa shared so many gems about the city that I had no idea about. I also enjoyed meeting and connecting with other amazing women. It was empowering to come together and explore the city 💕" - Stefany H., Her City attendee
Experience San Francisco Through Her Stories
If Her City: San Francisco has inspired you to explore the city through a new lens — or to discover what Greether can do for your next trip anywhere in the world — here's where to start.
You can have a local expert, a trusted guide, a friendly face waiting to welcome you wherever you go. 🌍 Whether you're visiting San Francisco for the first time or planning your next international adventure, Greether is built to make that experience safer, richer, and more meaningful.
Want to book a Greeter for your next trip?
🌟 Click here 🌟
To connect with us: info@greether.com or dm us at @greet.her
