About Abigail Riggs

Gail Riggs, PhD, MSW, is CEO and head of design for the Abigail Riggs Collection. The company, headquartered in Rochester, New York creates exclusive handbags that honor iconic women in our history. The company has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities including the Susan B. Anthony House Museum. Retailers now carry Abigail Riggs Collection handbags nationally. After majoring in Psychology and Art at Judson College, Riggs went to Tulane University for her masters and doctorate degrees in Social Work. She relocated to Rochester in 1993 and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in behavioral medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Riggs founded the Abigail Riggs Collection in 2001, the same year her twins John & Abigail were born. She was presented the, “Hope for a Cure,” award by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation this past November for her work designing a Hipster bag for individuals living with T1D to carry their lifesaving medical supplies.

This past spring Riggs was a “W” award honoree for the Rochester Women’s Network. She was recognized by Rochester General Health System and given the Agnes Bartlett Curtis Philanthropy Award in 2011 and the John Whitbeck M.D. Clinical Philanthropy Award in 2003.

About Amelia Earhart

Determined, independent and courageous, Amelia Earhart was always looking for adventure. The most accomplished aviatrix of her day, she was constantly breaking records, flew farther than any woman, and most importantly, she never doubted her ability to succeed just because of her gender. In 1932, she became the first woman and second person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She pushed the boundaries of female stereotypes and aimed to inspire other women to do the same. Leading by example, Amelia used her fame and status as an American hero to encourage women to reach their full potential. In addition to her world-renowned success as an aviatrix, she was an author, lecturer, businesswoman and career advisor to young women.

Her countless successes in her field, as well as her contributions to the advancement of women’s equality and independence should not only be remembered, but celebrated. It is for these reasons we have chosen Amelia Earhart as our latest iconic woman to honor with her own Purse with a Purpose.

Press

	Rochester Magazine A Purse with a Purpose "The Style and Substance of Gail Riggs"
	Women You Should Know www.womenyoushouldknow.net "Gail Riggs Gives Purpose to Purses"
	Gloria Steinem is given a Ms. Anthony! Gloria Steinem is given a Ms. Anthony in appreciation for her Planned Parenthood speech in Rochester, NY.
	Abby and Anthony Women’s soccer star Abby Wambachwas awarded a Susan B Anthony Bag by the Susan B Anthony House.
	Alec Baldwin Buys Ms. Anthony Bag Alec Baldwin was one of two people with winning bids of $5,000 for Ms. Anthony to benefit Hillside Family of Agencies.
	The New York Times Finds Ms. Anthony Front Row Writer, Eric Wilson writes : "On her arm, a symbol of freedom."