A couple of suggestions in addition to the great advice you've already received here:
1. I believe there was or is a hidden subforum here that is accessible to women only. I've seen only one or two mentions of it over the years. If there is one and it is still active, and you'd like to seek advice there, click on the red button at bottom left in one of the posts in this thread and request access to it. I imagine that you'd then be sent a reply via private message.
2. If a travel bike is of special interest to you, look at the folding bike subforum here. There are lightweight, high-performance folders out there with a lot of loyal owners who range in height from very tall to very short. Getting one of those to fit you well should be easy. Maybe start a separate thread asking for advice in that subforum.