We all have our favorite characters that we can rely on whenever we feel particularly downtrodden or when we are in need of motivation to go out and accomplish our goals. These characters can come in different genre forms, ages, genders and races, but the common denominator is that they leave us feeling more empowered than before. Here are 12 female characters that we should admire for their strength, courage and overall epic personalities.

1. Vivian Banks (Janet Hubert) – “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”

Starting off the list, Banks redefines what it means to be a mother and role model in the hit 90’s series. Before the character was recast, she displayed the characteristics of a great role model – she held her children and husband to a standard that she believed they could and should achieve, she was well informed about her socio-political climate and took action, and she stressed the importance of education not for the sake of memorization, but for a better understanding of where one comes from. Unfortunately, once the character was recast, the character’s role on the show was diminished until she no longer went toe-to-toe on important issues, but simply settled as a side, maternal figure.

2. Debbie Novotny – “Queer As Folk”

“Article 14 of the Supermom handbook says, ‘No kicking assholes when they’re down.’ They’d take away my halo.” Novotny may not be your stereotypical heroine, but through Sharon Gless’ portrayal, she brings to life the devoted Italian mother or grandmother that many of us grew up around. Whether she’s taking her son Michael’s friends in like they’re her own children, caring for her ill brother, Vic or showcasing her array of LGBTQ T-shirts, Novotny knows how to cut people down to size with her words or the occasional slap upside the head, and do it while serving them lunch.

3. Phoebe Buffay – “FRIENDS”

Buffay has easily had the most difficult life of the six friends – she drops the bombshell in the first episode that her mother committed suicide, her step-father went to prison and she moved to New York City and lived on the streets with an array of troubled men. However, she easily remains the most optimistic of the six characters, and perhaps that is because she has experienced more of life than any of them ever would. Her resilience is something that we should all hope to emulate when the going gets tough.

4. Jody Mills – “Supernatural”

Mills lost her son and her husband as a result of a supernatural beast turning her son, but despite the unbearable pain she endured then and since then, she continues to be an asset to Sam and Dean Winchester whenever they need her help. In addition to treating the boys as her own, she also takes in two young girls who came from rough times and raise them to be like her – strong, self-sufficient women.

5. Molly Weasley – "Harry Potter"

Everyone deserves a mom like Molly Weasley. Besides knitting the best family sweaters that redefine #squadgoals and being an amazing cook, she takes in Harry from the beginning, treating him like the eighth child that her family certainly could not afford, but was more than willing to give all that they had to love and support. She is perhaps one of the more underrated characters of the series – she tends to be overlooked for the “father figures” in Harry’s life –, but she deserves recognition for giving Harry the motherly love that he lacked during the defining years of his childhood.

6. Red – “Orange Is The New Black”

Red experiences hardships both inside and outside of prison, but she makes it her business to surround herself with loyal “daughters” who she would do anything for. We see throughout the seasons that she puts these girls ahead of herself like a mother would and whenever one of them gets into trouble, she is the first one scheming a way to protect them from going down to the SHU.

7. Raven Baxter – “That’s So Raven”

Although the high school psychic left our television screens nearly a decade ago, she will be returning soon enough after the new series “Raven’s Home” was green-lit in April. Baxter was a strong, empowered character who discussed important social issues that regretfully still have a place in our society, including racism and body shaming, particularly in the fashion industry. She was an inspiration for young girls and hopefully, the show’s revival will also mean that these key issues will be discussed again for the next generation of young viewers.

8. Rachel Green – “FRIENDS”

Green makes questionable decisions throughout the series, but if there is one thing that can be admired, it is her determination to achieve her dream of becoming a fashion consultant. Deciding that she is not getting any closer to that endgame by remaining a waitress in a coffeehouse, she quits her job and manages to work her way up the ladder, which though perhaps unrealistic, serves as a reminder that no matter how far off your dream may seem, you will not get any closer to reaching it if you wait for it to come to you.

9. Minerva McGonagall – "Harry Potter"

McGonagall was always a force to be reckoned with, and Maggie Smith’s portrayal of her in the Harry Potter films added to her impressive persona. McGonagall was first and foremost a teacher, and she had no time for people who disrespected or belittled her students. Easily more deserving of the role of headmaster than Albus Dumbledore, she helped lead Hogwarts into battle in the final novel and encouraged her students to set out and reach their full potential, even when others – such as Dolores Umbridge to Harry in the fifth novel – try to tell them that they are incapable of doing just that.

10. Arya Stark – “Game of Thrones”

“I wasn’t playing. And I don’t want to be a lady.” From the beginning of the series, Stark tries to redefine her role in society by learning how to duel, something strictly reserved for men in the medieval society. However, realizing that she is determined and that she will continue to find ways to practice regardless of whether or not she is allowed, her father helps her improve her technique, enabling her to protect herself in later seasons when she is in threatening situations. When we take a look at Stark, we should admire more than anything her determination to be unapologetically herself, and no one else.

11. Robin Scherbatsky – “How I Met Your Mother”

Scherbatsky is another one who can make questionable decisions at times, but she ultimately is fiercely independent and makes her own reality rather than letting others make it for her. As the series progresses, she does learn how to accept help from others, both in her personal and work life, and doing so marks an important transition for her where we see that she can still be self-reliant while also knowing when it is reasonable to ask for the help of a friend.

12. Claire Underwood – “House of Cards”

Underwood knows what she wants and she will fight for it by any means necessary. Oftentimes underestimated by those around her, she can slip between the cracks, even side-stepping her husband despite his belief that he is aware of her capabilities. One thing is certain: she is a force to be reckoned with under the best of circumstances.