Literary canons, history textbooks, political speeches-- so often the narrow places we draw wisdom from are defined by men. At the end of women’s history month, I want to take some time to curate the words of some amazing modern women. Here are some inspirational quotes for women and by women.

1. Oprah Winfrey

“Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create.”

2. Hillary Clinton

“Take criticism seriously, but not personally. If there is truth or merit in the criticism, try to learn from it. Otherwise, let it roll right off you.”

3. Janet Mock

“Femininity in general is seen as frivolous. People often say feminine people are doing “the most,” meaning that to don a dress, heels, lipstick, and big hair is artifice, fake, and a distraction. But I knew even as a teenager that my femininity was more than just adornments; they were extensions of me, enabling me to express myself and my identity. My body, my clothes, and my makeup are on purpose, just as I am on purpose.”

4. Janis Joplin

“Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got. There is no yesterday, no tomorrow, it’s all the same day.”

5. Michelle Obama

“No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half of its citizens.”

6. Ellen Page

“When we're growing up there are all sorts of people telling us what to do when really what we need is space to work out who to be. “

7. Malala Yousafzai

“I had two options. One was to remain silent and never to speak and then to be killed by the terrorists. The second option was to speak up for my rights and then die. And I chose the second one.”

8. Maya Angelou

“I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”