From mothers to grandmothers, sisters, friends, partners and wives, amazing women help keep our world turning. Whether it be packing school lunches or teaching us the ways of the world, I believe I can speak for many when I say that the strong women in our lives have helped shape us into who we are. There really is no shortage of female role-models, but there is always room to recognize even more. Here are 21 inspiring women that are completely worth obsessing over:
1. Ruth Bader Ginsburg
There's a reason why this woman has been given the nickname "Notorious RBG." As the second ever female supreme court justice, RBG maintains a fierce legal reputation and a rap sheet containing several historic rulings.
2. Oprah Winfrey
If you didn't know already, Oprah Winfrey has succeeded in the realms of activism and philanthropy, as well as having one of the most successful talk-shows ever. Plus, with a net worth of $3.2 billion, Oprah was one of the first African-American billionaires in the world.
3. Ellen Degeneres
Similar to Oprah, Ellen is known for her extremely successful talk-show, as well as her involvement in LGBT activism and philanthropy for a multitude of causes. In 2016, former president Barack Obama presented Ellen with a Presidential Medal of Freedom, which the highest honor a U.S. civilian can receive. Plus, let's be real, she's hilarious.
4. Serena Williams
Often regarded as the best female tennis player of all time, it's no secret that Serena Williams is extremely influential. She has led a pretty outstanding tennis career; oh, and she won the 2017 Australian Open while she was pregnant. Serena Williams is unstoppable, end of story.
5. Marie Curie
In the fields of physics and chemistry, Marie Curie basically paved the way for female scientists. Not only was she the first woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize, but she was also the first person and only woman to win it twice.
6. Ashley Graham
She's been pictured on the cover of several notable magazines, such as "Vogue" and "Harper's Bazaar," but Ashley Graham is not the average fashion model. Being what some would consider "plus-sized," Graham is an influential advocate for body positivity and a member of the "Health at Every Size" movement.
7. Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama is known for her role as the first African-American U.S. First Lady, but she's used this position to accomplish so much more. Her activism has spanned many horizons, but is based strongly on battling both poverty and obesity in America.
8. Malala Yousafzai
A 20-year-old former BBC Blogger from Swat Valley in Northern Pakistan, Malala is a major activist for women's education. After surviving a Taliban gunshot wound to the head in retaliation for her activism for education, Malala continues to fight for equal education and inspire millions around the world.
9. Sandra Day O'Connor
Sandra Day O'Connor made history in 1981 by becoming the first female Supreme Court justice. She served the United States for 24 years and maintained a firm-but-just reputation.
10. Iskra Lawrence
As a model, Iskra is a global representative Aerie, clothing brandthat focuses mainly on un-retouched, natural photo representation. Iskra is also a National Eating Disorder Awareness (NEDA) brand ambassador, as well as a promotor for body positivity.
11. Tarana Burke
Before Time magazine began referring to Tarana Burke as a "silence breaker," she created the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment which rose to prominence in late 2017. She is an African-American civil rights activist and founder of Just Be Inc.
12. Anne Frank
Prior to becoming a Jewish victim of the Holocaust, Anne Frank kept a very well-written diary that has become known all over the world. To this day, she is admired for her strength, confidence and positivity. A famous Anne Frank quote reads, "In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart."
13. Maya Angelou
Best known for her autobiography and works of poetry, Maya Angelou is considered a spokesperson for African-Americans and women alike. Her writing style opened the door for many African-American women to put themselves at the center of their own literature.
14. Rosa Parks
If you don't already know the name Rosa Parks, you should. Often referred to as "the first lady of civil rights," Parks was instrumental in both the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Civil Rights Movement as a whole. She was, and still is, a major inspiration for women and people of color.
15. Mother Theresa
Known for her countless acts of charity and her activism against poverty, Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. On September 4th 2016, she was also recognized by the Catholic Church as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
16. Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall is considered to be the world's expert when it comes to chimpanzees and primate life. After a 55-year study of the social patterns of chimpanzees, Goodall remains an activist for the well-being of animals and received the UN "Messenger of Peace" award in 2002.
17. Amelia Earhart
A known supporter of equal rights for women, Amelia Earhart was the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her story remains an inspiration for women and girls to this day.
18. Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf is best known for her unconventional style of literary work in the 1920's. Her modernist writing approach has and continues to inspire female writers all over the world.
19. Margaret Thatcher
After becoming Britain's first appointed female prime minister, Margaret Thatcher was nicknamed the "Iron Lady," and it's not hard to see why. Aside from being the longest-serving prime minister of the 20th century, she's regarded as the most influential and well-known British politician in history.
20. Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huerta is a Latina icon who worked alongside Cesar Chavez to help improve the lives of American farm workers. She co-founded the National Farmworkers Association and remains a labor leader and civil rights activist.
21. All women, every day
As you can see, there is no shortage of female role-models in this world. I encourage everyone to find someone who inspires you, whether it be a family member or someone who's contributions to the world have made a personal impact. Remember to respect and appreciate all of the women in your life; they are living, breathing super-heroes, and trust me, they deserve the recognition.
P.S. Mother's Day is on Sunday, May 13 this year. Don't forget to show all the mothers in your life you appreciate them!
