As college women, we have the power and potential to make a monumental influence. It would be foolish to say that women have not been generally dismissed or viewed as the inferior sex throughout history.
In the workplace, we’re “too emotional” to run a business, in the classroom we just aren’t as “smart” as men, and in society we are “weak” and can totally be taken advantage of. Right? Not even close.
Women have been defeating these stereotypes daily and are becoming world leaders, advocates for change, influential writers, and moving actresses. The women of today have earned a meaningful voice, creating great inspiration for us collegiettes.
Here are some of those women who have transformed our culture dramatically:
Windsor Hanger Western, Stephanie Kaplan, and Annie Wang
Founders, Her Campus
Nothing is more inspiring than the story of three female college undergraduates who came together to turn their vision into a reality. The founders of Her Campus are not just inspiration for our generation, but leaders we’re thankful for. The three Harvard students started planning Her Campus in 2009 and since launching that year, they have taken Her Campus to the next level. They have been named to BusinessWeek’s 25 Under 25 Best Young Entrepreneurs, Inc. Magazine’s 30 Under 30 Coolest Young Entrepreneurs, Glamour Magazine’s 20 Amazing Young Women, and The Boston Globe’s 25 Most Stylish Bostonians. Windsor, Stephanie, and Annie are living proof that us females can come together and create something incredible.
Jenn Hyman and Jenny Fleiss
Rent The Runway, Co-Founders
Jenn Hyman and Jenny Fleiss are the creators of Rent the Runway, an online resource that provides women with a virtual closet and designer clothes that can be rented at reasonable prices. The company launched in 2009, shortly after the two met at Harvard Business School. Their own personal fashion dilemmas ignited the concept behind Rent the Runway; aiming to help women who have a closet filled with clothes yet still have nothing to wear. Amen to that! Hyman and Fleiss are problem solvers and innovators that we should all look up too.
Katherine Bahamonde
Chief Marketing Officer, C. Wonder
“We like to say that you go in wondering and come out wonderful. It’s lots of brightly colored product and a sweetly priced luxury environment with great customer service. That’s the DNA of the brand.”  Having graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Business School, it’s safe to say that Katherine Bahamonde is one of the most intelligent females in marketing. She is the Chief Marketing Officer and EVP of E- Commerce at C. Wonder. Before working at C. Wonder, Bahamonde was an investment banker who went on to work for major brands like Lulu Lemon, and Juicy Couture. Her extensive experience and eye for detail makes her a true role model for anyone aspiring to work in the business world.
Hillary Clinton
Former Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton is a name that everyone is familiar with. Yes, her political views are frequently disputed, however, she has established a well-earned and powerful voice in today’s society. She is the only first lady to become a U.S. Senator, and then potential Presidential candidate turned Secretary of State. Hillary graduated from Yale University and Yale Law School, setting up the foundation for her argumentative persona. Her most well known quote, “Would you ask a man that question?” in response to a reporter, proves that she is not afraid to take a stand on her beliefs regarding women’s rights. Clinton is extremely outspoken about feminism, making her an advocate for change with this subject. Â
Arianna Huffington
Founder, Huffington PostÂ
It’s inevitable that when we scroll through our newsfeed on Facebook we stumble across an article published by the Huffington Post. The brain behind this 8-year-old site is Arianna Huffington, a woman who (along with being the EIC of the site) has written fourteen books and successful columns. She graduated from Cambridge University and won a Pulitzer Prize in 2012 for her achievements. To add to her successes in the media, Arianna has also established a new app called “GPS for the Soul” which helps to distresses those with general anxiety.
We praise these women for their independence, and drive to break ground in this quickly changing, diverse world.Â
Sources:http://www.hercampus.comhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington…
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