In recent times, we have seen women influence the world more than ever before. They are CEOs, movie stars, writers, and performers. On top of that, many of them are also mothers and wives. These women have not only influenced my life, but also the lives of millions of men and women around the world.
1. Beyoncé
Of course, Beyoncé has to be the first woman mentioned. She has created a fanbase like no other and has changed the music industry. She is a prominent African American artist who has inspired so many people and has uplifted and celebrated the black community throughout her career. Beyoncé has donated to rehabilitation programs, organizations such as Feeding America, and is a well-known social justice advocate. On top of all of that, she makes incredibly inspiring music for the black community and women.
2. Dolly Parton
This may come as a surprise because Dolly is most well known for her decades-long career as a country artist, but she has also participated in and donated to numerous important causes. Her efforts to change the world began way back in 1988 when she established the Dollyland Foundation with the goal of decreasing the dropout rate in Tennessee. The dropout rate decreased from 35 to 6 percent. She has also donated to Vanderbilt Medical Centre, The Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, and even to the Moderna Vaccine research team. Needless to say, Dolly Parton has influenced many and has had a huge impact on Americans. From her music to her philanthropic endeavors, she is an inspirational woman.
3. Reese Witherspoon
One of my personal favorite actresses and a woman who inspires me through her influential roles is Reese Witherspoon. She has managed to transcend the world of acting, especially for women, and has created and played roles that express her feminism such as Legally Blonde. She is also very well known for exposing the pay gap between men and women in the entertainment industry. Witherspoon has participated in many philanthropies, including donating to the American Cancer Society, the Boys and Girls Club, the American Humane Association, and many more organizations.
4. Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama is best known for being the former First Lady of the United States, but she has also done so much more for women in the country and all around the world. She has emphasized how important living a healthy lifestyle and education is by launching Let Girls Learn, which has inspired many women to build a healthier family, a stronger community, and a brighter future. This U.S. government program is aimed at helping adolescent girls attain a quality education that empowers them to reach their full potential.
5. Taylor Swift
Of course, I had to save one of my biggest influences for last. Taylor Swift has impacted me and millions of other women in numerous ways. From her music to her documentaries, I can confidently say that Taylor Swift is one of the most influential women in pop culture. She has dominated the music industry for over a decade and has done so through different genres. From country to pop to folk, she has impacted many artists and has found a way to not only remain relevant but also change the entertainment industry. One of the most inspiring things she has done is what we now know as her “Taylor’s Version” albums which were rerecorded for her to regain control over her earlier records. Since then, these albums have remained on Billboard’s 200 chart for weeks. Taylor Swift has also empowered women and the LGBTQ+ community to be authentic and true to themselves through her songs “The Man” and “You Need to Calm Down,” which have exposed the many injustices that occur in the entertainment industry and the world in general.
Throughout the years, Taylor Swift has inspired so many women, men, girls, boys, and everything in between. She has created so many amazing albums and has told countless stories through them. Her perseverance and strength have been inspirational and though many have tried to “knock her down,” she has remained with a positive attitude and a strong and admirable connection with her fans.
There are so many influential women in society and pop culture today – women who young girls can look up to and be empowered by. These are only a few examples of women who have influenced me through their roles, music, and philanthropic endeavors, but influential women can be found everywhere. These women have accomplished so much and empower people everyday. Despite scandals, hate, and lies, they have come out stronger and are here to inspire a whole new generation of women.