Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo

21 Iconic Female Role Models We Grew Up With

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at LIM chapter.

If you were born in the 90’s (only the best decade to be a child from), you will be sure to recognize these 21 fierce, bold, strong, beautiful women who helped impact our childhood and remain role models in our eyes for life.

1. Topanga from Boy Meets World

 

Not only were Topanga’s two best friends boys (Cory and Shawn), she was caring, smart, and straight up fabulous. I’m sure you were all hoping Topanga would finally marry one of them in the end. We always knew she secretly loved Cory.

 

2. Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup from Powerpuff Girls

Sugar. Spice. And everything nice. Don’t let their big-eyed cuteness fool you, they were badass superhero’s saving Townsville from big ol’ scary Mojo Jojo one day at a time.

 

3. Carrie Bradshaw from Sex in the City

 

 

What is there not to love about Carrie Bradshaw? She lives in New York City, she has an amazing job, she has a strong group of friends, a perfect boyfriend, she’ll tell you how it is, and she’s and expert on fashion! She has the perfect life.

 

4. Tia and Tamera from Sister, Sister

 

Who wouldn’t want to find out they had a twin identical sister, right? Both completely opposite, but always there for each other. “ Goodbye Roger!” A true friendship.

 

5. Raven from That’s So Raven

 

It’s the future she can see! From her stylish outfits and incredible dance moves, Raven always knew what was happening next. She always had the best advice and knew how to fix any situation.

 

6. Rachel from Friends

 

Rachel was a fierce character in friends who wasn’t afraid to do anything. She was confident, funny, put men in their place, and best of all, always there for her friends.

 

7. DJ Tanner from Full House

 

DJ was not only a great older sister and best friend to Stephanie and Michelle and wacky Kimberly, but her ups and downs with boys is something every girl could relate to.

 

8. Cher Horowitz from Clueless

 

Who wasn’t obsessed with Cher’s wardrobe from Clueless? From her rotating closet to watching her choose outfits daily, it’s something every young girl dreamed about. You slay girl.

 

9. Sabrina from Sabrina the Teenage Witch

 

2 words. Talking Cat. End of story.

 

10. Torrance Shipman from Bring It On

 

Who didn’t want to be the most popular girl at school who was a cheerleader and dated the captain of the football team? I’m sure you all bought a pair of pom poms after watching this movie and made up cheers with your friends at slumber parties.

 

11. Rose from Titanic

 

The infamous standing at the edge of a boat with your boyfriend. Admit it, you’ve taken a photo like this. The kind of love only every girl dreamed of when watching the Titanic. But for some reason every love story can’t end perfectly, am I right?

 

12. Matilda from Matilda

If you could have one superpower in the world what would it be? Matilda was a smart young girl who obsessed over Charles Dickens, waved her finger and outsmarted everyone, even the terrifying Mrs. Trunchball.

13. Kat Stratford from 10 Things I Hate About You

Kat was the girl you wanted to be when stupid boys tried putting you down. She didn’t take anybody’s shit. But, even she caved at the end for the guy with the big dumb combat boots. It’s okay Kat we still love you.

 

14. Angelica Pickles from Rugrats

 

 

Angelica was ruler over not only her baby friends but her parents as well. She was powerful, fashionable, and business savvy. What a diva. She also loved food, something no girl should shy away from.

 

15. Reggie Rocket from Rocket Power

 

Reggie was a badass character who rocked purple hair and rode a skateboard everywhere. She didn’t care that it wasn’t a “traditional outfit” for a girl to wear and she made that known. We need more girls like Reggie.

 

16. Olivia Benson from Law & Order

She was a female cop working with a bunch of male cops. She knew how to use a gun and tackle bad guys! Dun Dun.

 

17. Buffy Summers from Buffy the Vampire

 

She got to kill vampires. Enough said.

 

18. Judge Judy from Judge Judy

 

Did you ever come home from school and this was playing on TV or you went to your grandma’s house for lunch and she insisted you watch this with her? It’s probably one of the funniest and trashiest courtroom shows to watch and Judge Judy told you straight up how it was.

 

19. Sandy Cheeks from SpongeBob

 

How awesome was Sandy’s tree dome under the sea? Even though she was a girl, Sandy still showed girls they could perform so-called “boy” activities like karate and bodybuilding. She knew how to rock an astronaut suit to a bathing suit.

 

20. Amanda Bynes from The Amanda Show

Crazy Courtney (MWAH HA HA), Penelope Tate (Amanda’s #1 Fan, Please), Judge Trudy and the dancing lobsters, Amber the most popular girl in THE GIRLS ROOM. All of these characters are played by the same girl and each scenario sillier than the last. Who didn’t want to prank call old men or dress up like a hillbilly? #Amandaplease

 

21) Pink and Yellow Power Rangers from Power Rangers

Girls can kick butt too! The girl power rangers showed us we could be strong and have roles just like men! They fought alongside the boy power rangers just as equally.

 

  "Shauna Harlow" is a small town Rhode Island girl living in the big city. She is mastering in Fashion Marketing at LIM College and currently a visual merchandising intern with David Yurman. About me - I have loved fashion ever since I was a little girl so being in NYC is a huge accomplishment in my life. Adjusting from the peaceful quiet beaches of RI, to the busy streets of New York has definitely been a struggle but I love it more than anything. My obsession for food especially pizza is unreal and if you ever are feeling sad, go follow my food blog, @shitshaunaeats, it’ll make your mouth water! The quote that represents my life and I think everyone should live by is “Everyday is a fashion show and the world is my runway!” xoxo
Casey Miller is a graduate student studying Fashion Marketing at LIM College. While living New York City she has interned for two national magazines as well as womenswear designer Christian Siriano. She also runs her own blog and is a digital influencer for Cosmopolitan Magazine's Social Patrol. For all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle check out her blog www.frombeginningtotrend.com.