This month is all about women! From the beginning of March, we celebrate women’s history and accomplishments. It’s one of my favorite times of the year as we reflect on our evolution in society. If Amelia Earhart could see us now, she and many others would be so proud. In this article, I will be listing some women that inspire me in my day-to-day life. Their advice, quotes, and thoughts which run through my head when I need clarity.
Let’s start with the woman on the top of my list, my family.
In this life, I’ve been blessed to be a daughter, sister, and sister-in-law. Each woman in my family has given me a different perspective, care, love, and support that I will always cherish. To my mother, who has taught me life lessons through experience. Without her, not only wouldn’t I have life, but I wouldn’t have someone to share my day with. She has taught me many lessons and encouraged me as a young woman by telling me her stories. My mother is a strong person who has fought through many hardships, but in the end, she always did what she knew was best. We have the same smile that has carried us through life; us together forever. To my sister, my best friend, and soon-to-be mother. She has been one of my biggest role models my entire life. The little girl she raised to be smart, independent, confident, and creative is finally ready for what’s coming ahead. She filled my days with fun, bedroom fashion shows, rant sessions, and advice. While she is my sister, I also saw her as a mother. Someone to look for in the crowd to see a proud face. She always comes to my events to support me and share my joy as well as successes. As she embarks on this new journey of motherhood, I just know that my sister simply will be the best mom. I don’t think I could survive in a world that didn’t have her in it. She always has and always will be my rock. To my sister-in-law who is one of the most beautiful hearts I’ve ever met. She always making me laugh and is a role model to us all. She always jumps to help us out no matter what, and I can’t wait to turn 21 to share a bottle of grape-full red with her. As a nurse, she is caring to everyone, not just her family. To be able to selflessly help others is one of the things I admire most about her.
“Family is the most important thing.”
Lina Zamora
Next on my list are my friends.
I have met so many people in my life and each one has always given me insight and support into the person I was becoming. Friends have this amazing power to support and love you without judging you. Sometimes they can be the best secret keepers. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, sometimes you just need that friend to sit in your car with you for hours and talk about life. Those are my favorite moments. Each one of my friends has inspired me to become a better version of myself. Creatively, mentally, physically, and emotionally, each one of you has had such a big impact in my life and I hope and I can’t wait for more in the future. I love you all and here’s to more late-night talks, thrifting trips, Dunkin’ runs, mac & cheese bites, city trips, and car karaoke sessions.
Now it’s time for the women that inspire me the most in the media.
There are so many amazing stars and influencers out there that I could spend hours talking about, but the main ones that have always inspired me to love my body, never give up on my dreams, be creative/unique, and that success is right around the corner are:
- Ashely Eckstein
- Zendaya
- Florence Pugh
- Haliee Steinfeld
- Winona Ryder
- Alisha Marie
- Ashley Gram
- Elizabeth Olsen
- Jenna Fischer
- Maude Apatow
- Daniella Monet
- Eva Longario
- Micarah Tewers
- Gina Rodrigez
- Natalie Portman
- Olivia Rodrigo
- Scarlet Johansson
- Lily Collins
These combination of women have each given me something to celebrate. Their experiences are what inspires me when I look at my career. My goal is to always inspire/empower those through my work and these ladies are a big reason for that.
“It’s a new day; a new beginning.”
Ahsoka Tano
Surprisingly, inspiration and empowerment can come from the most unlikely sources. That being comfort characters that you see on the silver screen. From the moment we switch on our first cartoon, to binge-watching a show on Netflix, we learn to fall in love with a character whether it’s their personal style, personality, or their actions. For me, the female characters that most inspirational are:
- Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars, who is also voiced by Ashley Eckstein
- Marinette Dupain Cheng/Ladybug from Miraculous
- Katara from Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Lorelai Gilmore from Gilmore Girls
- Laura Jean Covey from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
- Black Widow (Marvel)
- Yelena Belovia (Marvel)
- Scarlet witch (Marvel)
- Wonder Woman
- Supergirl
- Uraraka from My Hero Academia
- Rarity from My Little Pony
- Alex from Wizards of Waverly Place
- Princess Leia
- Padme Amadala (Star Wars) and so many more.
And finally, since it is women’s history month, the final list of women in history that inspire me are:
- Amelia Earhart
- Carrie Fisher (click to see my favorite clip of Carrie Fisher)
- Marilyn Monroe
- Frida Kalo
- Bernadette
- Jane Austen
- Princess Diana
- Elizabeth Schuyler
- Selena Quintanilla
What’s crazy about these women in history is that they broke the rules to change them. They each knew what they were fighting for and what was right. It’s inspiring to see their stories and take what I have learned from them as I apply it to the real world. Some of these women have been with me inspiring me since I was very little, and I’m so glad I was taught that being a woman is much more than what society tells us sometimes.
There are so many women out there that inspire me, and I hope to be one of them for others one day.
I dedicate this article to my late grandmother, Nelly, who I never met, but whose presence I feel every day. The stories many have told me of her are enough to imagine what an amazing person she was. Nelly loved in a way that smelled like sweet bread and shined like gold. Her heart and empowerment radiate in the jewelry I wear that was passed down from her. Not a day goes by where I don’t see or hear her in the form of a cardinal. Always looking on us as we make our way through life. Here’s to all the women in the world.
HCXO, Valentina