It’s been 34 years since March was declared as National Women’s History Month in the U.S. While we all celebrate the rich contributions of women in this country’s history, I decided to reach out to friends, family, strangers, and everyone in between to ask them about the women they admire and look up to. Here’s what they shared:
[My] grandma. She passed away when I was 16. She meant and still means so much to me. She raised 6 kids in Mexico when my Grandpa was out working on our ranch [and] even when he worked in the states. She did it all on her own and always taught me how to be a strong person on my own. She had Alzheimer’s most of my life which was very hard for her and my family, but even with it, she was the strongest and fiercest person I know. She built that foundation for my mom, who raised my sister and me. [She] made my mom strong and confident, and now my mom passed it onto us. It all started with her. – Alexa
From my family, friends, and acquaintances, I have met various inspirational women figures. One of them has to be my mentor Julie. I met her through my involvement in Church. One day she reached out to me for a fantastic political campaign opportunity. Julie has inspired me to reach new levels in my goals. I will forever see her as an inspirational female figure. – Maribel
I admire my Momma. She is so selfless and always puts others before herself. She is super hardworking and never says no to an opportunity to love people through acts of service.-Hannah
[The] musical artist Mitski. She is an Asian-American musician. Her music has guided me a lot recently in my life, and I admire her [because] she has a beautiful way with words and music. She inspires me to create art and make an impression on people as she does with music. – Jude.
My favorite female scientist was Lou Andreas-Salomé. [Her] many interests — especially during [that] time period — made her an inspiration to me. Also, her charm, she dated many of the world’s greatest thinkers. – Katelynn
I would say, Serena Williams, the tennis player. She’s inspiring because she has overcome a lot in her life. She’s a black woman that plays a white, male-dominated sport and has been shamed for her body shape. She’s so inspiring because she doesn’t let that stuff stop her. She embraces her body in every way. [She] has become one of the most famous and best female tennis players of this time, and she never gives up. She has such a strong mentality and heart – Haley.
Jameela Jamil. She’s unapologetic and constantly defies society’s standards. – Lathan
Florence Nightingale. Against her parents’ wishes, she became a nurse. [She] prided herself in providing the best care for her patients, even in a time [where] women weren’t allowed to be in a hospital during the Crimean War. I really admire her tenacity and contributions to patient care. – Anna
The person I admire in my life is my older sister Kaitlin. She’s the first out of my siblings to get her degree. [She’s] kind and supportive, and I’ve learned so many life lessons from her. – Lanie
A person who inspires me would be J.K Rowling, [the] author of the Harry Potter series. She may not have made a great contribution to the world, but the amount of grit she had to get her series published deeply inspired me. Before the Harry Potter series, she was struggling to get it published. She was rejected 12 times by different publishers before she was finally able to accomplish her dream. It really amazes me how even after being rejected the first 6 times that J.K. Rowling still pushed through. If I were in her shoes, there’s a good chance that I wouldn’t have continued to try as every person’s work is an intimate piece of its maker in a way. Showing your work/art is a risky situation where you’re really putting yourself out there. Your work being rejected is, in a way rejecting who you are, and all we really want is to be accepted and understood for our differences. – Lauren
I admire my older sister, Sonia. She has, basically, raised me. She taught me everything I know now. She’s my best friend. I tell her everything. She gives me advice, from jobs to boy problems. She will always be there for me. – Emily
Honestly, there are so many I admire. Any strong, independent woman who fought for women’s [or any] rights, [but in particular,] Rosa Parks. -Fatima
Billie Eilish, because she’s so young and accomplished a ton. She won 5 Grammys at 18 years old, dressed in baggy clothes [which is her way] of going against society’s expectation of women in that industry, [and] she seems really genuine. – Isra
My mom, of course, because she’s so amazing, and I’ve seen all the hardships she’s been through, which makes me want to be like her and work harder. – Hajira
Phoebe Waller-Bridge. I have never met her, though I hope to someday. She has written, directed, and acted in her own play, “Fleabag,” which has since been turned into an Amazon Prime show. She rewrote the play for the screen and starred in it, as well. She is so honest about the fact that, as I’m sure many of us can understand, writing is just hard sometimes! She has also pointed out that people and life are complicated, and it’s okay to let that reflect in your writing because it’s representing the honesty of life. I love how candid and real she is in everything she does. – Sarah
My mom has to be the number one person I can think of because, throughout her life, she has helped so many young Muslims and non-Muslims find what they are looking for. [She has] such a wonderful impact in the state of Texas, giving opportunities in breaking barriers for those who feel they aren’t able to. – Amatullah
Supreme Court Judge Ruth Ginsburg. She’s a badass [and] painted pathways for women. Literally, without her, [women] wouldn’t have our [own] bank accounts, credit cards, own or rent houses! – Lauren
I absolutely adore Ashley Osborn. She’s a music photographer who’s dominating the industry. I met her at Warped Tour before I was serious about working in the music industry, and she let me shoot a few sets alongside her and showed me the ropes. Bestest human I know! – TJ
Are there any women you share an admiration for, along with the people above? Do any of these submissions remind you of a woman you look up to? Though Women’s History Month technically ends by March 31st, let us continue to celebrate the women we most admire throughout the year!