Since Women’s History Month is right around the corner, it is the perfect time to talk about some of the most influential women in history, women who have forever changed the world.
#1 Maya Angelou
The Phenomenal Woman herself. Maya Angelou – a poet, a writer, a dancer, an actress, a film director, an educator – displayed extraordinary talent throughout her life. Winner of the 2002 Lifetime Achievement Award, the 1997 NAACP Image Award, the 1971 Coretta Scott King Award, and many others; Angelou wrote over 24 books and collections over the course of her life. She dedicated much of her time to the Civil Rights movement during the ‘60s, working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Her writing inspires millions due to the personal and intimate content, making her perhaps one of the greatest authors of all time.
#2 Audrey Hepburn
Besides being an Academy Award winner and an amazing actress, Audrey Hepburn was an active member of UNICEF and took her role in the organization very seriously. In fact, she was a Goodwill Ambassador. Hepburn took part in activities such as the polio vaccine project in Turkey, drinking water projects in Honduras and Guatemala, and nutrition projects in Vietnam. When she was not making her visits, she was testifying before the US Congress, giving up to fifteen interviews a day in order to raise awareness, and fundraising for the various projects she was involved in. In 1992, the year in which she won the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work with UNICEF, she continued to volunteer in Kenya and Somalia, despite being ill with appendix cancer.
#3 Selena Quintanilla
A starlet from a young age, Selena became the lead singer in her family’s band when she was ten years old. Fame caught her by the hand in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, she quickly became known as “The Mexican Madonna.” With such endless energy and upbeat music, it was no surprise when Selena quickly roped in several awards, including Best Female Vocalist of the Year and a Grammy for best Mexican-American album in 1993. Her album Ven Conmigo achieved gold status. Selena was tragically murdered on March 31, 1995 by the leader of her official fan club.
Remember… you are phenomenal, too.
HC XOX
Megan Hammer
Resources:
http://www.signature-reads.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/maya-angelou-1-c-Adria-Richards-text.jpg
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/ang0bio-1
http://www.unicef.org/about/history/trim/audrey_hepburn_materials/doc/doc401478.PDF
http://saintheron.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/selena.jpg
http://www.biography.com/people/selena-189149#tragic-end