Women Who Inspire Me

Pulitzer Prize winner and historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich wrote, “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” It is these women, the ones who went against the grain, stood out in the crowd and weren’t afraid to speak their minds, that paved the road for so many, including myself. The month of March celebrates Women’s History Month and I’m paying homage to the female trailblazers that have made an impact in my life, to build hope and inspiration for others. From environmental activists and public figures to mothers around the world, these ladies have changed history and inspire me everyday.

Environmental activist, Julia Butterfly Hill lived in the canopy of a giant 1,500 year old redwood tree named Luna, for 738 days. Her courageous act of civil disobedience helped to make the world aware of the plight of ancient forests. She chronicled her story in her book The Legacy Of Luna, which became a national bestseller. I read her book in my 20’s and she has stuck with me throughout my life. 

Julia went on to write two other books, receive numerous awards and honors and founded the non-profit organization Circle of Life. She is one of the most internationally recognizable figures in environmental activism. Her courage and commitment are an inspiration to me, and what I find most amazing is that she had no activism experience or goals, instead she held on to something that in that moment was essential. A heroic display of just how much personal power a woman with passion has.

Yulia Navalnaya, wife of political opposition leader, lawyer and anti-corruption activist, Alexei Navalny, is a Russian public figure, an economist and has been described as the “First Lady” of the Russian opposition. She remained largely out of the spotlight until her husband was poisoned by the Kremlin, after which she stepped into center stage as a stoic, calm and confident woman fighting for her husband’s life. I watched the documentary Navalny, and what really hit me was the bond between Alexei and Yulia. The sacrifices Yulia made for the greater good is profound and such an inspiration. Yulia is a revelation for the Russian people - the country saw her living out the worst moment of her life, and yet through strength, love and self sacrifice, she prevails. Alexei remains in Prison in Russia in solitary confinement after being sentenced to nine years for what Amnesty International refer to as "sham" reasons. On Valentine's Day this year, Alexei tweeted a message to Yulia which read in part, "I haven't seen you for a long time, Yulyashka, almost a year, but you are in my heart a lot. And it seems to be getting bigger. Sometimes I wonder how my huge love for you fits into an ordinary human heart". Yulia remains in Russia with their son and daughter and is paving a political path to carry on the legacy that her husband almost lost his life and now his freedom fighting for. Russian writer, Dmitry Bykov wrote, "She faces circumstances stronger than her, but some miracle helps her to defeat the world's evil".

Women have been fighters and shape shifters for centuries, changing the course of history. Known as the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,” Rosa Parks is one that immediately comes to mind. After refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man, Parks was arrested and black community leaders responded by staging the Montgomery Bus Boycott lead by Martin Luther King Jr., which ended with the Supreme Court ruling that segregated seating was unconstitutional.  Although at the time this cost her her job, threats and harassment, she continued to fight for racial equality, and later wrote an autobiography and was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. To this day, her fierce determination and bravery has inspired men and women all over the world and her legacy will live on through the ages. 

And I can't talk about inspirational women without honoring all of the mothers around the world. Being a mother is akin to having a superpower – that unwavering love, unbreakable bond, and selflessness is like no other. Mothers are juggling working, cooking, cleaning, and caring for children around the clock - a job that never stops. While I'm not a mother myself, I'm surrounded by mothers, and was raised by my fearless and loving mother. I see you all, and I'm in awe of all that you do to nurture and bring infinite love to be shared with the world.

This is only a handful of the many women that inspire me. I'm surrounded by kind, hardworking, and successful women on a daily basis. You are all a reminder that together, women can do anything and not only that, but do it very well too. Cheers to all the women past, present and those raising the fearless women of the future. Happy Women's History Month!