Inspiring Women

This last February, my grandma turned 93. Her life has been nothing short of amazing and truly inspiring. She grew up on a farm, and with 3 girls became the farm hand. She entered into the Air Force and became an flight nurse. Then, went on to become as educated as you could be in her field of nursing for her time. She served in the ER for many years. Then, in retirement became a school nurse. Her stories are not only inspiring and amazing, but one spanning several decades with grace and compassion. She is truly an inspiring woman.

Though we all no doubt can find a person like this in our family to look to for inspiration, we do have other women in history who have led the way to extraordinary and influential lives.

Margaret Thatcher | Britain’s first female (and longest-serving) Prime Minister garnered the title “Iron Lady” for her strong opinions, strict policy, and firm leadership.

Amelia Earhart | She soared to notoriety as the first female aviator to fly across the Atlantic Ocean alone. And, not only that but she worked hard to make a place for women in America’s society.

Jane Goodall | Her unique connection with the environment and animals has inspired generations to conserve and protect our planet’s fellow inhabitants.

Mother Theresa | The charitable figure is the prime example of sacrifice and strength. She inspired the world over with her kind heart, aiding those who needed it most.

By Kelsey Ruzicka, Editor

Queen Elizabeth II | Since taking the throne during her coronation in 1953, her royal majesty became the longest-reigning Queen and female head of state in the world.

Eleanor Roosevelt | She holds the record as the longest-serving first lady, reserving the title throughout her husband’s four terms in the White House. During her time, she was very vocal in her support of the civil rights movement.

Florence Nightingale | The English statistician is widely recognized as the founder of modern nursing. Today, the Florence Nightingale Medal is the highest international honor a nurse can receive.

Ada Lovelace | While Lovelace passed away long before the computer age, her skills in mathematical algorithms and analytical engineering bestow upon her the title of the “first computer programmer” by many.

Barbara Walters | Paving the way for female journalists and news anchors everywhere, Walters was the first woman to co-anchor the network evening news.

Maya Angelou | An American author, poet and civil rights activist, rose to prominence with the publication of “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” in 1969. Angelou, who died in 2014 at the age of 86, was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010 by President Barack Obama.

In honor of mother’s day we shine a light on these mothers of inspiration. There are many more to look to in the pages of history. Find yours today.