Want to be inspired? See how these women make their success even more meaningful.
We’re inspired by women who don’t listen to the naysayers. They persist with pursuing their passion and vision, and find a way to push through to success — in a big way. Take that, which is impressive on its own, and then add to it the fact that these same women pay it forward and share their success in a meaningful way. They help other women pursue their dreams and make something of themselves through philanthropy, creating foundations and support via their own websites, connections and social media. How can we not be impressed? While most of us may not be the next Reshma, Sophia or Sara, we can find a way to support other women — through sharing career and life experiences, mentoring, offering an ear to bend and even just plain old fashioned encouragement and kindness. You never know who you might inspire to go on and do something great. To get you started, read below a little about three amazing women:
Reshma Saujani ~ Founder of the national non-profit, Girls Who Code, an organization with the mission of closing the gender gap in technology. Reshma is also a former Deputy Public Advocate for New York, an activist, author and the first Indian American woman to run for U.S. Congress. A place on both Fortune’s 40 under 40 list in 2015, and their 2016 list of 50 World’s Greatest Leaders give her rock star status in our book.
While Reshma Saujani’s accolades and achievements are impressive, what we really love is that she communicates to women and girls of all ages messages of confidence, embracing failure and being your best self. Want to see what makes us love Reshma? Read this short TED blog, then watch her empowering TED talk, Teach Girls Bravery Not Perfection or head over to Makers to check out shorter videos clips of Reshma speaking about a variety of topics.
Visit Girls Who Code and you’ll see that they are leading the movement to inspire, educate, and equip young women with the computing skills to pursue 21st century opportunities.Â
Sophia Amoruso ~ We’re excited when a woman not only makes her mark and kicks ass in her industry (with amazing style, by the way), but also finds a way to help other women. That’s just what Sophia Amoruso, founder of the successful online fashion retailer, Nasty Gal, author of New York Times best seller #GIRLBOSS, executive producer of upcoming Netflix comedy series and host of the podcast, Girlboss Radio does. Her podcasts are designed to inform, inspire and enjoy and are definitely worth checking out.
Amidst all her other endeavors, Sophia launched a foundation to help other women entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 2014, the GIRLBOSS Foundation has given out over $75,000 in biannual grants to help fund “women on their way to becoming a #GIRLBOSS and owning their future.†The biannual grant program also offers exposure through the Nasty Gal and GIRLBOSS websites and social channels for women in the worlds of design, fashion, music and the arts.
And, if that’s not enough to impress you, she’s been named to the 2016 Forbes list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women where, at age 32, she comes in as one of the youngest women listed, older only than Taylor Swift. Wow.
Sara Blakely ~ Speaking of the 2016 Forbes list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women , Sara Blakely — founder of shapewear and intimate apparel company, Spanx — comes in as 17th on their list and graces that June issue’s cover alongside Sophia Amoruso. (Looks like we choose well when we come up with a list of successful women.)
Beyond helping women look and feel great with her company’s best-ever shapewear, Sara is focused on helping other women reach their potential. She launched the Sara Blakely Foundation in 2006 to help women globally and locally through education and entrepreneurial training, and the Leg Up Program in 2010 to provide connections and support to women entrepreneurs. And, what’s even more impressive is that Sara’s signed the Giving Pledge to donate half her wealth, the first female billionaire to do so. Her generosity and her words inspire us, and we’re betting you’ll feel that way too after reading Sara’s Blog on her experience at the Giving Pledge Summit.