#Shepersisted feminist feminism WCW LikeaGirl

[girlyandunruly]

Inspiring Women

Instagram has this hashtag #WCW (Women Crush Wednesday) which normally people use to post physically attractive women. It got me thinking about society’s measure on women’s worth based on their physical appearance when there are so many intelligent, bold, strong, innovative women out there that do not attribute their success solely from their looks. I thought to do my own #WCW on women that I look up to which have truly inspired me. In no particular order:

1. Nellie Bly // Journalist

She was one of America's most famous journalists in the late 1880s, an irresistible hero for women and adventurers everywhere. Widely known for her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days, (specially at a time when women did not travel alone) and an exposé in which she faked insanity to study a mental institution from within. She was a pioneer in her field, and one of the first female journalists of her era to report by going undercover.

I've been quite obsessed with her. I have read all her work and constantly felt in awe of her strong character, fearless outlook, compassion, perseverance and independence. Over 100 years ago, she was defying social norms and is still a true inspiration for a 21st century gal like myself.

"Energy rightly applied and directed will accomplish anything" - Nellie Bly

2. Elizabeth Warren // Politician

Elizabeth Warren is the senior U.S Senator from Massachusetts (D). Warren was formerly a professor of law, and taught at the University of Texas School of Law, the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and Harvard Law School. The first time I heard her speak at an interview regarding the American economy, I was captivated by how eloquent, intelligent and tough she was. She’s outspoken, blunt, Wall Street’s nightmare and women’s rights activist. What’s not to love?

"They can shut me up but they can't change the truth." -Elizabeth Warren

3. Sasha DiGiulian // Professional climber

Only 5' 2" tall (as myself), she is one of the best climbers in the world. First woman to climb grade 9a (5.14d).

She's a huge inspiration for anyone with a thirst for challenging extreme sports as myself. In the climbing world, to climb "like a girl" is actually a positive thing since women tend to have better technique and grace as they climb instead of using pure muscle to climb.

Whenever I get frustrated that I cannot reach the next hold, I remember if Sasha can kill it with the mere height, I can find away. There should never be a "I can't do this" mentally but "how can I do this?". Use my flexibility, increase my strength to body ratio, confidence in taking that jump to the next hold since I can't reach it as a regular person would... ? With practice, consistency and killer abs I progress.

“You can never expand your comfort zone unless you step outside of it and test yourself” - Sasha DiGiulian

4. Michelle Obama // Lawyer, writer & First Lady

She's the 1st First Lady to obtain a degree from an Ivy League school, but not just from one but two: Harvard Law School & Princeton University.

As First lady, Obama became a fashion icon and an advocate for women's rights, poverty awareness, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy eating. She is intelligent, charismatic, graceful, an amazing public speaker and can kick your ass. A role model for all women.

“Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives” - Michelle Obama

5. Simone Biles // Olympic gymnast

Simone Biles is considered the best gymnast of her generation. Having won a combined total of 19 Olympic and World Champion medals, she is the most decorated American gymnast.

Gymnastics has always been my favorite category to watch in the Olympics since my dream as a kid was to be an Olympic gymnast (Obviously that didn't happen!).

Last year, watching Simone make every move look easy with such artistry and finesse, inspired me to get back into gymnastics and I join a gym to train. I'm over 10 years older than Simone which goes to show that no matter how old you are, you can still impact and inspire someone's life.

“I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m the first Simone Biles” - SImone Biles

6. Kate T. Parker // Photographer

A mother, a soccer coach and a well known photographer. 

I discovered Parker from her "Strong is the New Pretty" campaign where she features hundreds of portraits of girls around the country being fearless, silly and confident, embracing their inner beauty. The campaign's goal was to redefine beauty around inner strength.

Parker is a wonderful role model for her children and girls everywhere. Her kids remind me of my childhood self when I was a swimmer, soccer lover and gymnast. And I liked being my -goofy- self.

7. Malala Yousafzai // activist

Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate. 

Growing up in one of the most oppressive countries in the world, Malala still found the courage to stand up for herself and young girls against the local Taliban which had banned girls from attending school. Even after surviving an attempted murder gunshot to the head back in 2012, she still continued the fight. 

The biggest thing that has stood out to me is how her father raised her. Shows how important it is to have a strong male role model that encouraged her, believed in her, didn't set limits for her accomplishments but gave her a voice. An example of great parenting.

8. Regina Spektor // Singer-songwriter

The first time I heard about Regina Spektor was when someone in the audience came up to me after one of my shows and said I sounded like Regina Spektor. “I don’t know who that is” I said back in 2008. I wrote down the name and later listened to her music. Since then, she has become one of my favorite singer-songwriters. She has a corky style of writing, an enchanting voice, plays a MEAN piano and also dabbles in guitar and bass. I had the pleasure of seeing her on stage in 2009 with such command and charisma. One of my favorite things to do in life is to watch other talented musicians play their music. I’m happy she exists and writes music that speaks to me.