In honor of Black History Month, we’ve collected 15 stories that put a spotlight on the accomplishments of some truly incredible women.
From a nurse who designed a lifesaving mask, to an army captain who became a beauty queen, to someone who just had to dance after getting a job, we can’t get enough of their inspirational journeys!
1. Jaines Andrades, who went from custodian to nurse practitioner at the same hospital.
2. Ziyah Holman, a college track star who brought her relay team to victory with an unbelievable sprint.
3. Deshauna Barber, who lost time and time again before being crowned as Miss USA.
4. Vivian “Millie”Bailey, a 102-year-old who didn’t let age stop her from checking skydiving off her bucket list.
5. Quanda Riles, a medical technician at a children’s hospital who became one toddler’s favorite person by always stopping to have dance parties with him.
6. Kallayah Jones, a homeless woman who was caught on camera doing a happy dance after landing a new job.
7. Loida Guillen Strong, who gave her mom the sweetest surprise – the news that she had earned her doctoral degree!
8. Lavinya Stennett, an inspiring 23-year-old who is bringing Black history to U.K. schools.
9. Shanell Jones, the determined mom who taught her daughter with cerebral palsy how to walk, even after doctors told her it was impossible.
10. Skylar Hughes, who waited until she was at her mom’s graveside to open her college acceptance letter so she could celebrate the moment with her.
11. Cristina Rae, the “America’s Got Talent” contestant who wowed everyone with an unforgettable performance of “Hallelujah.”
12. Maya Moore, the WNBA star who tirelessly worked to get a falsely-convicted man freed from jail – and then married him!
13. Tamekia Swint, a salon director who gives free hair care lessons to interracial, foster, and adoptive parents.
14. Tommye Austin, a nurse who designed a new face mask during the PPE shortage that ended up being more effective than an N95 mask.
15. Evelyn Uba, who passed the bar exam with pure joy after spending 10 years studying.
As an unknown person once said, “A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for everybody else.” These powerful, compassionate individuals are doing just that!
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