Today is International Women’s Day, so we thought we’d honor some of the incredible women we’ve spotlighted here at InspireMore over the past year.
These ladies are finding countless ways to stay true to themselves and bring a special light to the world around them. We’re thrilled to celebrate their myriad accomplishments now and every other day!
1. Indigenous mom recites poem to celebrate daughter’s beautiful brown eyes.
TikTok influencer Tia Wood shares insightful videos about her indigenous culture. In one, her mother helps dress her in traditional Plains Cree clothing while reciting a powerful poem called “Brown Eyes” by Nadia McGhee. Prepare to get chills when you listen to these powerful words!
2. Army captain becomes first Miss USA to actively serve in the U.S. military.
Army Captain Deshauna Barber was bullied for being “lanky” growing up, but when someone suggested she try out for Miss Texas USA, she decided to go for it. It took plenty of failures, but Deshauna refused to give up.
3. News anchor wears glasses on-air for a week to show solidarity with daughter.
Chicago news anchor Tanja Babich’s 10-year-old daughter was embarrassed to wear her new glasses to school. So the awesome mom decided to show off her own specs on-air to set a good example. Even better, her colleagues surprised them both with the ultimate show of support!
4. Olympic gymnast celebrates 100th birthday after setting records and surviving the Holocaust.
Agnes Keleti has lived an extraordinary life. This past year, she celebrated her 100th birthday, and she still has the vigor of someone half her age! It’s hard to believe she survived the Holocaust and later became the oldest female gymnast to ever win an Olympic gold medal.
5. Mom teaches daughter an adorable daily affirmation.
Every day, Tiania Haneline has her 3-year-old daughter, Scarlett Gray Smith, repeat a daily affirmation. “I am beautiful,” “I am strong,” and “I am loved,” the toddler tells herself – and it’s all true!
6. Fearless astronaut-turned-geologist never stops exploring.
In 1984, astronaut Kathy Sullivan became the first American woman to walk in space. In 2020, she made history yet again by becoming the eighth person to ever venture into Challenger Deep, the deepest known point in the ocean.
7. Inventor creates at-home kit that detects breast cancer at just 23 years old.
Judit Giró Benet of Spain has invented a groundbreaking new tool in the fight against breast cancer. The Blue Box, the winner of the International 2020 James Dyson Award, can detect breast cancer using only a urine sample and an AI algorithm.
8. Former prima ballerina instinctively performs “Swan Lake” despite her dementia.
Marta C. Gonzalez was a world-famous prima ballerina in her day. Sadly, she developed Alzheimer’s disease in her later years, but when someone played a snippet of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” her body still recalled every beautiful movement.
9. Two kindergarten teachers in one house is an instant recipe for smiles!
Laney Carter’s mom and sister are both kindergarten teachers. Both educators went above and beyond to keep their students engaged during remote learning, and Laney captured every moment on video!
10. Sister shaves off eyebrows to support sibling with cancer.
When Gaby lost her hair and eyebrows during her cancer treatment, her sister Cami found the perfect way to let her know she’s not alone.
11. Mom and daughter make history by graduating from medical school together.
Cynthia Kudji put her dream of becoming a doctor on hold while she raised her daughter, Jasmine Kudji. She finally got her chance to attend medical school just as Jasmine started her education, too. Now, they’re both doctors!
12. Model with Down syndrome owns the catwalk during New York’s Fashion Week.
SofÃÂa Jirau is changing the face of the fashion industry. The Puerto Rican model is determined to make the world of fashion more inclusive for people everywhere.
13. Nun runs marathon on treadmill to raise over $100,000 for people in need.
After the Chicago Marathon was canceled due to the pandemic, Sister Stephanie Baliga had to find another way to raise money for the food bank. She pulled it off and raised over $110,000 in the process!
14. Single mom cooks over 200 meals during quarantine.
During the pandemic, Yolanda Latimer found herself with more time to cook for her family. She decided to start a food blog to show off her yummy meals, and now she’s poised to turn her passion into a full-fledged business.
15. Woman becomes “shark whisperer” for wounded sea predators.
Professional diver Cristina Zenato can’t see an animal in pain without helping, even if that animal happens to have a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth!
16. Australian soccer team surprises deaf player by learning her language.
The Yeronga Devils football club in Queensland, Australia, wanted to make their deaf teammate feel loved, so they learned how to sign their fight song in Auslan.
17. Creative violinist finds new way to play her instrument.
Gaelynn Lea Tressler was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, but she has not let her condition stop her from making music.
18. Mother of the bride saves someone’s life while dressed to the nines.
Jodi Damrow was on her way to her daughter’s wedding in Nebraska when she witnessed a car accident. As an ER nurse, she dropped everything to save the passenger’s life – and still made it to the ceremony on time!
19. Retired ballerina gives the gift of dance to low-income kids.
During her career as a ballet dancer, Aesha Ash was often one of the only African Americans on the stage. Ten years after retiring from dance, Aesha started The Swan Dreams Project to make the world of ballet accessible to everyone.
20. Aerial gymnast born with no legs follows this motto: “Never say can’t.”
Jen Bricker-Bauer’s birth parents couldn’t care for her special needs, so she was put up for adoption. After becoming an incredible aerial gymnast and international public speaker, she found out athletic talent runs in her biological family.
These incredible humans are making the world a better place, and we are so grateful for their wisdom and leadership. Little girls everywhere are watching – let’s give them something to aspire to!
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