5 Influential Women of Today

Happy International Women's Day! We hope you spend your day exactly the way you want to spend your day because today it is all about YOU. We wanted to recognize the achievements of some of today's most influential women whether they be girl-bosses or activists. Today is dedicated to empowering women, so don't forget to empower yourself today! Read on to hear about how women are making a difference in the world. 

Christiane Amanpour is currently serving as CNN's Chief International Consultant. Christiane has become known for her willingness to report from active war zones such as during the Gulf Wars during which she rose to prominence as a journalist. As a journalist, Christiane has contributed strength and courage in her field and is devoted to remaining honest and ethical in her reportings. Christiane sees journalism as the public's right to knowledge and has worked tirelessly to increase that access ethically. 

"We respect the public and really want to help increase understanding and knowledge and awareness.”

The former First Lady has quickly rose to prominence as a role model for women and young girls alike. With two daughters of her own, Michelle knew how vital education is to young people. She began the "Let Girls Learn" initiative to help educate over 50 million children around the world without access to education. Her 8 year span as the FLOTUS was completely based around empowering women and educating the world.               

                                         "Success isn't about how much money you make. It's about the difference you make in people's lives."

                                                               

 Angelina Jolie has made many charitable efforts in providing aid for women, children, refugees, struggling foreign countries, and more. She is a UNHR ambassador who has gone on over 40 field missions in more than 30 countries to provide assistance in areas she felt the media was overlooking. Also, having a Cambodian-born son led to her creating the Maddox-Jolie Project, a wildlife reserve in Cambodia named after him with the goal of protecting endangered species. Jolie has proven herself to be an inspiring activist who has a goal of servitude.

"I think we all want justice and equality, a chance for a life with meaning. All of us would like to believe that if we were in a bad situation someone would help us."

As founder of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Nancy Brinker has made valiant efforts in the push to further breast cancer research. The nonprofit organization dedicated to Brinker’s sister, who died of breast cancer, has raised over $2.2 billion and is the leading breast cancer charity of the world. Brinker’s ultimate goal is to move towards a world where breast cancer does not exist. She is truly a pioneering woman.

"The very first step toward giving to others is grateful recognition of our own assets."

 As the first female co-host on the Today Show, Barbara Walters became known as the "Today Girl" and was seen as the idealized version of the American woman. Walters battled criticism against her gender. Many believed that a women would never be a serious journalist, but Barbara Walters proved them wrong by becoming the highest paid journalist on television... ever. Her all women panel show "The View" became one of the highest rated shows on television by creating a forum for women to share their opinions on everything imaginable. 

"I was the kind nobody thought could make it. I had a funny Boston accent. I couldn't pronounce my Rs. I wasn't a beauty."

References:
http://www.feministezine.com/feminist/womenofpower/Top-20-Influential-Women.html
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/16/barbara-walters-retirement-career-legacy_n_5312103.html
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/michelle-obama/8047094/Michelle-Obama-named-the-most-powerful-woman-in-the-world.html