It's official. Hillary Clinton is making history as the first female to be nominated as a presidential candidate by a major United States political party. While I disagree with her politically, I think the idea, in and of itself, of a female leading a nation is enough to make any woman excited. Here are eleven inspiring, empowering and clever quotes from female presidents and prime ministers,and other top-ranking officials of all ideologies and all parts of the world. Enjoy!

1. Dilma Roussef, President of Brazil, on the next generation of women

"I hope the fathers and mothers of little girls will look at them and say, 'Yes, women can.'"

When we were children, our parents were the first to assure us that we could achieve any career we set our minds to. When we grew up to see women around the world serving in all capacities, we knew they were right ... yes, women can.

2. Yulia Tymoshenko, former Prime Minister of Ukraine, on hair and power

"I just heard the latest joke about my hair: 'Do you know what is on her head? It's a steering wheel to drive the state.'"

Women seem to receive disproportionate attention for their clothes and fashion. Tymoshenko turns the focus back to matters of substance in a way that makes me want to copy not just her hairstyle, but her finesse.

3. Han Myeong-sook, former Prime Minister of South Korea, on leadership

"A prime minister must make an effort to humbly listen to the voice of the people more than give directives and orders. He or she must put on the shoes of ordinary people to know their difficulties."

A true leader puts people first.

4. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, on presenting yourself wisely

"Always be more than you appear and never appear to be more than you are."

In an appearance driven society, keeping up an impressive facade is instinctive. However, in some situations, it's wiser to keep a humble demeanor and allow your opponent to underestimate you.

5. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, former Prime Minister of Denmark, on drawing the line

"People want to make sacrifices, but they don't want to be sacrificed."

When it comes to sacrifice, you're allowed to give up your own prerogatives - but never throw others under the bus.

6. Yingluck Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand, on non-violence

"I will repeat again that females are the symbols of nonviolence. Another thing I would say is that a female is more compromising. A female can talk with anyone easily."

The violence in the world today has a lot to do with the way society sees masculinity. That's why it's more important than ever that women's voices are heard in political matters.

7. Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia, on paving the way for women

"What I am absolutely confident of is it will be easier of the next woman and the woman after that and the woman after that and I'm proud of that."

Someone always has to be first.

8. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago on the value of caring for a family

"I am my own woman ... and was, long before I became Prime Minister. Attending to my family's needs only made me stronger as a leader because if you know how to run a home and ensure each person's particular need is met, it's the best leadership training you can have."

Some people seem to think that a domestic life and a paid career are two sides of a coin for women. But either or both can be an excellent path if chosen wisely.

9. Dalia Grybauskaite, former President of Lithuania, on terrorism

"With the danger of terrorism and war spreading in the world, now is the right moment to stop and reconsider our actions and do everything possible to bring an end to the fighting, be it in your own homeland, neighboring countries, or in your region."

The problem of violence has no borders. Everyone should consider what they can do to be part of the solution.

10. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, on honest living

"I work hard, I work late, I have nothing on my conscience. When I go to bed, I sleep."

If only all politicians were this way!

11. Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on being liked

"If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing."

And that's how she became known as the Iron Lady!

From Trinidad and Tobago to Thailand to the United Kingdom, female high-ranking officials certainly have good advice for us. Apply these words of wisdom, and maybe some day you too will find yourself at the top!