Pop culture is filled with women who made huge strides in their fields and did incredible things for their communities and the people around them. Here are 13 amazing women who we should all look up to.
1. Audrey Hepburn
Actress and philanthropist, Audrey Hepburn is one of the coolest ladies around. She was a UNICEF representative and dedicated most of her life to helping others.
2. Gloria Steinem
Journalist and early feminist, Steinem wrote a powerful exposé about the Playboy Mansion after going undercover as a Playboy bunny. In addition, she wrote and was an editor for a very early feminist publication, if that's not inspiring I'm not sure what is.
3. Misty Copeland
The first African-American ballet dancer for American Ballet Theatre. Misty Copeland is changing the world. She is changing the mold for the "classical" ballet dancer and inspiring countless young dancers along the way.
4. Debbie Harry
The lead singer of 'Blondie,' Debbie Harry helped pave the way for women in punk rock music. She was a singer, writer and a business woman.
5. Stevie Nicks
From 'Fleetwood Mac,' Stevie Nicks was inspiring with her lyrics, her lifestyle and her career. She's known as the "Queen of Rock and Roll" for a reason.
6. Karlie Kloss
Karlie Kloss is a household name at just 23-years-old. In a world where modeling is deemed as superficial, Kloss is creating education opportunities for young girls interested in computer coding. Kloss is using her position to help girls build a greater future.
7. Nina Simone
The soulful jazz singer used her voice in both music and in activism. Simone used her voice to speak out about civil rights at rallies and in her music.
8. Janis Joplin
Though she died at just 27 years old, Janis Joplin had a voice that carried so much weight. To be a successful woman in her genre at her time was rare, and Joplin paved the way for many more women in rock music.
9. Joan Jett
Joan Jett began in the Runaways, and she has become known as one of the greatest guitar players of all time after becoming famous in a time where female guitarists were virtually non-existent.
10. Chrissie Hynde
Chrissie Hynde formed the punk group "The Pretenders," where she wrote her own music and spoke out on social issues in her music. Hynde was another woman who proved that women had what it took to be rock and roll artists.
11. Billie Holiday
Jazz singer Billie Holiday had a huge influence on how music evolved. Her vocal range and manipulation of the notes drove the future of jazz and pop music.
12. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey changed the world. There I said it. Winfrey, a talk show host, producer and philanthropist has put all of her efforts into providing opportunities for young girls to get an education all over the world. From opening schools in Africa to providing scholarships to girls in the U.S., Oprah has changed so many lives.
13. J.K. Rowling
Two words: Harry. Potter. Rowling, the author of the novels of a generation, currently holds the title of the author of the best selling book series in history AND second highest film grossing in history. She's literally the coolest.
