In a world where minorities and women are often undermined, unappreciated, and pushed aside, there are people in the spotlight who help inspire and stand up to stereotypes and societal challenges. Gina Rodriguez is the star of the CW show "Jane the Virgin" and a philanthropist, spokesperson, and overall incredible human being. Here are some reasons why Rodriguez is fully deserving of being a role model for all, why she is someone I look up to:

1. #MovementMondays Campaign

Rodriguez’ weekly Instagram posts that highlight minority, mainly Latino, actors and actresses’ successes, who are often underappreciated and unnoticed, prove her passion for expanding diversity and giving credit where it’s due. “I decided to start a movement and speak from the perspective of a Latina American who desires to see more Latinos on screen. There are 55 million Latinos in this country and although we all come from various backgrounds our unity can make a movie explode at the box office or a tv show soar to the highest viewers possible,” Rodriguez explained on her Instagram.

2. She’s an activist

Her multiple collaborations with companies like CustomInk and Naja Lingerie are aimed to promote acceptance by all and are connected to her personal goals and experiences. Additionally, Rodriguez is a member of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Board of Directors and a spokesperson for Clinique’s Difference Maker campaign, which promotes women’s empowerment.

3. Her love for education started at a young age

She was selected to be one of 13 young theatre-enthusiasts for a special program at Columbia University at the age of 16 and eventually enrolled in New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

4. She speaks out about her thyroid condition

Rodriguez’ love for boxing ties in with her thyroid condition, which can make it difficult for her to manage her weight. In an interview with People Magazine, Gina said, “For many years I had a daily conversation with myself about how I was going to help make that change. Because there is no way in this world things are only allotted to certain people because of their figure. There is no way that should be possible. There is no way that’s fair. There is no way that kind of limitation is going to help those that don’t fit into that box.” Her promotion of self-love and healthy lifestyles is admirable, and makes her a great woman for a young girl to be looking up to.