In a society where hatred, discrimination, and terrorism seems to be everywhere you look--the news, social media, magazines--it is important to remember that there are some outstanding media figures that continue to inspire a generation that is in desperate need of inspiration.
1. Karlie Kloss
Call her a supermodel, call her a business woman, call her a L'oreal spokesperson but you can't call her lazy. At only 23 Kloss has conquered not only the modeling industry but also the business world. Despite the fact that, according to Forbes magazine, she is one of the highest paid supermodels, she teamed up with Milk Bar to create Klossies--cookies that raise money for charities. And with her latest project, Kode with Klossy, allowing young women to learn how to code and better familiarize themselves with the technology industry, there is not much stopping Karlie Kloss from taking over the world.
…thanks for making the rest of us twenty-somethings feel completely unaccomplished with our lives Karlie.
2. Emma Watson
All grown up and no longer referred to as "Hermione," Emma Watson shocked the world as an adult. Unlike many of the other children stars of her time, she actually turned out to be classy, educated, and determined to make a difference in this world. After graduation from Brown University in 2014 with a degree in English literature, she soon showed the world that she was much more than just a child star. She is a U.N. Women Goodwill Ambassador, and serves as an advocate for the HeforShe Campaign, working to end gender inequality.
Still not sure how someone can be so utterly perfect.
3. Michelle Obama
As Barack Obama's presidency comes to an end, Michelle's cool factor continues to rise. During the 8 years that her husband served as President of the United States, it is safe to say she was never overshadowed by her husband's accomplishments. She served as a major fashion icon and overall health guru for the United States. She often speaks out on how she grew up in a nurturing environment and emphasizes how important it is for young women to grow up feeling loved, and encouraged, as she is a product of that.
And, her dance moves are awesome!
4. Bethany Hamilton
Not many can forget the heart-wrenching story of Bethany Hamilton, the young teenager who lost her arm to a shark while surfing. She not only proved herself to be extremely resilient in the face of adversity by pursuing her dream of becoming a professional surfer even after the loss of her arm, AND succeeding, but she has gone beyond what most would have expected of her. She has continued living her surfer lifestyle as a wife and mother to her young son.
5. Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling really revolutionized what it meant to be a leading lady on television. As a writer/producer and actor on "The Office," as well as acting as the star of her own tv show, "The Mindy Project," she is not the typical tall, skinny, blonde haired and blue eyed actress. Through her witty comedy, and unique appearance she demonstrates to young women across the world that you don't need to fit the cookie cutter image that media has deemed "beautiful" in order to really be beautiful.
