Growing up, I attended a STEM and leadership-focused all-girl school. In my family and my circle of community, there was no shortage of reminders regarding the power of my voice in the world. Whether at school or at home, the people who surrounded me always encouraged me to be inspired by the examples of remarkable women throughout history.

Throughout my pre-teen and teenage years, I was privileged to be around constant reminders that women are allowed to take up space, and when we lean into our power, we can make incredible strides toward a better future for our families and communities.

One of my mentors throughout high school was WFAA – ABC News Anchor Gloria Campos. She was the first featured Hispanic news anchor in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, and in 2014 she retired with a 34-year tenure from WFAA. Campos opened doors and opportunities for me, from career shadowing experiences to internship opportunities through college, she was one of those women who stepped into a room with confidence and kindness, stood strong, and something about her simply glowed. Her influence in my life and the community around her is an example to follow, and it is women like her who continue to lead the way in raising the next generation of women leaders. 

Along with mentors and today’s trailblazing women, women’s history is also a powerful tool; it educates us on who we are and where we come from. Without knowing our history, our power is made smaller. History helps us draw strength and inspiration from those who came before us.

From the National Women’s History Museum to organizations like the National Women’s Alliance, we continue to place an emphasis on celebrating the importance of women and their contributions to the world. To name a few of the women who have broken the glass ceiling, we celebrate Addie L. Wyatt, Gloria Campos, Amelia Earhart, Angela Ahrendts, Sally Ride, and Kamala Harris.

History helps us draw strength and inspiration from those who came before us.

ADDIE L. WYATT

Reverend Addie L. Wyatt was a leader in the United States Labor movement and a civil rights activist. She is known for being the first African-American woman elected international vice president of a major labor union.

AMELIA EARHART

An American aviator, Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and the first person ever to fly solo from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland. Earhart set many flying records and championed the advancement of women in aviation.

ANGELA AHRENDTS

Angela Ahrendts served as CEO of Burberry and led the company through a period of outstanding global growth. In 2014, Ahrendts joined Apple as its first female executive.

SALLY RIDE

Sally Kristen Ride was the first American woman in space. She made her journey into history on June 18, 1983.

KAMALA HARRIS

Kamala Devi Harris is an American politician and attorney who is the 49th and current vice president of the United States. She is the first female vice president and the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, as well as the first African-American and first Asian-American vice president.

GLORIA CAMPOS

Gloria Campos joined WFAA in September of 1984. When she started as an anchor, she was the first featured Hispanic anchor in the Dallas-Fort Worth market.

Recognizing the achievements of women in business, science, community, government, literature, art, sports, medicine, and beyond has a positive impact on the development and self-respect for girls and young women. These women along with many others are part of our story, and honoring their stories depicts how important women have always been in American history.