6 Inspirational Women to Look Up To

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The roles, rights and lives of women have drastically changed over the last 100 years, and even the last 20 years. The fact of the matter is, though, that the sheer amount of amazing women working towards success has always stayed consistent throughout time. Women have fought to make the world a better place both for themselves and for the lives of others. They truly are awe-inspiring.

These women are no different. They have overcome the odds to break into industries that didn't want them there. They set new records, became some of the "firsts", and didn't let the critics put them down. They each teach us a lesson about how we, too, can become powerful, strong, and fearless women in today's society. They give us hope and are people we can tell our young girls to look up to.

Here are six women you should look up to that will help inspire you to reach goals of your own.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey has overcome many barriers to reach her massive success. Being America's first lady of talk shows, Oprah surpassed her competition to become the most watched daytime show host on television. Her journey to get to success was tough, however. Throughout her childhood, Oprah was fasted with sexual abuse and lived in an extremely poor and dangerous neighborhood. She had little structure and was on a dwindling path. Oprah credits her father for saving her life, and giving her rules, guidance, and knowledge. Though Oprah had a rough start to life, she overcame the odds of being a poor women and found great success. No matter the circumstances of your background, you too can find success.

Venus and Serena Williams

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Venus and Serena Williams are two professional tennis players both who have surpassed a plethora of records set in the sport. Both sisters have been ranked by the Women's Tennis Association at the world No. 1 position in both singles and doubles, and both players have won four gold medals at the Summer Olympic Games. Being black, both sisters were regularly judged and looked down on in the sport. Other white parents would make racist remarks toward the two girls. However the Williams sisters did not give up and worked incredibly hard, practicing non-stop. Through their dedication they both quickly rose through the ranks and made a name for themselves. These sisters teach us that what others have to say about us doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is hard work and dedication when it comes to chasing your dreams.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson is more than just a star actress; she's also a great activist for women. During the peak of her fame, Watson split her time between working on film projects and finishing her education at Brown University and Worcester College, Oxford. In 2014, she was appointed as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and helped launch the UN Women campaign HeForShe, which calls for men to advocate gender equality. Watson, though has been very blessed with success in the film industry, still made it a point to go to school and increase intelligence. She used what she learned to make a difference in today's world through her women's rights work. Watson knows her platform can reach wide distances and used it for good. Watson teaches us that taking the time to learn and grow can only help us reach out goals down the line.

Michelle Obama

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Michelle Obama, the first African-American lady of the United States, taught America exactly what it means to have class and grace. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, Michelle is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. Michelle campaigned for her husband's presidential bid throughout 2007 and 2008, delivering a keynote address at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. As first lady, Michelle served as a role model for women, and worked as an advocate for poverty awareness, education, nutrition, physical activity and healthy eating. Michelle was regularly talked down upon in the news, but she never showed the world that it affected her. She remained poised and focused in the face of disrespect. No matter what others may say to you and about your goals, Michelle reminds us that we have to stay above the pettiness.

Audrey Hepburn

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The late Audrey Hepburn was both a famous actress and a humanitarian. Hepburn is recognized as a true film and fashion icon, but she also devoted much of her time to efforts like UNICEF. She worked in some of the poorest part of Africa, South America, and Asia. She later received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Hepburn, like Watson, used her success to make a difference in the world. Hepburn received international aid from UNICEF after her family endured the German occupation as a child. This inspired her to want to give back to the organization as a way to show gratitude. Hepburn teaches us that we should always show respect and thanks to those who help us. Without the love and support of others, you would have never gotten to where you are today.

Ellen DeGeneres

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Ellen DeGeneres is best known for her TV talk show "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and her popular sitcom "Ellen". However, the fun-loving star hasn't always had it easy. As a teen, DeGeneres faced sexual molestation and judgment for her sexual orientation. In 1997 DeGeneres came out as lesbian, to which the media tabloids ripped her to shreds and sent DeGeneres into a depressive episode. DeGeneres continued forth, however, and became a huge advocate for the LGBT community. She overcame the criticism and focused on making the world a better place. She also focuses on animal rights and humanitarian efforts, which led her to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom award in 2016. DeGeneres teaches us the importance of staying true to ourselves. While others may judge you it never means you should change yourself to conform to their standards.