Who's Who of Female Role Models

At Ellevate, we recognize the importance of female representation and the positive effects it has on young girls and women. It’s essential that we acknowledge the remarkable women who are working incredibly hard to support other women around the world.

The entire month of May, we asked our followers to share their #FemaleRoleModel and how these women have made an impact. It is because of these female role models that women everywhere are making such immense strides in society.

Marie Curie

Marie Curie is a scientist who has changed the course for women in a male dominated field. Not only is she the first woman to receive a Nobel Peace Prize, she’s the only person to win it in two different fields: chemistry and physics. She has made huge advancements in the science world, including the discovery of radium and polonium. Marie Curie is an inspiration to so many women in science. It is because of her, that women can pursue careers in science and medicine.

Hillary Clinton

We admire politician and 2016 Presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton. She’s was the first First Lady to win a public office seat and the first woman to become the presidential candidate in a major party. Clinton has used her voice to show women that their opinions matter. She had the courage to stand up for women and she continues to do so. She is currently working on her newest political group Onward Together.

Brittany Packnett

Brittany Packnett is the VP of National Community Alliance at Teach For America and the co-founder of Campaign Zero. Her work focuses around police violence and working towards racial equality in education, housing, and much more. Brittany was heavily influenced by the protests in Ferguson and uses that to help change the way race is discussed in America. We truly respect Brittany for using her voice and position to stand up for what she believes.

Lilly Ledbetter

It takes a strong woman to take on the gender pay gap and Lilly Ledbetter is just that woman. After retiring from Goodyear, she sued the company because of the unequal pay between the men and women. She is the reason for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, signed in 2009, which helps those subject to discrimination in the workplace challenge those practices. Lilly is still fighting to close the gender pay gap, because it’s 2017 and women deserve to get paid the same as men.

Madonna Badger

Madonna Badger, co-founder of ad agency Badger & Winters, is fighting to bring gender equality to the world of advertising. After working in advertising for years and seeing the sexism that happens in the industry, she decided to start her own company that empowers women. Her agency is also behind the movement #WomenNotObjects that stands up against objectifying women in ads. Madonna is truly an inspiration and her message is one we fully support.

Ellie Downie

Ellie Downie is a British gymnast, who at a young age is already a fierce female role model. At 15, she became the first British woman to win an all-around medal at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in 2015. Just this year, Ellie became the first British woman to win all-around at a major international competition. She proves that hard work and determination can take you far.

Heidi Hackemer

Heidi Hackemer is the founder of brand shop, Wolf & Wilhelmine. She was named one of the 10 Women to Watch in Advertising in 2013 and speaks up against the sexism that occurs in the workplace. She calls for men to speak about the sexism they witness as well. Heidi empowers us by encouraging women to follow their passions while working hard.

Robin L. Bartlett

Robin L. Bartlett, Economics professor at Denison University is a teacher of feminist economics and a former president of the International Association of Feminist Economics. She is a female role model because she encourages women to get involved in economics and believes in the power of a network. In an interview with the American Economic Association’s Committee Status of Women’s Roles in the Economics Profession, she said, “Think of going to meetings and workshops as investing in you.” And investing in yourself is something we at Ellevate can get behind. #EllevateYourself

Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo is a household name in art, fashion and feminism. Known for her iconic eyebrows, Frida’s legacy in feminist art is truly inspiring for all women. She defied the stereotypes of women in her art and her lifestyle. She didn’t portray women in a classical nature, but in a way that exhibited them in a natural way. Frida’s style encourages women to embrace their uniqueness. She refused to abide by anyone’s rules and demonstrated how women can have agency over their own image.

Zhoue Qunfei

Zhou Qunfei is one of the richest self-made women in the world. As the owner of Lens Technology, she is considered brave by her peers. Her cousin told the New York Times, “we call women like her ‘ba de man,’ which means a person who dares to do what others are afraid to do.” She shows resilience and strength, during times where giving up is much easier. Zhou is our female role model because she continues to prosper in a male dominated field, showing us that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance.

Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid is a famous architect and the first woman to receive the Pritzker Prize for her Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati. Some of her famous buildings include: The London Aquatics Centre, the Guangzhou Opera House, and much more. Zaha has created some of the most unique and mesmerizing architecture and has done so as one of the few women in her field. She is our female role model because she has used her creativity to make a huge difference for women in architecture.

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra is an actress and activist who has been making waves in the media recently. She speaks out against the inequality between male and female actors in Bollywood and works with young girls to ensure that they feel represented and heard. Priyanka also admits with pride that she is a feminist and says, “I am an extremely proud feminist. I am someone who believes feminism is just a conversation about equality. It is not about hating or berating men.”

Linda Miller

Linda Miller is an engineer at Betchtel and a project manager for various projects globally over 25 years. Born in the US and a former Army office and helicopter pilot, Linda was named one of the UK’s top 50 Women in Engineering. She is an advocate for other female engineers and encourages women to pursue a engineering. She told Vogue, "It is an incredibly meaningful, challenging and valuable career and whenever my teenage sons bring their female friends to visit, I always say to them, ‘Consider becoming an engineer!’”

Janet Mock

As a writer, editor, and TV host, Janet Mock is committed to redefining the way the media portrays the transgender community. Named one of "the 30 Most Influential People on the Internet" by TIME in 2015, among many other honors and accolades, Janet uses her platform to lend her voice to a community that is often silenced from telling their own unique stories.

Asia Kate Dillon

Asia Kate Dillon, who identifies as non-binary, is an actor, producer, and director whose role on Billions is the first gender non-binary character on TV. They’re open about how they’re still learning about the non-binary community while researching the meanings of gender identity and assigned genders, and is aware of the privilege that comes with being assigned female at birth, as well as being white.