by Melissa Fajardo ’13

Lena Dunham – She has captured a massive audience with her HBO hit “Girls.”  At the age of 26, Dunham received five Emmy nominations in 2013 for her work in creating, writing, directing and starring in the series. The show presents major issues young people face today. In particular, Dunham challenges the cultural expectations of women and suggests ideas of who women are and how they should be.

Gabby Douglas – The 16-year old Olympic gymnast took home two gold medals: one for her participation in the American team competition and the other for all-around gymnast.  Douglas is the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the all-around champion and the first American to win both the all-around and team competition. Douglas’ achievements in the Olympics as well as her public image serve as a positive influence for young female athletes.

Hillary Clinton – Newsweek proclaimed Hillary Clinton “the most powerful woman in American history” in 2013.  Nominated by President Obama, Clinton was the third woman Secretary of State in U.S. history.

Virginia “Ginny” Romett – Currently the chairman and CEO of IBM, Rometty is the first woman ever to lead the multinational technology and consulting corporation. She was ranked by Fortune magazine as the most powerful woman in business in 2012.

Danica Patrick – In a predominantly male sport, Patrick holds her own. She is the only woman to win a race in the IndyCar series and she recently became the first woman to ever win a pole position in the Daytona 500. During this race, she made history by becoming the first woman to ever lead a lap. She finished the race in eighth place out of 43 racers.