But Sheryl offers valuable advice on how to propel ourselves forward. For example, Sheryl writes about “sitting at the table”, a phrase she likes to use to represent the concept of women not underestimating their own abilities. This means that we shouldn’t be afraid to negotiate our salaries or attribute our success to ourselves instead of to external forces. Today, besides doing a kick-ass job of being the COO of Facebook, Sheryl is the chair of the Lean In Foundation, a foundation dedicated to “empowering women to achieve their ambitions” by facilitating Lean In Circles, and focusing on publicity and education.
You know how we all used to complain about having to go to school, and do homework? It’s basically a rite of passage! Well, (guilt trip alert), Malala Yousafzai has continuously risked her life to try and ensure that the women of her home country, Pakistan, are able to get an education. I think the word girlboss is an understatement when it comes to Malala. When the Taliban began to restrict girls from going to school, Malala, at 11 years old, started to secretly blog about the oppression. A year later, a documentary was made about her life, and the turmoil going on in Pakistan. Malala became more and more well known, leading to a murder attempt by the Taliban, of which Malala narrowly escaped death.
Since the close call, Malala has continued her activism, creating a non-profit called the Malala Fund, which provides safe, quality education for girls around the world. On top of being an extremely prominent activist for female education, Malala is the youngest Nobel Peace prize laureate in history, receive the award at age 17...no biggie, right?
3. Angela Brasington
Angela Brasington is our lovely founder and designer here at Anjé (she also might kill me when she sees this…). As a self-proclaimed tomboy who has a loveable laid back personality, Angela might seem like the least likely person to get involved in the cut-throat fashion industry, let alone start her own clothing company! However, like the true girlboss she is, Angela has been able to run a successful clothing company, without sacrificing her warm personality. As an entrepreneur, she is competitive though, a quality that may stem from her years of doing competitive gymnastics (point those toes)! After graduating with a marketing degree from Marist College, Angela started her career in the fashion industry at L Brands, the company that owns brands like Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and Henri Bendel. Here we are though, three years after Angela established Anjé, and still going strong!
Angela always knows how to have a laugh, but besides that, my favorite thing about her is her understanding of the importance of social entrepreneurship. Angela uses her platform to make a change by supporting organizations like the Kota Alliance and the Nylon Project. She’s the perfect combo of ambition and altruism! (Lauren, stop kissing up to your boss!)
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Do you feel that warm tingly feeling at the core of your being? Yup, that’s inspiration alright! Now let it lead you to finding your own way of making a difference!