Each Olive has a unique way of doing things and that’s what makes us great. Now, now…we realize we didn’t just become this great from a snap of a finger—we have a lot of people to thank for guidance, support and inspiration along the way! So in honor of #WomensHistoryMonth and #InternationalWomensDay on March 8th, we’re super thrilled to present our list of most influential and inspiration girl bosses with you. Read and enjoy!
- Jennifer Borba Von Stauffenberg – President: My most adored female is Cyndi Lauper. She taught me at the ripe age of six (on the same night that I experienced my first concert and lost my front tooth) that you should use your voice to make a difference in the world. That night, I walked away inspired to use my voice to make a difference. Even at six, I saw how powerful it was to have a captivated audience and leverage the opportunity to make a positive difference. I love her bold, courageous voice and what she has done to impact lives.
- CJ Otto – Senior Social Media Manager: Grace Coddington. She’s the creative heart behind American Vogue, but she’s never needed to shine in the spotlight. This lady is all about the behind-the-scenes details and can communicate through her work without the use of words or sounds—a true visionary. The best part? She’s probably one of the only humans on this planet who can routinely argue with Anna Wintour and still keep her job.
- Lindsay Anthony – Senior Account Executive: Buffy the Vampire Slayer. SMG was my childhood idol! She was smart, beautiful, funny and a total badass.
- Jaclyn Acree – Senior Account Executive: I really admire Ellen DeGeneres (and I’m not just saying that because it would be an absolute dream com true to get a client on her show). She is not afraid to be who she is, you can tell she really loves what she does and she uses her platform to help others. She is also hilarious and a kick-ass business woman.
- Courtney Rose – Account Executive: Amelia Earhart. She was an important woman in history that wasn’t afraid to do the unthinkable—she followed her gut and didn’t let anyone stop her from achieving her goals. She was determined, fearless, courageous, adventurous, a rebel, traveler and risk taker—all important qualities that I like to believe I encompass and ones that young women like us should try to remember to have.
- Samantha Hewitt – Social Media Community Manager: Michelle Obama is a role model for girls and women everywhere. She embodies the grace and elegance you would expect of a First Lady, coupled with strength, intelligence, humor, compassion and integrity that only the very best leaders possess.
- Megan O’Neal – Account Executive: Emma Watson. For making me feel better about my younger, frizzy-haired/nerdy self and all of the work she’s currently doing for gender equality as the United Nations Goodwill Ambassador with the #HeForShe initiatives.
- Lydia Bakit – Junior Account Executive: My mother. She is one of my most admired females – she is a woman that came from so little but has done so much to provide for her children and family. She is a dedicated, loving and strong-willed mother that continues to inspire and motivate me that anything is possible and to dream BIG.
- Christina Lucchesi – Account Coordinator: Kerry Washington is my feminist, trailblazing girl crush. I think in another life, Biggie Smalls wrote the lyrics “All the ladies in the place with style and grace” about her, because come on, she’s literally perfect. If all women could have even 10 percent of her confidence, beauty and intelligence we’d definitely be rulers of the world.
- Hannah Rolak – Account Coordinator: K. Rowling. Joanne Rowling always knew she wanted to be a writer; she penned her first book when she was six years old. For ten years her mother battled multiple sclerosis, which took a toll on their family. Penniless and jobless, Rowling later endured the struggles of being a single mother on welfare. Despite her situation, Rowling pursued her dream and began writing the Harry Potter series, which has since sold more than 450 million copies, won innumerable awards and ultimately transformed Rowling’s life forever. I can really relate to her because my mom has been battling diabetes and was a single parent for the latter half of my childhood. I really looked up to Rowling when I was little and wanted to be a writer. I admire her perseverance through hard times.
- Miya Lawrence – Public Relations Intern: Viola Davis is my most admired female. She’s an Academy Award nominated actress and producer. Over the course of her career Davis has won many awards but in 2015 she became the first African-American woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
- Ashley Quintero – Social Media Intern: I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t in awe with Frida Kahlo. She was outspoken, a feminist and a fighter for all kinds of equality. She experienced a lot of pain throughout her lifetime and is my inspiration and example of strength and perseverance.
- Alissa Kasawdish – Public Relations Intern: I admire Jennifer Aniston for her confidence and her inner and outer beauty. From “Friends” to “Just Go With It,” she has always been a positive image to look up to.
- Arin Wiggins – Executive Assistant: Roseanne. Because she keeps it real and makes the struggle relatable and hilarious. She inspires people with a “we’ll get through this together” attitude.
Believe us, it was hard to pick just one. Who’s on your list? Share in a comment below or Tweet @OlivePRSolution using the #WomensHistoryMonth hashtag.