Hey y’all! It’s Femme Friday and International Women’s Day 2019! Cue Run the World (Girls).
I’ve mentioned my love/hate relationship with Instagram, but I’ve learned that you can still live your best life and double-tap the very best parts other people want to share, without comparing. Instagram, if used in the right way, is a place of inspiration. I follow some motivating women that share their own versions of strength, creativity, and intelligence. Seeing posts like that can change your mood so here are 8 empowering, badass bossbabes to follow on Instagram. For the record Oprah and Michelle Obama are givens 🙂 Cheers to women all over the world!
8 Badass Bossbabes to Follow on IG
1. Serena Williams – @serenawilliams
Not going to lie Serena was the first name I jotted down when I started brainstorming for this post. In the past six months, she’s been penalized, fined and criticized for what she has said, her outfit choices and what she looks like — being called “crazy all the while flourishing as an athlete, working for women’s equality and highlighting working mothers. Nike debuted a new ad featuring Serena during the Oscars – centered around women being called: dramatic, nuts, delusional, unhinged, hysterical, irrational, and, of course — crazy. If you have a minute (and a half) the ad is 100% worth a view or two. Serena Williams has long encouraged young women to assert themselves —which is an empowering voice to have on your feed. On International Women’s day I don’t know of a better call to action – show them what crazy can do.
2. Misty Copeland – @mistyonpointe
Misty Copeland is seriously one of the most talented ballerinas out there. In 2015, Copeland was recognized as the first African American woman to become principal dancer in American Ballet Theater’s 75 year history. However, beyond her dancing, she an advocate for representation in ballet. She believes that her purpose as a public figure is to make sure up-and-coming black and brown dancers know they belong in the world of classical ballet and feel welcome there.
3. Angela Rye – @angelarye
Angela Rye is a political commentator for CNN and political analyst for NPR that always keeps it real. She’s smart and engaging and brings a fresh perspective with her commentary on politics, social justice, and any current event. Listening to her is like being at brunch with a friend who can explain This bossbabe has been on BET, CNN, NBC, HBO, ABC, MSNBC, and TV One and in outlets such as Marie Claire, Ebony, and The Washington Post. I also have to mention she is the CEO of IMPACT strategies. Angela is using her platform to empowers others to use their voice to create positive change in the political process.
4. Marsai Martin – @marsaimartin
I’ve got a collection of gifs featuring Marsai because she is a whole mood. She became the youngest person to ever executive produce a studio film when she signed on the movie Little, with starring Regina Hall, and Issa Rae and Martin. She also just signed a first-look production deal with Universal to develop scripted projects. This young lady is a inspiration to creators of any age.
5. Jaclyn Johnson – @jaclynrjohnson
Raise your hand if you’ve heard of Create & Cultivate – the platform and conference geared toward o building up female entrepreneurs and women in the workplace. Well Jaclyn is the founder. She landed a spot on Forbes’ “30 Under 30”, has written a book (Work Party) and launched a podcast.
“Behind every great woman, are great women.” -Jaclyn Johnson
6. Yara Shahidi – @yarashahidi
To coincide with International Women’s Day Mattel unveiled a new crop of role models from 20 different countries — in doll form. The brand chose women from ages 19 to 85 with a diverse array of careers for the new release, and my girl Yara was chosen. How dope is that?! She was chosen for her achievements in acting and activism and for her creation of Yara’s Club in partnership with The Young Women’s Leadership Schools in NYC, a digital meet-up for high school students to discuss societal issues, self-improvement, and higher education. Beyond being a young, activist – her style is amazing and I’m patiently waiting for The Sun Is Also A Star to hit movie theaters.
7. Zendaya – @zendaya
Zendaya is my BFF in my head (along with Serena). She’s been known for speaking her mind and this past weekend she made a statement about ageism, racial diversity, and size inclusivity during Paris Fashion Week. The 22 (yes 22!) year old debuted her Tommy Now collection and she chose an all-Black cast of models in all sizes along with ages ranging from 18 to 70 years old to walk her runway show was just a part of her agenda for pushing the industry forward. This is amazing, but ladies, Zendaya came for our wigs by having Pat Cleveland (lauded as the first black supermodel), Veronica Webb (the first black woman to have a major cosmetics contract), Beverly Johnson (the first black model on the cover of Vogue), and icon Grace Jones. GRACE JONES!!!!
8. Laura Medalia – @codergirl_
Laura Medalia is what I would call the crusher of coder stereotypes. She is proof that girls can love girly things and still be kick-butt programmers. She’s a software engineer in NYC who also has built her own business by selling funny tech t-shirts. Her IG account is inspiring to women looking to break into and make their names in tech. Yes, queen – I stan a woman in STEM!!
Who are some women who inspire you? Leave a comment below because I can never have too many badass bossbabes on my feed!
These are some top picks! Glad to now have CoderGirl on my radar.
Denise | http://theelleaesthetic.com/
This is one fire list of badass babes! I don’t follow many celebrities on Instagram, because I focus on solely following other content creators and bloggers, but I may need to give a follow to a few of these lovely ladies for inspiration and motivation! Happy Women’s Day!
These are truly some badass women! Great picks, especially for international women’s day.
I’m actually really surprised that I haven’t heard of most of these women! There’s nothing I love more than finding a good, strong female role model so I’ll definitely have to check some of these lovely ladies out. I have noticed everyone’s obsessed with Zendaya again at the moment. That girl can do everything! 🙌
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I’ve heard of a couple of these women, but will have to check out the others!
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I love finding new inspirational women to follow! I don’t think I’m following any of these women so I’ll have to check them out 🙂
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