March is Women’s History Month, and I’ve seen several articles and posts about women who’ve influenced people for a variety of reasons both personally and professionally. I’m no exception to this. I could tell you the single most influential woman in my life was my mother (cliché but true) or a boss that helped me understand my value or a schoolteacher (more than one), and the truth is each one of these women has, in fact, influenced the person I am today.

In addition to these real-life people, there’s a plethora of fictional characters through books, TV shows, and movies who’ve also played a part in who I am. Some of my favorite heroines include:

  • Nancy Drew – As a young girl, I was fascinated by Nancy Drew and her friends, George and Bess. They didn’t wait for someone else to solve the mystery—they took charge and figured things out themselves.
  • Jamie Sommers (The Bionic Woman – original show) – She was awesome. A school teacher and a secret agent. Who wouldn’t want to be her?
  • Joyce Davenport (Hill Street Blues) – Joyce Davenport was a public defender, so she was often at odds with the rest of the characters in this show, but she held fast to the law and ensured her clients were treated fairly. Yeah, I know it was fictional but Joyce had grit and determination and she didn’t back down.
  • All the Female Attorneys on L.A. Law – Roxanne Melman, successful and ambitious, known for her sharp wit and legal prowess, Ann Kelsey, a partner known for her intelligence and sharp legal mind, Abby Perkins, talented and ambitious associate, known for her strong moral compass, Grace Van Owen, District Attorney and frequent adversary of the firm’s attorneys.
  • Victoria Barkley (The Big Valley) – Victoria Barkley was the widow who was left to run the ranch and there were plenty of folks that wanted that ranch. Fortunately, Victoria had her children to help her, but make no mistake, Victoria was the matriarch of the Barkley family and even her sons did as she said.
  • Miranda Priestley (The Devil Wears Prada) – Miranda Priestley makes no apologies for who she is. If she were a man with that level of power and authority, would anyone question her leadership? Probably not.

I could go on, but I think you get the idea. If you look at my fictional characters, what do they all have in common? They are all strong, independent women. Strength and independence are two of the most important lessons I learned from the real-life women who’ve influenced me. All of them – real-life and fictional – embody who I want to be – a strong, independent woman.

I raised my daughters to be strong, independent women. As I told them, “Wanting someone is better than needing someone.” I never want them dependent on anyone else. I want them to be surrounded by people that elevate them and help them achieve whatever it is they desire.
I get passionate about this topic because I truly believe in empowering women to stand on their own.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I’d love to hear—who are the women, real or fictional, who have influenced you? Let’s celebrate their impact together.

Thank you Jennifer Cassaday! Don’t miss our next Monthly Member Meeting!

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