Enrich International Women’s Day with lightworkers who will empower and inspire your journey.
– KEYS SOULCARE
Living your strength is so key. In a world that teaches us to doubt ourselves, to fit in, and to make others happy, it can be easy to forget that we have power — especially if you’re a woman. From antiquated gender roles to unrealistic beauty standards, women continue to rise above limitations to reach their highest potential.
Sharing these stories of greatness is essential because they remind us of what’s possible and inspire us to chase our wildest dreams. Here are five lightworkers who are blazing the trail and sparking your feminine power to get you started.
1. DEIDRA DEMENS
Zen Master Deidra Demens is an Iyengar yogi who combines her yoga practice with a love for her culture. Iyengar yoga is all about alignment, and Deidra encourages you to create alignment in your life, even in seemingly disconnected ways. Highlighting historical figures and current cultural icons, Deidra connects yoga with Black identity to accentuate the power she admires and embodies from her community.
2. HENG OU
Heng Ou is all about trusting your gut as a woman. The nutritionist and advocate focuses on women and gut health. She says, “Be clear about what you want and what you don’t want.” Like Heng, being intentional about caring for your body starts from within. Treating yourself well means being attuned to what’s happening inside and out, so you can fully live in your purpose with clarity and connection.
3. JOHANNA DEVRIES
Johanna Devries is a fitness phenom who encourages women to move and love their bodies at any stage of their journey. “If something bad comes into my head, I say out loud, ‘I love the way that I look. I am beautiful, I am strong.’” Self-acceptance means tackling your inner voice. How we speak to ourselves matters and Johanna inspires women everywhere to take stock of their inner critic. Why? Because loving yourself allows openness toward others and new challenges. (Including a new workout plan!)
4. ELLEN YIN
Ellen Yin is a finance whiz whose focus on financial transparency brings awareness to the typically secretive topic of money. By telling the stories of female entrepreneurs, she empowers women to grow and excel in business and the financial world. She emphasizes building a like-minded community to demystify what it means to succeed. “I choose to do the things that other people may be too scared to do themselves, but if they see that there’s more to life out there, then maybe they feel like it’s possible for them, too.”
5. SALLIE KRAWCHECK + THASUNDA BROWN DUCKETT
Speaking of finances Sallie Krawcheck and Thasunda Brown Duckett work intentionally to educate women to be money masters. Because of the centuries of disparities for women, it is critical to have women learning and teaching money moves. Money is a tool to take charge of your life, and these women are working to spread the word so women everywhere can become financially independent and free.
Having models and sheroes in every field reminds young girls and women that everything is possible. You can see yourself in any space when you know that others are opening doors and breaking barriers. While glass ceilings remain, women must take up space in every arena. From growing your money to loving your body to leading on the political scene, you can do whatever your heart calls.
Looking for ways to uplift women? Try these empowering moves and tell us what’s one thing you can do today to celebrate the women in your life in the comments.