Anna Wintour

Loved and feared, but mostly revered Ms. Wintour makes the fashion industry tick. She is one of the most powerful people (not women, people) in New York and continues to fuel billions of jobs and dollars by making fashion relevant. But perhaps most importantly, she is decisive – even when the decisions aren’t easy.

Audrey Hepburn

Not only was she a style icon, she had a tremendous love and dedication for work in developing countries. She is often referred to as one of the most beautiful women of all time and her fashion styles still exist today.  The best part about it all is that although she enjoyed high fashion, she never placed much importance on it.  She preferred casual, comfortable clothes.

Beyonce Knowles

Humble. Elegant. Sexy. Confident.  Beyonce was born into the weirdest industry in the world, started her career as an entertainer relatively young, and she isn’t a complete lunatic.  In fact, she seems to have her shit together - good family values, a pretty intense relationship and she seems pretty down to earth considering the level she’s reached.

Billie Holiday

When I think jazz, rainy days, moonlight and warmth, I think her! She makes me tingly and gooey inside… and exudes the sweat of jazz and blues. From prostitute to singer... her voice is so full of life.

Erykah Badu

I got a little pot in my belly
And nowadays my figure ain't so fly
My dress ain't cost nothin' but seven dollars
But I made it fly
And I'll tell ya why

Cuz I'm clever when I bust a rhyme
I'm cleva always on ya' mind
She's cleva and I really wanna grow
But why come I'm the last to know?

Alright with me
Said I'm alright with me

Indira Gandhi

She was the Prime Minister of the Republic of India for three consecutive terms from 1966 to 1977 and for a fourth term from 1980 until her assassination in 1984, a total of fifteen years. She was India's first and, to date, only female Prime Minister. She introduced left-wing economic policies and promoted agricultural productivity.

Jane Goodall

For endless dedication to a cause that people often ignore. She's spent decades advocating for animal life, namely chimps. And nothing's stopped her in fighting for them. I believe her work shows honest dedication to something she loves. That is classy and something to aspire to be. I admire her because she's someone who works hard for what she loves and believes in.

Joni Mitchell

Blue is my favourite album to listen to during alone time. So sweet and soothing and… Canadian!! Joni Mitchell never lies.

Lauryn Hill

Educated, Miseducated, Intelligent, Talented, Skilled, Poet, MC, Musician, Actress, Beautiful, Strong, Transparent/Honest, Faith, Style, Grace, Hip Hop, Music, Confidence, Knowledge of Self, Eyes, Smile, Guitar, Voice, Powerful, Freestyle, Knowledge of Word(s).

Those words hardly sum up a lady who's been a role model to me since I was maybe 13. But those are a couple - let me know if you need more.

Lisa Ling

She's what I consider a true investigative journalist. She goes places most people wouldn't, she meets with people that most people wouldn't, and she gets to the crux of stories in ways that most people wouldn't. She isn't in journalism just to be on camera and be famous; she actually cares about the issues that are affecting people across the world. I believe that's a real journalist - someone who cares less about getting the juicy or most newsworthy story, and more about uncovering and sharing the stories of real people and how all the world's events/issues affect them. And she left a cushy job at The View to go back to this. To be in the field. I admire her confidence in her ability and strength in choosing not to always take the safe route - literally.

Majora Carter

Is a visionary voice in city planning who views urban renewal through an environmental lens. The South Bronx native draws a direct connection between ecological, economic and social degradation. Hence her motto: "Green the ghetto!" (See her talk at:  http://www.ted.com)

Madonna

(Before the 90s). 

She brought it!!! The face and voice of female POP, stirred up acceptance of women's public image/identity in the pop spotlight, an incredible performer, entertainer and always tested fashion. Her current work turns me off and I would big her up more if she graciously steps out of the public pop light, and works on creating and developing other female entertainers or contributes to saving the world with all her pull and experience.

Maya Angelou

Because she's been through so much, and done it all with class. From working within the civil rights movement alongside Dr. King, to her work as a writer/author, as well as her work both in front of the camera and behind it. Even the way she talks is so elegant and poised. She's so comfortable in her own skin that her confidence exudes with no effort. And at 81 years of age, she's still crackin' jokes. I admire her because she is a strong woman of colour, who shows that you can do whatever you want (and as many things as you want!), and still remain a kind-hearted and honest individual.

Meryl Streep

For being an actress that takes on female lead roles that are unconventional, that are not pretty and nice, but that represent real women, with real issues. She isn't just an actress to be famous or make money or stand and be pretty. I admire her because she plays women, who regardless of their character, are all strong. And she's played these roles from the start.

Naomi Klein

Wrote "No Logo" and "The Shock Doctrine".  Intellectual and wise, she sees clearly the problems that are plaguing us and gives thoughtful, hard-hitting responses. In 2000, Klein published the book No Logo, which for many became a manifesto of the anti-corporate globalization movement. In it, she attacks brand-oriented consumer culture by describing the operations of large corporations. She also accuses several such corporations of unethically exploiting workers in the world's poorest countries in pursuit of greater profits.

Oprah Winfrey

Driven. Hard working.  A clear role model for women of colour. A voice for women’s issues both young and old. Promotes literacy. Uses her mass media outlet to increase awareness in a format that is digestible and relevant.  Wasn’t afraid to talk about her own issues with her image and brought awareness to an active, healthy lifestyle.

Phoolan Devi

DAMMMMM!! She is the gangster of all gangster gyals! 11 year old, getting married off from a poor Indian village family, experienced repeated public gang rape, shunned from her own family/community, ran away finding a home with a gang of bandits, turned into a bandit learning to physically survive in an all male, sexist, class-ist environment, entered the political world, jailed but continuously winning her political seat and pushing Indian policies towards equality in sex and class, and being a voice for the largely oppressed Dalit community of India. Bandit Queen the film does a briefing on her story. She’s the real deal.

Sonia Sotomayor

Because she is a woman of colour and she never let that interfere with her career in a traditionally white-male environment. She is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, she is the Court's 111th justice, its first Hispanic justice, and its third female justice. And she’s from the Bronx!

Tina Fey

She's hilarious. As is (almost) everything she writes, produces and acts in. And she deserves at least some cred for the success of the Obama campaign (or making anyone who voted for McCain / Palin feel like a total douche bag). Being a female head writer at SNL is a pretty big deal too.

Toni Morrison

Her writing is out of this world.  She is on my list because her narratives have helped me to transcend space and time to communicate with my ancestors.  She is here because of The Bluest Eye.  She is here because of Beloved. Sigh. Who knew that the English language could do so much?

Uma Thurman

Do I need to go here? Tarantino's muse for simple reasons; talented, intelligent, stunning, she Kills Bill and somehow manages to stay graceful while snorting powder up her nose in movie life. And… she turns me on anytime I watch her.