The ‘Sheroes’ of 2020
A ‘shero’ is a straightforward term. Simply put, it is a woman regarded as a hero, but I think it means so much more. A ‘shero’ is a leader. A ‘shero’ is inspiring. A ’shero’ is empowering. A ‘shero’ is a fighter. A ‘shero’ is someone to look up to.
In a year full of uncertainty and apprehension, it’s always nice to see some inspiration from some of our most iconic role models, and 2020 certainly has not been lacking. Some of the most powerful and encouraging females of the world have proved that even in a crazy year like this, women should never be underestimated.
Here is a list of 2020’s most inspirational and iconic ‘sheroes’:
1. Kristen Welker
Welker is an NBC White House correspondent and was the moderator at the Oct. 22 debate between President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. Not only is she an unbelievable reporter, but she was also only the second black woman to moderate a presidential debate, coming almost 30 years after ABC journalist, Carole Simpson. After the so-called debate, Welker was getting attention for her refined, yet powerful accomplishment as moderator. The public applauded her for an outstanding performance trying to tame the chaos, and the debate conversation quickly became all about her as so many women felt empowered by watching her amazing work on air that night. I think it’s safe to say Welker was the real winner of the final presidential debate.
2. Naomi Osaka
22-year-old Osaka won both on and off the tennis courts this year. In the midst of winning her second U.S. Open this year, she used her powerful platform to make a change. Everyday during the tournament, Osaka spread a message of acceptance and demanding change while wearing seven different face masks, each bearing the name of an African American killed in recent years and calling for racial justice during interviews. She even stepped back during the Western and Southern Open’s semifinals to participate in peaceful protests and hoped that her actions throughout the season started an important conversation around the country. Osaka proved this year that you can do what you love while making the world a better place.
3. Deborah Birx
American physician and coronavirus response coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Deborah Birx proved this year that women can certainly work under pressure. Birx spent a majority of this year working closely with Dr. Anthony Fauci to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks and provide the American public with the right knowledge and resources to get through this pandemic together. She spoke at many White House press conferences at the beginning of quarantine, fearlessly speaking her mind and answering questions to help people get through this unprecedented time as easily as possible. Birx has served an incredible life saving thousands of Americans through her groundbreaking work with infectious diseases, and has done all of this while maintaining her impeccable fashion sense (we LOVE a stylish neck scarf). Birx showed women everywhere how to stand up for yourself, while being publicly scrutinized and harassed for her warnings at the height of the pandemic, and has led a life of empathy and compassion, saving thousands of lives along the way.
4. Jacinda Ardern
The 40-year-old Prime Minister of New Zealand has shown this year that we need more women in positions of power throughout the world. As a leader of the New Zealand Labour Party, Ardern has proved women are never to be second-guessed. Not only has she been an amazing civil servant for the country for the last three years of her tenure, but her quick and strict response to the coronavirus outbreak has kept her citizens incredibly healthy for the last seven months and sent shock-waves across the world for what an exceptional head of state can do. The powerful and respected presence Ardern has maintained, not only in her own country, has inspired women across the world and has been a wonderful and much-needed reminder of the amazing things valued and trusted women can accomplish.
5. Victoria Garrick
Former University of Southern California volleyball player and influencer, Garrick has inspired thousands of young women across the world through her TED Talks, social media presence, and advocacy for mental health. Garrick is honest about her own struggles with depression and body image, while giving her large audience the advice I think we all need to hear sometimes. This kind of online presence is what we need more of across social media platforms, as she is using her voice to tell a truthful story while keeping a positive mindset. Garrick has been a reminder for so many young women to be unapologetically yourself and never be afraid to tell your story.
These women come from a variety of ages, backgrounds, and races, but have all taken the world by storm in 2020. While they are just a few of the incredibly iconic women that have made this year so inspiring, they really show us what women can do. I encourage everyone to find their own ‘sheroes’ in their life and to follow in the footsteps of anyone you find inspiring like those above. It’s incredible to see how one woman can inspire so many to be their best selves. In a year so unbelievable, it’s nice to have ‘sheroes’ as a constant reminder of everything we can become, given any kind of circumstance.
Cover photo found here.