Women’s History Month is in full swing and you might find yourself getting into the feminist spirit. Women’s History Month is a great time to remember all the inspirational women who came before us to shape our world into what it is today. This can mean the women who made it possible for us to vote, the women who continue to advocate for gender equality, or even the women who are vocal about their role as a woman and why and how it should change. Women are powerful creatures and Women’s History Month is the perfect time to remind ourselves of this fact. 

As you get ready for your final exams and projects before Summer, use Women’s History Month as a reminder that you can do and be anything you want. The inspirational women who have come before us are an example of how we ourselves can do anything we put our minds to. So as you tell yourself that you’re a boss who can do whatever you dream to, take a look at these 9 influential women and where they went to college to remind you that even the bossiest girl bosses started at college just like you! 

1. Kamala Harris 

Born: October 20, 1964

College Education:

• Harvard University 
• University of California; Hastings College of the Law

As the first ever woman Vice President of the United States of America, it is no wonder that Kamala Harris is first on the list of influential women to honor during Women’s History Month. Vice President Harris spent her life working in public service before she was elected to be Vice President. Born in Oakland California, Vice President Harris was raised by activist parents and was constantly surrounded by others who valued justice above everything else. As well as being the first woman Vice President, Kamala Harris is also the first woman of color Vice President. Vice President Harris is constantly working for others and is recognized among some of the most influential women. 

“My mother would look at me and she’d say, ‘Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last.’” – Kamala Harris 

2. Oprah Winfrey 

Born: January 19, 1954

College Education:

• Tennessee State University 

Oprah Winfrey is possibly one of the most influential and popular women in television and broadcasting. At only 19, Oprah began her career (while still attending high school) when she began working at WVOL radio in Nashville. From there, Oprah Winfrey has only expanded her career until it became what it is today. Oprah is probably most well known for her television show The Oprah Winfrey Show where she hosts many celebrities and uses her platform to discuss important issues and to help others. Oprah Winfrey is not only a television star, but she is also an activist for women and women of color, and is an entrepreneur. 

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey

3. Princess Diana of Wales 

Born: July 1, 1961

Died: August 31, 1997

Education:

• Institut Alpin Videmanette

Princess Diana might not have attended college, but she is a notable woman who is influential during Women’s History Month. Part of the royal family, Princess Diana always stuck out for her wild behavior and strong opinions. Princess Diana of Wales was a strong advocate for charity and worked closely on campaigns to help support the research of AIDS as well as her close relations to campaigns that supported women’s rights and equality. Princess Diana of Wales was one of the most influential women of her time and was once referred to as the most photographed woman in the world during her reign.  

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” – Princess Diana of Wales 

4. Michelle Obama 

Born: January 17, 1964

College Education: 

• Harvard University
• Harvard Law School 
• Princeton University

Michelle Obama is the prior First Lady to her husband and previous President of the United States, Barack Obama. Despite being a First Lady, Michelle Obama is also a writer, a lawyer, and a role model to many young women everywhere. An advocate for women and young women of color, Michelle Obama is a strong supporter of education and gender equality. 

Michelle Obama also headed up the Let’s Move campaign while she was acting First Lady, a campaign that aimed to end childhood obesity and promote healthy activities. Today, Michelle Obama continues to show support and advocate for the health of children and the equality of young women. 

“Success isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” – Michelle Obama 

5. Ruth Bader Ginsburg 

Born: March 15, 1933

Died: September 18, 2020

College Education: 

• Cornell University
• Harvard Law School
• Columbia University 

Ruth Bader Ginsberg was one of the most influential women to have served on the Supreme Court. While Ginsburg wasn’t the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, she was the first Jewish woman to serve on the Supreme Court, and was the second woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court. During her time on the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (known as RGB by many) was known for breaking gender roles, and supporting those who broke them as well. Even growing up and attending Harvard Law School, Ginsburg faced gender discrimination from her peers when she was one of only five women in her program. 

“I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

6. Hillary Clinton 

Born: October 26, 1947

College Education:

• Wellesley College
• Yale Law School

Born to a family who encouraged her to value education, Hillary Clinton is an advocate for education rights. On top of being an advocate for education, Hillary Clinton was not only the First Lady to former President Bill Clinton, but she was also the first First Lady to have a degree in law. In 2016, Hillary Clinton became the first woman to represent a major party while running in the presidential election to become the first female president. Growing up, and even through her election campaign, Hillary Clinton was vocal about her opinions on how the public viewed her as a woman and as a presidential candidate. While some might’ve just seen Hillary Clinton as a woman, she is more than that. 

“If I want to knock a story off the front page, I just change my hairstyle.” – Hillary Clinton

7. Reese Witherspoon 

Born: March 22, 1976

College Education:

• Stanford University

Not only is Reese Witherspoon an actress and producer, she is also a strong leader and role model for women everywhere. Reese Witherspoon is probably most known for her role in Legally Blonde where her character (Elle Woods) graduates law school despite everyone’s disbelief that she’ll never make it. However, Reese Witherspoon is not only a feminist on screen, but also in real life. Reese Witherspoon is a vocal activist for women and children, owns her own clothing brand, and runs a national book club. Within her book club, Reese Witherspoon chooses books written by inspiring authors to promote good causes. 

“I believe ambition is not a dirty word. It’s just believing in yourself and your abilities. Imagine this: What would happen if we were all brave enough to be a little bit more ambitious? I think the world would change.” – Reese Witherspoon

8. Jeannette Rankin

Born: June 11, 1880

Died: May 18, 1973

College Education:

• University of Montana 
• University of Washington 

Jeannette Rankin was a strong advocate for a woman’s right to vote. To help fight for a woman’s rights, Jeannette Rankin joined the women’s suffrage movement and fought for equal voting rights for women. Later, Jeannette Rankin would become the first woman elected to congress where she used her voice to continue to fight for women’s rights. A known pacifist, Jeannette Rankin voted against war during her time in congress, and tried to help the women who were still in the suffrage movement in order to help support their children. 

“Men and women are like right and left hands; it doesn't make sense not to use both.” – Jeannette Rankin

9. Meghan Markle  

Born: August 4, 1981

College Education:

• Northwestern University 

Meghan Markle is most known for being the Duchess of Sussex, but she is also a strong advocate for women equality. At the young age of eleven, Meghan voiced her discontent with a soap commercial that used a slogan generated toward the stereotype that women belong in the kitchen. After writing to the soap company and Hillary Clinton, the soap company changed their slogan to be more gender inclusive. Aside from being an actress and a Duchess, Meghan Markle is very vocal about her thoughts and opinions of women in the workforce, and she strives to help make a change to have more gender inclusive work environments. 

“When girls are given the right tools to succeed, they can create incredible futures, not only for themselves but also for those around them.” – Meghan Markle

Women’s History Month is the perfect time to get in touch with your feminine side and to remember who you are and where you came from. Taking a look at the women who came before you can help you do this. Remembering the women who made our world what it is today and made everything that we can do possible is a great way to motivate ourselves to work just as hard as they did to change the world. Their drive and motivation might be just what you need to give you the confidence to succeed in school and even after. 

So as you ultimately stress during college (because let’s be honest, who doesn’t at some point?), just remember that even the most influential women started out just where you are today. If these women can do it, then so can you. You just have to remember you’re just as capable as they are. So the next time you feel like giving up, take a look at these 9 influential women to motivate yourself that you can make a difference just like they did!