Definitely my mom. My parents divorced when I was in elementary school, and my mom took care of my sister and I. I remember many years where my mom was working two jobs just so she could afford to keep us in the house we’d grown up in. She sacrificed so much of her own life to provide for ours. She’s my hero.

I have to go with my mom, too! She is the first and best example of what selflessness is.

My mom is the most amazing woman. Her husband died when my brother and I were very young and she did a really phenomenal job raising us by herself — we were both REALLY good kids. She’s also been through a lot — her younger sister died when she was 14, she got breast cancer at 37, had a crazy downstairs neighbor majorly harass her for years for no reason, and is currently dealing with her older sister’s kidney cancer and her mother’s kidney issues as well. Through all of this, she is such a caring, generous mother to me and my brother and is such a popular teacher where she works that every parent begs the school to have their kids be in her class!

My Nana is a woman in my life that I admire. She is going to be 97 this year and is still quite fiesty! She lives in a apartment community where they have different activities nightly- including Wii bowling where she has been given the nickname EagleEye!! She was born 1915 and lived through the depression, and worked hard for everything she has and didn’t retire until she was 85 because she just loved working with the public daily (she worked in a old fashion mens clothing store). I hope to be as with it as she is when I’m 97!

Mine is my great aunt. She has since passed away, but she was such a role model in terms of being a strong, independent woman. She was the glue that held our family together, and she made it clear to all of us how important family ties are in our lives. A lesson I’ll never forget!

My mom. Obviously. 🙂

My important woman is my mother. She is the strongest person I know because she constantly works hard to take care of everyone else around her before herself, while juggling a full-time job and a healthy lifestyle.

My aunt. She works around the clock to help other people, and is still the best mother I know. Props to her!

My mom is a very important person in my life. Without her, I (literally) wouldn’t be where I am today. She always inspires me to be a better person. I also admire a woman named Bea, who was my host mom in Ghana, West Africa. She is a truly remarkable person and exemplifies true strength and beauty.

My important woman is my lovely older sister. She has 4 children (4yo, 3yo, and 1yo identical twins), but still finds time to run and complete triathlons. So inspirational and amazing!

My older sister. She is so confident in herself.

My previous supervisor is an amazing and inspiring woman! She taught me how important it is to be caring and understanding at work and in my personal life. She is also passionate, earnest, positive even in the face of difficulties and genuinely a joy to be around. I miss working with her, and will always remember her and what she taught me. 🙂

My mother. She (along with my Dad, have to give him credit too) has made me the women I am today. She encouraged me to always pursue my dreams and after a biochemistry degree, dabbling with med school and research, I’m happy to now say that I’ll be heading to my top grad school to pursue a degree in nursing (which just so happens is her profession too!)

I am from Moldova, but I live in the states now, so anyway in Moldova Women DAy is a very VERY big holiday, usually women will receive flowers and gifts, so I still celebrate in hear I got many phone calls from my family and friends! Anyway, the most importamnt women in my life are my mom and grandma the are very kind and I can say that besides the fact the I am on a different continent I feel their unconditioned love every single day – thank you!

The woman I admire is Ellie. She has two kids, she works overnights so she can go to school, and limits her sleep so she can have quality time with her kids. I know her schedule is not ideal, but in eighteen months she will be a college graduate and she will be proud of what she has accomplished. I am already so proud of her.

I have a few: my event mentor for her constant guidance, my yoga teacher for her sass and strength and my mother for always giving me the kick in the rear when I need it.

A woman who is important to me is my grandmother. She is strong and funny…hilarious, even! And we have a special connection because we’re so alike in many ways.

My good friend Melanie. She has overcome a tremendous amount of adversity in life and still remains a relatively positive, happy person, grateful for what she has. She chrone’s disease, had fertility issues, and was recently diagnosed with alopecia (losing all her hair) due to hormone problems post partum. She also put herself through college, struggling at times to pay tuition and get through, but she did it. I really admire her ability to stay positive despite the struggles she has been through.

My mom is my inspiration. Her mom just up and left her and my aunt when my mom was 2 years old and my aunt was 2 MONTHS old. That left them without a constant female figure when they were kids, though my grandfather (their dad) did everything he could to be two parents to them. So my mom didn’t really know how to mother a daughter but she raised me into who I am today with little to no idea of what in the world to do. She just did her best and had her friends help when she needed it.

She passed on her, “Well, I can’t not do it!” attitude to me, which I am grateful for every day.

my mom-because she is selfless, caring and so creative. And because she has put up with me all these years!

Definitely my mom! I so admire her willingness to always put her family first and help out with anything, no matter what!

Not sure if u know this already but your new project has been featured in a newspaper in the uk!!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2112171/No-make-blow-drys-hairy-legs-How-women-going-au-naturel-60-days-rediscover-inner-confidence.html

Xxxx

Wow…I am actually blessed to know so many amazing women. I would have to say that my sister-in-law is one of the most amazing women I know. She balances being an amazing mom and a wonderful teacher. She also still manages to run and manage the household (my brother-in-law works crazy hours). I look up to her and hope I can take after her when we have children.

My roommate and best friend, Hannah, is ah-mazing. Not only did she lose over 30 pounds this past summer (eating right and exercising), but we ran the Disney Princess Half Marathon together just a few weeks ago. She motivates me to do my best and I could not ask for a better friend!

Without a doubt, my mother is the most important woman in my life. My parents had a rough divorce and money was tight for many, many years. She always kept herself afloat and managed to provide a roof over my head and food on the table even if she was struggling herself. I don’t know where I’d be without her!

I had a professor in college who made a huge impact on me. I majored in computer science (and now work was a software developer); it’s an extremely male-dominated field. I was the only girl in my first “real” computer science course in college, which was intimidating. Luckily, my professor was the amazing Carol Miller. She taught the course so clearly and comprehensively; I don’t think I would have stayed in the major if I hadn’t learned such solid fundamentals in her class. But beyond that, she pushed me to get involved in the computer science department at my school. At her encouragement, I became an officer of two organizations on campus (including the Women In Computer Science group) and later became her TA. These activities really helped me feel more connected (and less out of place) in the computer science department, which I think I needed!

Carol’s classes were also unique in that she peppered them with tidbits of computer science history — not many people know that there are numerous female pioneers in computing!

my friend amanda, whose birthday is today….she has put a smile on my face many times!

One important and influential woman in my life is my best friend Erin. She’s had more than her fair share of challenges and setbacks in life, but she is ALWAYS positive, adventurous, and fully in love with being alive. Whatever I’m going through something and veer towards the negative, I think of her and remember to smile through the pain.

Note: If I win this, I will register for a 5K in late April when I will be 26 weeks pregnant! Sounds like a fun challenge 🙂

One of the most influential women in my life is my former dance instructor, Sandy. She taught me about grace, pushing yourself to do your best and discipline. I danced under her instruction for 13 years, and I owe much of my personality to her.

My friend, Leah! She is always cool and collected and makes me feel better when things go awry.

caitlin you’re famous! http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2112171/No-make-blow-drys-hairy-legs-How-women-going-au-naturel-60-days-rediscover-inner-confidence.html

My mom is…amazing. She raised me and my three siblings, is a breast cancer survivor, and is one of the most generous people I know.

My woman is my grandma. She is truly one of the most amazing souls on the planet who knows only love and compassion. I don’t think I could exist in this world if it weren’t for her.

Kind of random, but I really admire Monica Culpepper, who is currently on survivor. I got to know her when her son was in my 3rd grade class a few years ago. Watching her on the show reminds me how mentally and physically strong she is, and so nice as well. What a role model!

One of the many, many women that I admire is a certain professor from college that told me that my post-grad unemployment would be the perfect time to experience all the odd jobs that people forget to try in life… she knew that English majors have a hard sell!

That advice got me to try things and apply for jobs that I never would have, otherwise!

Bring on the 5k, I’ve got mine ready!

The most important and commendable woman in my life is my mom. My mom had a VERY difficult childhood. She was born in the UK and was left by her mother when she was 2 years old. My mom met my dad and they moved to the US and she had my brother and I. She then while working full-time and taking care of ourhouse, got a bachelors degree (she had two majors and graduated with a 4.0) and masters degree. I am so proud of her and if I could give her one more thing, that would be my health and prorperity! 🙂

My mom is the most amazing woman I know. She is so caring and compassionate and would do anything to help others. She has been a great role model for my sister and I!

I love my mom. She is strong, resilient, and works hard. She is also loving, respectful, and always taking care of others. It wasn’t until I left for college that I realized how much I need her, and now that I have been away from home for a while, I love the precious moments we get to spend together. If I won the 5k race, we would probably actually run it together, since she is the one who got me into running in the first place. 🙂

my college advisor – Ana. She saved me – in so many ways. She is the biggest groundbreaker I know, strong, confident, aggressive (but graceful!), and incredibly open-minded. I’m proud to know her and even prouder to have her officiating my wedding this summer!

My beautiful Mom! She is the most patient, self-less, loyal, and non-judgmental person I know. She’s my inspiration!

The important woman in my life is a 16 year-old named Maggie and her sister Ruthie. Maggie was killed in a car accident on Sunday of this week. She was kind and caring and her sister Ruthie has been incredibly strong through everything done in her honor. These two girls have inspired me so much this past week. I know them because they go to my high school. (I hope you don’t mind a 15 year-old entering in this (: )

My sister! She has the kindest soul and is so patient with everyone.

MY MOM!!! She stuck with my dad thru his alcohol, and infidelity. She is a stron gwoman of faith and I love her dearly.!! Thanks for the chance to win!

My mom! She raised my brother and I as a mainly single mom and has always been my biggest supporter.

This is great because I just signed up for a 5K!

This is a cliche answer, but definitely my mom! We talk every day and she’s such a great role model.

As others have said, my mother is the most important woman in my life. From the values she’s instilled in me, to helping plan my wedding, to showing me what it means to be an awesome mom to my son, I can’t imagine my life without her!

My mom – she passed away after a year long battle with cancer. She was wonderful, and influenced so many people throughout her life. It was amazing to see how many people she went to elementary school with came to her wake – some she hadn’t seen in 50 years!

My mom. Although its cliche, it’s still her. When I was in middle and high school we would argue constantly about stupid things and about bigger things. I would always get upset and storm away. My dad always used to say that one day that would change and one day I’d see that we argued because we are just so much alike. When I went away to NC for college, I received something from my mom in the mail everyday, be it a card, or a package, and that’s when I realized how much I took her for granted. We really don’t argue anymore, and I am always trying to be a better person because of how inspirational she is to those in the career she works in. I want to be that strong woman that she is as I continue this path in life. 🙂 three cheers for my mama!

my special lady is my roommate from study abroad, alyssa. when i was slated to run a half marathon with my cousin (after i had just lost 25 lbs), my cousin’s grandmother suddenly passed away. i was writing for woman’s day and this half marathon was particularly momentous for me, and i was now left running alone after months of training. my roommate from chile stepped up and ran the race in my cousin’s place, staying at MY pace and cheering me on the entire time. she helped me realize my dream of running 🙂

There are so many amazing women being recognized! I loved reading the comments – although it is making it very hard to pick someone to write about. I’d have to go with my mom though as THE MOST important woman. I’m not sure if there are enough words to describe her strength, or even if she knows how strong she is. My mom inspires me constantly and I will be so lucky to be like her.

My life has been thoroughly changed by my best friend, Elise. We did a scholarship pageant together and now since we both are princesses, we volunteer 3-4 times a week at different events in our county. The events are optional, but it is truly an amazing opportunity and experience when you get to help people and make them smile. Elise makes time to go to almost every event along with doing 2 sports, taking all honors classes and still having time to spend with her friends. She is never sad and always looks at the positive in life. She is so compassionate and patient with others and she inspires me to be the best I can be. Without her, I don’t think I would be so passionate about volunteering and so motivated to follow my dream of becoming a registered dietician so I can help others lead happy healthy lives. She is like my sister, keeps a smile on my face, and says she wants to change the world, but the truth is, she has already changed mine! 🙂

My person is my dear, sweet cousin, who is getting married this week. She finally found THE ONE, after a few wrong ones, and I’m so proud of her for staying strong, and I wish her nothing but happiness!

My mom! She has been through a lot in her life, and raised my brother and I as a single mother for most of our childhood. She is such a strong woman and I hope to be like her when I have kids some day!

My mama! She is the sweetest, kindest, most caring woman I know! I have learned so much from her! She has given so much to her kids and to our community (she volunteers for a breast cancer organization in our city). She’s the best! 🙂

I would have had a different answer yesterday and probably tomorrow-but today, my answer is Jessica Simpson. I just read an article about her telling off this sexist butthead on Fashion Star-the way she handled the situation with humor, grace, and truth was admirable. (Link is here it was pretty funny: http://tv.yahoo.com/news/jessica-simpson-fights-back-on-%E2%80%98fashion-star%E2%80%99–video-.html)

I would have had a different answer yesterday and probably tomorrow-but today, my answer is Jessica Simpson. I just read an article about her telling off this sexist butthead on Fashion Star-the way she handled the situation with humor, grace, and truth was admirable. The link is here, it was pretty funny: http://tv.yahoo.com/news/jessica-simpson-fights-back-on-'fashion-star'–video-.html

My mom is the woman who has most influenced me. She is one of the most intelligent, capable, and inspiring people I know–and not because she is my mother. 🙂 She has inspired many of my friends as well. Plus, she’s cute!

My mom, hands down. She is the most loving person and truly the best mom ever. I owe her everything because she taught me how to make a wicked good oatmeal cake!!

My mother. She is the strongest person I know. My whole life she was my biggest cheerleader. To this day she and I talk everyday for hours, we laugh and sometimes she is my listener when I’m upset and crying. To be an only child I am so happy I grew up being her center of attention, that means I got all her love and she is the one I look up to. I hope to be a mother like her.

An important woman iny life right now is my boss, Kim. she is so inspiring for how well she fits everything in in her life: being a mom, working out, volunteering, and taking extra time to help us out at work!

It would have to be my mama–she makes me want to be an amazing mom!

An important woman in my life is my adopted grandmother, Judy. She babysat me for the first five years of my life, and has been an important part of it ever since. She taught me a lot growing up, and I still love seeing her and spending time with her today.

An important woman in my life is my former boss. She just had the best way of phrasing things. She told the worst news I. The best way. She also gave me perspective on how to most effectively deal with my students and their families ( I am a teacher). Because she modeled positive behavior I feel that I am a better teacher because of her. She reminds me of the song by r. Kelly worlds greatest. I could go on and on. Thanks for doing this Caitlin. I miss her. She retired last year but her legacy lives on

One of the most inspirational women in my life is my friend Kelli. When she’s not roaming the country, winning international competitions for business (Not sure how that works), she’s working tirelessly to inspire others to be their best selves, teaching at-risk youth how to succeed, or even just cooking her friends dinner for something we like to call “Domestic Sunday.” She is constantly striving to better herself, to succeed and to inspire others to do the same. Love her!

I admire my mom. She was a single mom and raised two kids while teaching people to become teachers full time. She worked as a Dean and started her own business doing workshops on the weekends, just so she could have extra money to provide for her kids!

I am lucky to have a very close relationship with my mom – she’s been a great mom and a friend, and always the best to bounce ideas off of or give a quick pep-talk when I’m not feeling 100%.

I know this is cliche, but my mom is the most important woman in my life. I consider myself so lucky to have such a wonderful, giving and supportive mom. She has always been there for me and has supported every decision I’ve made in my life (no matter how crazy). She always puts others before herself, and is one of the kindest, selfless human beings I have ever met. I feel so blessed everyday to have such a wonderful role model my life.

My Grandmother. She was an amazing woman who made you feel like there was nothing you could not accomplish. She did so much for others. She made you want to be a better person. She is greatly missed.

My friend Sarah, who died last year of cancer. She was a ray of sunshine, positive and upbeat, no matter what. Sarah was smart, funny and one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. I miss her all the time, but I try to honor her memory by always being optimistic.

Myself. I had the strength to leave an abusive relationship for the sake of my four-year-old daughter, and I now raise her in a safe, stable, and loving environment as a single mother.

If I had to pick an important woman in my life, it would be my friend Nicole! She has taught me to care for myself and that I shouldn’t be anything but happy! I am going on an 8 year relationship and realized I have never been really happy. I have settled and stayed in it to make everyone else happy. She has helped me to realized that you can’t be happy in any situation if you are not happy with yourself.

My sister Rosa is always there for me. She is an inspiration and my very best friend.

My mom is an amazing woman who has always gone above and beyond to take care of me, even though I am an adult now. She inspires me so much. She recently went back to school to finish a degree in nursing, and graduated magna cum laude. She is a beautiful person inside and out and I am so proud and lucky to call her my mom.

Hm, not sure I can pick one woman! I guess I’ll go the easy route and say my mom!

Are you familiar with the Girl Effect? I love their campaigns:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIvmE4_KMNw

Rita was my middle school/high school Sunday School teacher. She was amazing! She connected with us girls and not only taught “Sunday topics” but also life and marriage topics. I will always be thankful for her candor, mentoring, and guidance in my life when I was so impressionable.

5K would have to be our Matthew 25 race here in Fort Wayne, IN. Great charity!

Mine is my mom. First off, she’s just awesome. And second, she always modeled healthy living and eating behaviors before it was trendy or cool and not because she was trying to lose weight. She ran or biked or swam because she liked to, not because she felt like she had to. And she always served healthy dinners and rarely let us eat fast food. I credit most of what I know today about healthy living from the awesome foundation my mom put in place when I was growing up.

My mom. She’s the kindest, most giving person I know.

love it! My best friend-she’s srtong, smart, and her own person, she doesn’t care what people think of her.

That woman is my mom, and ironically, yesterday was her birthday!

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” -Washington Irving

My sister! She’s 2 years younger than me, and has two little girls…..I’m due on June 8th with my first (a boy!) but just being able to watch her transform into this amazing mom has been so cool, especially since I’m the older sister! Our roles have reversed almost 🙂

My person is my mom. She’s shown me how to balance being a mom, wife, & career woman all at once. Shed truly my hero!

Easy, my sister. We’ve been through a lot together and somehow we’ve made it out stronger.

My mom is a rockstar! She’s strong, beautiful and caring, and I hope I can be as good of a mom as her one day.

Lacy Asbill, co-founder of Moving Forward Education and my boss. She runs an incredible program that does more than just help children study, but also provides them with the mentors they need to build self-esteem and deal with difficult topics. I am so thankful each day to work for such an inspiring woman.

And to add she home schooled 4 of us…she has always bent over backwards to give us what we need. And she always will no matter how her children(grown children) treat her…she is amazing!