Girls Who Dream, Women Who Lead: Finding Role Models in Women’s History

International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month remind us that every young girl has the potential to shape the world. History is full of trailblazing women who challenged the status quo, fought for change, and redefined what was possible. Their stories are not just history lessons—they are roadmaps for empowerment, courage, and resilience.

After recently traveling to New York City with our 16-year-old niece, I’ve been thinking a lot about how young minds are shaped and how important it is to surround them with stories of strong, fearless women. At 16, she’s stepping into a world full of possibilities, and I want her—and every girl—to see that their voices matter, their dreams are worth chasing, and that history is filled with women who paved the way for them to stand tall. This month is the perfect time to discover those stories and share them, ensuring the next generation of young women feels inspired to create their own path forward.

Stories have the power to inspire, and books are one of the best ways to connect with the women who have shaped our world. From daily snapshots of historical heroines to deep dives into overlooked narratives, these books offer invaluable lessons in resilience, leadership, and the fight for equity. Whether you're introducing a young girl to her first feminist read or expanding your own understanding of women’s contributions, these selections are a great starting point.

Some Good Reading

📖 On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World – by Emma Josephine Rosen A fascinating daily dose of inspiration, this book highlights the achievements of remarkable women for every day of the year, making history feel personal and relevant.

📖 Untold Stories of Women Who Changed History: Celebrating the Women Who Shaped Our World – by Alexandra Shaw

This book uncovers the hidden stories of women whose contributions have been overlooked, proving that history is richer and more diverse than we've been led to believe.

📖 The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear – by Kate Moore

A gripping true story of Elizabeth Packard, a 19th-century woman institutionalized for speaking out, who turned her struggle into a groundbreaking fight for women’s rights.

📖 Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot – by Mikki Kendall

An urgent and thought-provoking read, this book challenges mainstream feminism to be more inclusive, addressing issues that affect marginalized women every day.

📖 Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men – by Caroline Criado Perez

An eye-opening exploration of how gender bias in data and research shapes our world in ways we rarely notice, making the case for systemic change in everything from healthcare to city planning.

This is just a short list that serves as a resource and a reminder that women’s history is not just about the past—it’s about the future we are shaping for every young girl today. The stories of these trailblazers aren’t just meant to be admired; they are meant to ignite action, spark curiosity, and empower the next generation to dream bigger, speak louder, and push boundaries even further.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, let’s make a conscious effort to uplift the voices of women past and present. Representation matters, and the more we amplify these histories, the more we pave the way for future leaders, creators, and changemakers.

Take this month as a chance to dive into a new story, share a book with a young girl in your life, or just talk about the women who’ve shaped our world. Their stories deserve to be remembered, not just during Women’s History Month but all year long. The more we learn about them, the more we see what’s possible—and the more we can help the next generation dream big, stand strong, and make their own mark on history.

Here's to some good reads and inspiring discoveries. Happy International Women's Day and Women's History Month! 🚀