“Let us pick up our pens, they are the most powerful weapons.”

Liane, our director of publicity, chose Malala as her International Women’s Day pick because, “she was not held back by her trauma or her age and used her own tragic experience to benefit millions of girls and women worldwide.”

“We need more kindness, more compassion, more joy, more laughter. I definitely want to contribute to that.”

Courtney, our marketing and publicity assistant, is inspired by Ellen because “she has such a positive voice for change, kindness, inclusion and authenticity and uses her platform to encourage others. She was one of the first women in pop culture to be open about being gay and is a huge inspiration to young gay women everywhere.”

“Never give up on the pursuit of excellence – however you may define that for yourself.”

Janay, our social media strategist, chose Elaine, the former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue, because “she was the second black woman and youngest to EVER hold this title in Conde Nast’s 107-year history. Elaine has shattered so many glass ceilings for black girls everywhere.”

Taylor, one of our publicists, could think of nobody more inspirational than her grandmother: “She was an internment camp survivor, a wonderful mother and a woman I will always look up to for her strength and resilience.”

Crystal, our CEO and president, chose one of her professors, Renea Nichols (@ProfNichols on Twitter), as her IWD inspiration. “I remember that I was super inspired by her in college and have been ever since – she’s a super strong, fit, beautiful, smart, ambitious woman who challenged me to be fearless and just go for it. She’s constantly bringing awareness to and fighting to end Alzheimers, she’s an advocate for being fit and how self-care is not selfish (a lesson I sorely need) and also fighting for equality and ending hate.”

“Never be ashamed! There’s some who’ll hold it against you, but they’re not worth bothering with.”

Christelle, our content marketing manager, chose J.K. Rowling as her inspiration because, “the woman was a single mom, battling depression and poverty and instead of wallow, she wrote. Add to that the fact that she fell off of Forbes’ Billionaires list because of all her charitable contributions and she’s just about as incredible as it gets. I’m a fan for life and will forever chase her coattails.”

“’Sexy’ doesn’t have to come with the price tag of being dumb.”

Tabitha, our senior publicist, chose Pink as her IWD pick because, “she is strong, athletic, beautiful, funny, with an amazing voice and she is now using it to sing about issues that matter. She also helps with amazing charities including UNICEF to help deserving children get food, water and medical care.”

Savannah, one of our publicists, chose her mom, Cathy, as her biggest International Women’s Day inspiration, “she is one of the strongest, most hardworking women I know. She is kindhearted, selfless and determined. She’s my biggest fan and cheerleader. I’m forever grateful and blessed for our relationship, and though we are separated by distance, we are never more than a phone call or text away!”

“Getting an agent and book deal isn’t the finish line, it’s the starting point.”

Samantha, our editorial project manager, chose literary agent Jodi Reamer as her IWD inspiration, “She represents some of the biggest YA authors around, including John Green and Stephenie Meyer. After watching a Hollywood Reporter interview with Jodi Reamer, I knew I had to go into book publishing in some capacity. This interview, and moreover, Reamer’s experience, shaped the direction I took my life.”

Lauren, our editorial manager, picked her mother as the most inspirational woman in her life. “She makes it a purpose each day to be encouraging and uplifting, to support her family in all that they do and to urge my siblings, father and I to each be a shining light of positivity. She reinforces my dreams for my career and makes me feel confident in my decisions as a woman.”

“When you put love out in the world it travels, and it can touch people and reach people in ways that we never even expected.”

Maggie, our graphic and web designer, picked Laverne Cox. “I am constantly inspired by the courage, poise and just general badassery of Laverne Cox. She is unapologetically herself, something that makes trans women of color victims of violence at alarming rates. She handles the responsibility of being one of the first trans women of color to gain the fame that she has with extraordinary poise and patience. She is an incredible role model for anyone who’s looking for the courage to embrace who they are.”

“I’m not an inspirational quote kind of person.”

Madison, one of our publicists, is inspired by Chrissy Teigen because, “she’s unapologetic for who she is and uses her platform to help people and stand up for what she believes in. And she’s hilarious. Major #girlboss.”

“Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.”

Leila, our digital marketing account executive, is inspired daily by Oprah Winfrey. “Her courage, passion and ambition are incredible. She’s always made it her mission in life to help others which is really worth celebrating. I’m a regular listener of her Super Soul Sundays podcast where she regularly inspires me to live my best life.”

Ashley, our content creator, chose her mother as her IWD pick. “Whenever the rest of the family seems to be falling apart, she’s the one who gets us back on track. She’s strong in all the ways I’m not and I admire her hard work ethic and commitment to the people she loves.”

“We as women, we have to understand that we know more, just even instinctively, than we think we do.”

Kristin, our chief content officer, admits that Michelle seems like the “easy” pick for IWD but it’s the not-so-hyped parts of the former First Lady’s legacy that really stick with her. “I appreciate her authenticity and poise. She held an incredibly scrutinized and difficult position but has alway taken the high road and handled herself with grace in ways that we could definitely use more of in this world.”