Who Inspires You? A Homage to Women Who Make a Difference

From fearless activists to devoted mentors, from family members to global changemakers—women shape our lives in countless ways. On this International Women’s Day, In this collective tribute, we honor the incredible women who inspire us, sharing their stories of resilience, leadership, and impact.

📷 Fellipe Ditadi at @Unsplash

In every corner of the world, women are making a difference—often without recognition. They are the quiet pillars of strength, the voices of change, and the trailblazers who redefine possibilities. Whether through acts of kindness, unwavering courage, or groundbreaking achievements, they inspire us to dream bigger and fight harder for a more just, inclusive world.

This feature is a celebration of those women. The ones who lift us up, challenge the status quo, and embody the power of perseverance. As we share their stories, we invite you to reflect on the women who have shaped your journey. Because every woman’s story matters—and it’s time the world hears them.

Last year, I lost my grandmother, which made me truly reflect on where I came from. Her name was Maria, and she lived in the south of Italy, in one of the poorest regions of Europe. She was born in the 1940s, a time of change. During her life, she had to fight not only breast cancer, Parkinson’s, and poverty but also patriarchy.
Her husband died when my mum and my aunt were just 8 and 4 years old, so she had to raise them by herself despite all the circumstances. Every job that was meant to be done by my grandfather, she did herself. Indiscreet eyes looked at her with pity while she was only trying to build a future for her family.
I wish I could let her know that all the battles she fought, in the end, shaped the person I am today.

A woman who deeply inspires me is Hannah Àjàlá-Rahman, a BBC journalist and the founder of We Are Black Journos (WABJ).
I first started following Hannah's journey in my first year of university when I realised I wanted to pursue a career in journalism. In my search for a journalist who looked like me—a young Black woman—I discovered Hannah, who, by the age of 25, had reported for the BBC, delivered a TEDx Talk, and produced a heartfelt documentary interviewing her 107-year-old grandmother in Nigeria.
Among all of Hannah's achievements, what inspires me most is her unwavering commitment to building WABJ, a community for Black journalists in an industry where we represent just 0.2% of UK journalists. Over the past six years, she has selflessly dedicated her time and resources to WABJ, ensuring that each and every member feels seen and valued.
As an early-career journalist, WABJ has been a lifeline, providing me with access to a supportive network, words of encouragement, and countless job opportunities. I am deeply grateful to Hannah for creating such a warm, empowering community and for being the representation I needed to see.

Ayna is a dedicated trauma renegotiation and nervous system specialist with a background in immigration work. After experiencing burnout, she transitioned to supporting the immigrant community in healing from the trauma of immigration, fostering connection, and cultivating a sense of belonging. She facilitates trauma-aware experiential workshops for organizations seeking to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, Ayna contributes to the Somatic Experiencing Institute, staying at the forefront of evolving trauma research.

In our capitalist and individualistic society, grind culture is often glorified at the expense of our well-being. Ayna inspires me with her courage to walk away from a successful career in Silicon Valley and her ability to pivot into the field of trauma healing. She now dedicates herself to helping immigrant women in the U.S. heal, reclaim their voices, and rebuild their sense of belonging.

Often, when we think of women leaders, we focus on power and financial success due to the socio-economic conditions in the U.S. However, it is crucial to recognize that mental health is far more fundamental. True leadership isn’t just about status—it’s about resilience, healing, and the ability to create lasting change.

This Women's Month, I want to highlight the essential work Ayna leads in trauma healing, empowering immigrant women to reclaim their voices and well-being.

She is incredibly humble yet deeply understands the importance of bringing significant stories to life. Through her work, she raises global awareness of Brazilian history, the military dictatorship, and the U.S.'s role in it—issues that remain crucial in Brazil's current political landscape. She won a Golden Globe for Best Actress, standing out among world-renowned actresses with a story of profound impact.
Above all, she is charismatic, inspiring, and the best representation Brazil could ask for. As Brazilians say, ‘Brazil feels sorry for the world not knowing what we know.’

Adriana Maria is my best friend, and together, we co-founded and now host the social justice podcast Closing the Gap. Since we met in high school, she has shown kindness to everyone she meets and has always been eager to engage with the community. Through the creation and ongoing management of our podcast, she has amplified the voices of those who dedicate their lives to social justice and healing, yet receive little to no recognition. A true giver, she constantly seeks ways to donate her time and resources to uplift her community and the world around her.

I first encountered Helena Maleno at a local human rights forum, where she passionately recounted her groundbreaking campaign against the inhumane conditions in migrant detention centers. As she described how she risked her safety to document the plight of migrant women and children, I was struck by her fearless determination.
Helena's courageous work not only exposed systemic abuses but also sparked a global outcry, pushing for essential reforms. In that moment, I realised how one determined voice can transform personal courage into collective empowerment. Her journey—marked by resilience and transformative leadership—continues to inspire countless people, including myself, to stand up for justice and work toward a fairer, more inclusive society.
Helena’s story is a powerful reminder that every act of bravery contributes to a legacy of hope and progress for future generations.