Women’s history is the world’s history, and to celebrate we are kicking off National Women’s History Month with inspirational quotes from 5 powerful women who make us feel inspired.

“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.”

Serena Williams – Professional tennis player who has won more singles titles than any man or woman

“I raise up my voice — not so I can shout but so that those without a voice can be heard… We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.”

Malala Yousafzai – Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity.”

Amelia Earhart – The first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean

“If you can dance and be free and be embarrassed, you can rule the world.”

Amy Poehler – American actress, comedian, writer, producer, and director

“I have chosen to no longer be apologetic for my femaleness and my femininity. And I want to be respected in all of my femaleness because I deserve to be.”

Chioma Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Nigerian writer and storyteller, best known for her themes of politics, culture, race, and gender.

Alexandra Amodio