My Female Role Models: International Women’s Day 2016

Today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day.  The focus for this year’s International Women’s Day is on gender parity.  We still have a lot of work to do before women are on par with men.  Did you know that the United States ranks at number 28 and Canada at number 30 out of 145 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index from 2015?

Today I wanted to share some of the women who inspire me as they continue to break down barriers.

Lisa LaFlamme, Chief Anchor and Senior Editor of CTV News

photo via CTV

I had an opportunity to listen to Lisa LaFlamme at a luncheon in Calgary in February.  She spoke about pursuing her dreams as she worked her way from copy writer to national affairs correspondent to anchoring the national news.  She shared career highs and lows, and the impact she has worked to have while investigating news from around the world.  Her words about following your passion resonated deeply with me and she stated that “progress is not inevitable, it must be fought for.”

Amanda Lindhout, author, journalist, speaker and activist

photo via amandalindhout.com

In 2008 Amanda Lindhout was kidnapped in Somalia while working as a freelance journalist, along with her photographer, Somali translator and driver.  Subjected to unspeakable torture while being held hostage, Amanda was finally released after 460 days in captivity.  She detailed her drive to become a journalist in war torn countries and her experiences in captivity in her memoir, A House in the Sky.  Since returning to Canada Amanda founded the Global Enrichment Foundation, a not for profit organization to empower Somali women to live and lead well and to become agents of change.  She has chosen to not let her experiences break her and to instead advocate for women in Somalia.

Devon Yanko, ultra runner, Olympic trials marathoner, co-owner of M.H. Bread and Butter

photo credit: Billy Yang via devonyanko.com

When I first heard Devon Yanko speak about running I could hear the enthusiasm and passion in her voice.  We were on a bus from Seattle to Leavenworth, Washington for #birdcamp2015.  It was so strong and infectious that it made me want to discover ultra running too (maybe one day??).  Devon is the definition of a powerful and strong runner and woman to me.  She’s open and honest about her struggles and makes you feel like you aren’t alone if you have gone through something similar.  She inspires bravery and courage.  She juggles ultra running with running a successful business with her husband.  I can’t wait to see her run at Western States this year.  Read Devon’s blog.

Sally Bergesen, founder and CEO of Oiselle

photo credit: Thomas and Velo Photography

Sally Bergesen took a gap in the sports apparel market (the perfect non-poofy running short for women) and catapulted it into a successful company and a movement.  She is a tireless advocate for clean sport and promoting up and coming female athletes.  Through the Oiselle Volee Sally has created a team of women of all abilities and backgrounds who share a love of running the feeling of empowerment that sport gives us.  For more on why I believe Sally is a huge inspiration listen to her interview with Julia Hanlon on Running On Om.

Name one of your role models.  What about them inspires you?
Learn more about how you can make a pledge for parity.