“I look up to my grandma (baba) because of her unwavering passion and perseverance. She took her family from the USSR at 40, including my mother, who was 16, and moved them all the way to Brooklyn. Without speaking much English, she was able to create a successful and beautiful life in the US. Baba instilled important values for my mother, myself, and my brother, and the future generations to come.”

“The woman who inspires me the most is 100 percent, without a doubt, my mom. She immigrated to the US from Slovenia when she was my current age (19!) to create a better life for herself and eventually her family. She faced an enormous amount of challenges doing so (to explain them all would take a whole separate paragraph), but she simply never gave up. Whenever I am having a rough day, doubting my major, career path, the list goes on…I think about her. Today, she is the founder of small group tours around the globe for women (passportsandspice.com). In fact, she has a trip launching THIS international women’s day in…Rome!”

“The woman who inspires me most is my mom, Diane Mason. I have always admired her, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to truly appreciate the strength, warmth, and kindness she carries with her so effortlessly. She works with children, and I have personally witnessed the meaningful impact she has made on their lives through her patience and unwavering support. Her demeanor is gentle and encouraging. She radiates positivity, yet she never hesitates to advocate for herself and for the students she serves. Her dedication to helping others has inspired my own desire to work with children, and I am incredibly proud to be the daughter of a woman who spreads compassion, hope, and empowerment wherever she goes.”

“My friend Dani Ananian is one of the most amazing people that I’ve met since I’ve come to BU! She inspires me to be the best version of myself and always remains positive. She is always there for me when I need someone to talk to, and her work ethic and genuineness constantly inspire me!”

“My mom is my inspiration all day and every day. She is the strongest, most supportive, and most generous person I know, and I am lucky to have her. She is a huge part of the person I am today. I love you, Mama!”

“Throughout every trial my mom has faced in her life, her love and dedication to her family, her patients, and her community members have never wavered. She commits to being a selfless, kind person every day, and everyone who knows her is better for it. She’s given me big shoes to fill, but I hope to be half the woman she is one day!”

“The woman who inspires me the most is my mom. She has always felt like my real-life superhero. My mom gives her whole heart to everyone around her, most notably by transforming the lives of her students during her years as a special education teacher. She now gives that same love, patience, and guidance to my sister and me. My mom faced adversity at a young age, but instead of allowing this to define her, she used those experiences to deepen her compassion and selflessness. She has taught me what it means to be resilient, kind, and compassionate. Every day I try to live up to the example she sets.”

“I look up to my mom, Rebecca, because of her ambition and resilience. As a leader in behavioral health and social work, she not only shaped my academic and career drive, but also instilled in me a deep commitment to social impact and empathy. She has shown me the power of building strong, supportive female friendships and the importance of standing firmly behind my beliefs while remaining compassionate toward others.”

“The woman who inspires me is Professor Joelle Renstrom! She always guides us to become our best selves. I find her class very valuable.”

“The woman who inspires me the most is my mother, Erin. Her birthday is March 1, which is the first day of Women’s History Month. This makes so much sense because I’ve never seen someone lift so many other women with her unconditional warmth and encouragement. Back home, I get called “Erin’s son” more than “Andrew,” and that makes me so happy, because every time I’m associated with my mother means I’m following in her footsteps in some way :)