International Women's Day 2022

Celebrating International Women's Day

Proof was created to help women do big things without worrying about little leaks, and we know that women's contributions to business, science, art, philanthropy, and beyond have been monumental. This month, we're celebrating some of those contributions by spotlighting amazing women making a #proofpositive impact. Keep reading to meet some influential women and learn about their inspiration, go-to advice, and favorite woman-owned brands to support all year long.

Gina Perreli, CEO + co-Founder of Retextion

A woman you look up to?

Amy Webb. Her book, "The Big 9," really reshaped the way I think about AI and the future of tech. But on the other hand, "Data, a Love Story" reshaped the way I think about dating. Any woman who is that dynamic is an icon.

Favorite female character in a book, film, or TV show?

Beth from "Yellowstone." She's definitely rough around the edges, but there's something about that level of fearlessness I find inspiring.

What do you love most about yourself?

How loyal I am. I think it's an underrated quality today, but I'm fiercely loyal to everyone I'm close with.

Favorite empowering quote?

"If you're not falling, you're not trying hard enough." I was a competitive snowboarder when I was younger and I remember being so confident when I was landing all of my runs. Someone said this to me and it completely changed the way I thought about riding. The same thing applies in business. When things are hard, it's because I've never done them before and if I did the same thing every day, I wouldn't be challenging myself.

Serena Kerrigan, entrepreneur, CEO + internet personality

Favorite woman-owned brand?

Summer Fridays

A woman you look up to?

Kim Kardashian

Favorite female character in a book, film, or TV show?

Elle Woods

Favorite empowering quote?

"Do it for the plot."

What do you love most about yourself?

The ability to make people laugh.

Carly Weinstein, digital creator

A woman you look up to?

Ashley Graham. She has paved the way for body positivity. The female empowerment space would not be the same without her impact.

Favorite empowering quote?

"All you need in life is to be who you are."

Best life advice you've gotten?

In order to accomplish your goals, the only person that needs to believe in you is you. It doesn't matter what anyone else has to say—you are in control of your destiny.

Michela Bedard, executive director at Period.org

Favorite woman-owned brand?

Many! I love Freeland Spirits, a Portland, OR-based craft distillery with top-notch cocktails.

A woman you look up to?

All brave, young people who are often at the forefront of movements, like the people I get to work with every day in our fight for menstrual equity. Claudette Colvin was 15 years old—15!—when she was arrested for refusing to get off the bus in Montgomery, AL, in 1955, nine months before Rosa Parks.

Favorite female character in a book, film, or TV show?

Solid tie between Hester Prynne and Ramona Quimby.

Favorite empowering quote?

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." —Barack Obama

What do you love most about yourself?

I like to think I'm good at creating spaces where people can come together to be their true authentic selves and make change. And I'm proud to say I'm a pretty good mom.

Best life advice you've gotten?

Share everything with others: grueling work, great successes, failures, power, privilege, beauty, joy. There is always enough to share.

Emma Broyles, Miss America 2022

Favorite woman-owned brand?

Glow Recipe

A woman you look up to?

Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Favorite female character in a book, film, or TV show?

Leslie Knope

Favorite empowering quote?

"Don't you dare shrink yourself for someone else's comfort. Do not become small for people who refuse to grow."

What do you love most about yourself?

My ability to nap anywhere.

Best life advice you've gotten?

Take care of yourself like you would your child. You'd brush their hair, feed, and bathe them, you'd treat them with love, and never punish or shame them. You deserve to be treated with love.

Sara Weinstein, partner at WCPG

A woman you look up to?

Zainab Salbi is a woman I both look up to as one of the greatest living humanitarians and love as a sister. Many know her as the founder of @womenforwomen and now the co-founder of @daughters4earth, but for me, she is a friend whose wisdom and support has always been a guiding light.

Favorite empowering quote?

"If it doesn't matter in 5 years, it doesn't matter." —Cher I need to remind myself of this quote more when I get overwhelmed by worry. It's not easy, but I think this one is true.

What do you love most about yourself?

I've always had endless hope, even when the odds are against it. It's been the cornerstone of any success I've had. My hope allows me to believe that something out of reach is possible as long as I don't give up.

Arian Simone, co-founder + investor, Fearless Fund

Favorite woman-owned brand?

@hairbrella

A woman you look up to?

Janice Bryant Howroyd

Favorite female character in a book, film, or TV show?

Claire Huxtable

Favorite empowering quote?

"Seize the moment."

What do you love most about yourself?

My confidence

Best life advice you've gotten?

Procrastination is an arrogant way of thinking you are in control of time.

Alyce Chan, comedian + founder of @momcomnyc

A woman you look up to?

Oprah Winfrey

Favorite female character in a book, film, or TV show?

I like Jodie Comer as Villanelle in "Killing Eve." She's badass, kooky, strong, and mysterious but also knows how to love.

Favorite empowering quote?

"In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity." – Albert Einstein

What do you love most about yourself?

My ability to see the humor in anything and to be able to laugh at myself.

Best life advice you've gotten?

It's okay to preserve your own peace by creating boundaries.

Marcelle Le Blanc, reigning Miss America Outstanding Teen + actress

Favorite woman-owned brand?

Glossier

A woman you look up to?

Meryl Streep and Barbra Streisand

Favorite female character in a book, film, or TV show?

Jessica Day and Leslie Knope

What do you love most about yourself?

My determination and love for others

Favorite empowering quote?

"Shoot for the moon, and even if you miss, you'll land amongst the stars."

Best life advice you've gotten?

Just because one opportunity isn't right for you, doesn't mean all of them aren't. Keep pushing yourself and applying yourself in everything you do, and the right opportunity for you will coming along.

Casey Balsham, comedian

Favorite empowering quote?

You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.

Favorite woman-owned brand?

There are a ton but I am obsessed with Estelle Colored Glass. She makes the most incredible hand-blown colored glass stemware. I have a set of her wine glasses and I am in love.

What do you love most about yourself?

My friends. I have a lot of good ones so I guess that means I'm ok, too.

Lori Gottlieb, LMFT, bestselling author, therapist + speaker

What do you love most about yourself?

My sense of humor

Favorite empowering quote?

"Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom."