Celebrating Women Who Inspire Through Communication

From political leaders to poets and educators, women in communication play a vital role in influencing society, sparking movements, and empowering those around them. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s important to recognize the power of words and the women who wield them with purpose. 

I want to take some time to highlight three incredible women who exemplify the impact of strong communication. Each of these women, in their own way, demonstrates how communication can inspire action and pave the way for other great communicators.

Elizabeth Warren

Known to be a strong political communicator, Elizabeth Warren, the United States Senator from Massachusetts, has built a reputation as an outspoken and influential political figure in the U.S. Warren has dedicated her career to advocating for policies that support working families, such as economic reform and consumer protection.

Warren’s strengths in communication are vast and she places importance on communicating complex issues in ways that resonate with the community, telling stories that make policies personal and relatable. Whether speaking on the Senate floor or delivering a campaign speech, her words are courageous, clear, and direct.

In 2017, Warren was silenced during a Senate debate, which culminated in the phrase “nevertheless she persisted,” which became a connecting cry for women across the country. 

Warren’s persistence and refusal to back down have made her a powerful figure in political communication. She’s brought attention to issues that affect millions, shifting conversations around wealth inequality and student loan debt. Her influence extends beyond politics–she serves as an example of how women can use their voices to challenge authority and demand change.

Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman is a poet, activist, and storyteller whose words have captivated audiences around the world. At the age of 22, she became the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, performing her poem The Hill We Climb at the 2021 inauguration. With her tenacious message and courageous presence, she continues to inspire the power of poetry in a modern context.

Gorman had been making waves in the literary and activist communities before her inaugural reading and as the first National Youth Poet Laureate of the U.S., she has used her poetry to address issues such as racial justice and gender equality.

Like many great artists, Gorman manages to blend her artistry with activism. Not only is her poetry about beauty, but it’s also about impact–her verses challenge, inspire and spark conversations surrounding the pressing issues of our nation. 

Gorman’s success is proof that poetry continues to hold immense value and power in a modernizing world. Through her activism, she has shown young adults, especially women of color, that their voices matter. Her work is a reminder that communication isn’t just about speeches or essays, it’s also an art. 

I want to leave you with a line from her inaugural poem that resonates with me and many audiences alike, offering a message of resilience and collective progress: “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.”

My English Teacher, Ms. V

Some great communicators shape lives from the front of a classroom, my high school English teacher being one of them. She didn’t just teach me literature or grammar, she taught me the power of words and even helped me realize my passion for writing. Her classroom was always a safe space for me, one where my ideas flourished and where me and my classmates learned that our voices held strength.

Throughout my four years of high school, Ms. V was a huge help to me when it came to anything from high school stress to helping me craft my college essay when I was stuck in a rut. She pushed me to think critically, write with confidence, and believe that my words could have an impact. Ms. V made me realize that writing and communication isn’t just about speaking or writing, it’s about building a connection with your audience.

Teachers are, at their core, great communicators. They inspire students to engage, question, and express themselves with clarity and purpose. Ms. V did this and more, emphasizing the importance of storytelling. Her guidance prepared me for the world beyond the classroom, where I’ve found communication is the key to success.

Unlike public figures, teachers don’t always receive widespread recognition for their efforts, but their impact is just as profound. Ms. V’s encouragement and dedication didn’t just make me a better student; they made me a better thinker, writer, and communicator. 

Ms. V’s influence is a reminder that communication takes many forms and it’s not only about grand speeches, it’s also about the quiet, consistent work of shaping minds and nurturing confidence. In my life, her words have made all the difference.

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the voices that have shaped history, inspired change, and challenged the norm. Throughout time, women have used communication as a tool to inform, empower, and unite. Women around the world remind us that communication isn’t just about what we say, it’s about how we say it and how we use our voices to encourage and uplift others, inspiring the next generation to do the same. 

As we reflect on the impact of women in communication, I also urge you to take a moment to recognize the women in your own lives who have influenced the way you think, write, and speak. How have those women shaped how you communicate?

This Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate the power of words and the women who use them to help those around them.