Are you brave enough to follow your passion to help others…to be your own hero? Watch this video to see something truly special.

As if that story was not inspiration enough, these women below from around the world are some of the most inspirational role models you’ll ever know, but not just because they are women. They have truly done some incredible things for themselves, for others, and for the world.

1. Oprah Winfrey rose from poverty to become the first African-American woman billionaire. She embodies the American Dream — and is an inspiration for both women and men alike.

2. In 1967, Katherine Switzer became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. There were many contestants that were unhappy about it. The race organizer even tried to stop her mid-race.

3. Although most know Angelina Jolie because of her movie roles, she used her Hollywood fame to help the less fortunate. Her role as a UN High Commissioner for Refugees Goodwill Ambassador lets her advocate on behalf of refugees around the world.

4. In 1907, Maud Wagner was the first female tattoo artist. And she was awesome.

5. In 1918, some of the first women to join the U.S. Marine Corps. were sworn in.

6. “Winnie the Welder” was tough as nails and worked in a shipyard in 1943.

7. These brave female pilots were happy to protect their country during World War II.

8. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is currently the only woman serving on the U.S. Supreme Court. She influences the laws that govern the United States. Now that’s power!

9. Annette Kellerman was arrested for indecency in 1907; here she is posing in the swimsuit that got her in trouble. She didn’t let silly rules stop her.

10. You wouldn’t want to mess with this female samurai (an onna-bugeisha) from the 1800s. They were rare, but they knew how to fight.

11. Mia Farrow is another actress that used her fame to help others around the world. She serves as a United Nations Children’s Fund Goodwill Ambassador. She advocates for children’s rights in impoverished areas of the world.

12. Leola N. King, America’s first female traffic cop, in 1918.

13. J.K. Rowling is one of the world’s most successful novelists. Not only that, but she uses her wealth to support different charities (especially those focusing on poverty and multiple sclerosis). Who wouldn’t want to be her?

14. The first women’s basketball team in 1902 might not look like much, you have to like what they were doing. With baskets.

15. In 1944, these American nurses in Normandy, France, were there to support other troops on the battlefront.

16. Margaret Bourke-White climbing on the Chrysler Building to take a photograph in 1934. Now THAT is dedication.

17. Lisa Leslie became the first woman to dunk a ball in a WNBA game in 2002. Then, in 2009, Lisa became the first player to score 6,000 points in a career. Basketball isn’t just a man’s game!

18. Sonia Gandhi is the President of the Indian National Congress and also the leader of the United Progressive Alliance. She is an important leader in the world’s second most populous nation.

19. Barbara Walters is a household name — and for good reason. She broke through the glass ceiling in the world of TV journalism to have a long and incredibly successful career.

20. Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean in 1928. She attempted a circumnavigational flight of the globe in 1937, but mysteriously disappeared.

21. Indra Nooyi is the CEO of PepsiCo (which is the world’s 4th largest food and beverage company). She won the title of “World’s Most Powerful Woman” back-to-back times.

22. Hillary Clinton, as First Lady of the United States, a US Senator, and a candidate for President of the U.S., is an inspiration for women the world over. She is a trail blazer for women in politics and beyond.

23. Bethany Hamilton, a surfer, was the victim of a horrific shark attack. Although she lost her arm, she never gave up on her passion. She struggled, but she persevered and is an amazing athlete and American icon.

24. Think boxing is just for men? These women didn’t — and took part in some rooftop boxing on a Los Angeles rooftop in 1933.

25. Tough female railroad workers eating their lunches in 1943. They knew how to support their loved ones, no matter what the cost.

26. Turkish aviator Sabiha Gökçen in the plane that she used to become the first female fighter pilot in 1937.

27. A Muslim woman protects a Jewish woman by covering her gold star in Sarajevo during World War II.

28. Michelle Wie started golfing when she was just 4-years-old…and began golfing professionally 16. As a golf prodigy, she set unbelievable records and gained a huge following.

29. A female Lockheed engineer fixing a P-38 lightning in 1944.

30. This soviet soldier being cared for by a Ukrainian woman after being captured in 1941.

Whether they became famous or disappeared into history, each of these women changed the world in ways that are totally inspiring.