50 Inspiring Quotes from Fearless Women, and What Bentley’s Women Leaders Want You to Know
Many companies still struggle with advancing women, according to a Women in the Workplace 2025 report by McKinsey and LeanIn.org. Specifically, women at both ends of the pipeline are held back by less sponsorship — senior leaders actively advocating for them — and manager support. The good news: When they do receive similar career support to men, that gap disappears.
50 Powerful Voices that have Shaped Culture and Business
Throughout history, fearless women leaders have taken bold steps to blaze new paths and many have used public platforms to empower others. Here are some inspirational quotes from women whose words continue to resonate today:
“We realize the importance of our voices only when they are silenced.”
–Malala Yousafzai, Education Activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
“There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
–Amanda Gorman, Poet and Activist
“It’s not your job to like me, it’s mine.”
–Byron Katie, Author and Speaker
“Our deepest wishes are whispers of our authentic self. We must learn to respect them. We must learn to listen.”
–Sarah Ban Breathnach, Author
“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”
–Mother Theresa, Humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize Winner
“Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get.”
–Ingrid Bergman, Actress
“Women must try to do as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.”
–Amelia Earhart, Aviation Pioneer
“It is past time for women to take their rightful place, side-by-side with men, in the rooms where the fates of peoples, where their children’s and grandchildren’s fates, are decided.”
–Hillary Clinton, Former U.S. Secretary of State and Former First Lady
“When anyone tells me I can’t do anything … I’m just not listening anymore.”
–Florence Griffith Joyner, Olympic Gold Medalist
“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, ‘I’m possible!’”
–Audrey Hepburn, Actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
“Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half their inferior. Luckily, this is not difficult.”
–Charlotte Whitton, Former Mayor of Ottawa, Canada
“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”
–Coco Chanel, Fashion Designer and Businesswoman
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”
–Mary Anne Radmacher, Author and Artist
“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.”
–Melinda Gates, Philanthropist
“Expect the unexpected, and whenever possible, be the unexpected.”
–Lynda Berry, Cartoonist and Writer
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”
–Alice Walker, Author and Activist
“And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, you risk more.”
–Erica Jong, Novelist and Poet
“We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change.”
–Sheryl Sandberg, Business Leader and Author
“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”
–Oprah Winfrey, Media Host and Philanthropist
“Find out who you are and be that person. That’s what your soul was put on this Earth to be. Find that truth, live that truth and everything else will come.”
–Ellen DeGeneres, Comedian and TV Host
“Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.”
–Mary Kay Ash, Businesswoman and Entrepreneur
“I dwell in possibility.”
–Emily Dickinson, Poet
“Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”
–Golda Meir, Former Prime Minister of Israel
“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
–Eleanor Roosevelt, Former First Lady and Human Rights Advocate
“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure you do things differently from everyone else.”
–Sarah Blakely, Entrepreneur and Founder of Spanx
“I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough.”
–Marissa Mayer, Former CEO of Yahoo!
“Don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”
–Michelle Obama, Former First Lady, Author and Media Host
“I used to walk down the street like I was a superstar… I want people to walk around delusional about how great they can be — and then to fight so hard for it every day that the lie becomes the truth.”
–Lady Gaga, Musician and Actress
“I learned to always take on things I’d never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.”
–Virginia Rometty, Former CEO of IBM
“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.”
–Madeleine Albright, Former U.S. Secretary of State
“Your voice can change the world. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
–Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Author and Speaker
“Be brave, not perfect.”
–Reshma Saujani, Founder, Girls Who Code
“Your truth is your power.”
–Keke Palmer, Actress and Entertainer
“We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead.”
–Beyoncé, Singer, Songwriter and Entrepreneur
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear.”
–Rosa Parks, Civil Rights Activist
“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another… be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.”
–Serena Williams, Professional Tennis Champion and Entrepreneur
“Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”
–Golda Meir, Former Prime Minister of Israel
“The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
–Jane Goodall, Primatologist and Conservationist
“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
–Ruth Bader Ginsburg, U.S. Supreme Court Justice
“Other women who are killing it should motivate you, thrill you, challenge you, and inspire you.”
–Taylor Swift, Singer, Songwriter and Businesswoman
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
–Dolly Parton, Singer, Songwriter and Philanthropist
“You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.”
–Chloe Kim, Olympic Gold Medalist Snowboarder
“The most dangerous phrase is: ‘We’ve always done it this way.’”
–Grace Hopper, Computer Scientist and Rear Admiral
“Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.”
–Anne Sweeney, Former President of Disney–ABC Television Group
“You define you.”
–Viola Davis, Actress and Producer
“To love what you do and feel like it matters — how could anything be more fun.”
–Katharine Graham, First American Female Fortune 500 CEO
“You’re allowed to be a work in progress.”
–Kate Winslet, Actress
“Optimism is a superpower.”
–Ellie Kemper, Actress
“Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful.”
–Kelly Clarkson, Singer and TV Host
“It starts with trusting yourself, even if people are telling you you’re too young to trust yourself.”
–SZA, Singer and Songwriter
Turning Ambition into Action
The Women’s Leadership Program at Bentley is aiming to help women build skills, even before they enter their careers. The four-year program for undergraduate women focuses on developing skills and strategies for self-advocacy and leadership advancement — including workshops, networking, mentor circles and corporate visits.
Bentley’s Gearing Up leadership development program, sponsored by the Center for Women in Business, supports early and mid-career women+ professionals through skills including negotiation tactics and financial empowerment. The annual Gearing Up conference, approaching its 21st year, attracts keynote speakers like Mel Robbins, author, podcast host and motivational speaker; Tasha Eurich, organizational psychologist and leadership author; and Michelle Poler, founder of Hello Fears and author.
“Through curated workshops I have been able to connect with incredible female leaders to learn about techniques to improve my skills to be successful in the workforce as a woman,” Anna Grondin ’26, a double major in Marketing and Management with a minor in Earth, Environment and Global Sustainability. “On campus, there is a great network of strong women, both advisors and peers, that I have created relationships with and learned from that I will be forever grateful for.”
Natasha Seng ’27, a Corporate Finance and Accounting Major, agrees. “Through the Women’s Leadership Program, I strengthened my confidence and leadership presence. The workshops and opportunities in the program provided a supportive space to find my voice and lead with authenticity as a woman in business.”
What Bentley’s women leaders want the next generation to know:
“My advice for future leaders is to find the work that you love to do and apply yourself by doing the very best that you can in every role. Be curious, listen, respect and have empathy for every person you work with. Maintain your integrity and never stop learning!”
–Muriel D. Shadee MST ’99, Bentley Trustee and Retired Principal/Shareholder, Nathan Wechsler & Company Business Advisors
“Even though it may be awkward or uncomfortable at first, you really have nothing to lose by going out and meeting folks. Getting a phone number. Sitting down for coffee. Because making a great first impression can truly last. Sometimes just one connection can change your life — even if it doesn’t immediately materialize into something. I always encourage folks to take the step forward and see where it takes them.”
–Nahomi Carlisle ’06, Associate Vice President and Chief Equity and Compliance Officer, Bunker Hill Community College
“Do it scared — whatever it is. Applying for that job, joining that student club, giving a speech, asking for help. And the interesting thing about doing something scared is that once you’ve done the scary thing, it’s not as scary anymore.”
–Chantrise Sims-Holliman ’96, Founder and CEO, Resilient and Winning
“When you’re doing work and you feel your adrenaline is up, and you’re excited, try to stop and isolate those moments. Are you working alone? On a team? Is it the client? Try and do more of that. Take time for self-reflection.”
–Carla (Stella) McCall ’89, P ’28, Managing Partner at AAFCPAs
“One of the most important relationships you’ll have in life is with yourself. Give yourself time and space to really tune into what you want for your life and career, because you absolutely have what it takes. Whatever your vision is, you can create it ... I wish I listened to my intuition sooner. Ignoring what I knew to be true delayed pursuing my passion, but I've learned that the comeback is always stronger than the setback.”
–Amy Pocsik MSA ’11 Founder and CEO, Bold Moves
“Believe in yourself, follow your dreams and don’t let anything break you. Having a supportive mentor by your side is invaluable; they serve as a guiding light during moments of adversity, reminding you that you're not navigating the journey alone.
Perseverance is key. Embrace the obstacles as opportunities for growth and keep pushing forward with unwavering dedication. It's this passion and commitment to your craft that will ultimately lead to fulfillment and success.”
–Saloni Borar MSHFID ’15, Vice President of UX and Product Design for Commerce Global and India C360 Apps at Salesforce
“I’ve been very lucky in that I’ve had predecessors who paved the way for me, and I feel a responsibility to pay it forward and help the next generation. With every step we climb on the corporate ladder, it’s our responsibility to reach back and help another woman rise with us.”
–Kristina Ayanian ’19, Executive Producer and Host of Nasdaq MarketSite, Miss Universe Armenia 2022
“The only way to grow as a person is to really involve yourself in your community. You’re going to meet people from everywhere, and it’s important that you take advantage of that and learn about other people, learn about other cultures and come out of your comfort zone.”
–Barbara Stevens, Former Bentley Women’s Basketball Coach and Women’s Basketball Coach Hall of Fame Inductee
*Article updated on February 20, 2026