This is a tough one. My first thought was Oprah Winfrey because she really brought it home for me how important it is for women to support one another. <!—break—> She is responsible for my support of several Afghani sisters through Women for Women International and also has kept me informed about so many international, health, social, and scientific issues.

Then I read the other comments and would have to add so many others like Hilary Clinton, Gloria Steinem, Maya Angelou, Eleanor Roosevelt, Whoopee Goldberg, Barbara Walters, Bella Abzug, and the list goes on.The more I thought about my own personal journey, I have to add Helen Gurley Brown and Margaret Mead, and several 50s TV starts who showed me girls could do anything: Gale Storm ("My Little Margie” and "Oh Susanna") , the actor who played Penny on "Sky King," the one who played Annie Oakley, and Lois Lane on "Superman." Also, many wonderful female teachers I’ve had.

Last, but most, my mom and my daughter. My mom, who these days doesn’t always remember who I am, but never forgets to say, "I love you," and gives big warm hugs. She had the courage to be a single unwed mom in the 50s, always made us, her children, her first priority, and showed by example what it means to help others. My daughter, who came out as a lesbian at 14 in the local newspaper, traveled to other high schools to encourage and speak to other LBGT teens, and who has always had the courage and empathy to be exactly who she is.

It is impossible to list one woman. All these women and, I’m sure, many others have shaped and informed my life as well as the lives of others. 

 Judy Blume, as a young girl I buried myself in her books, I always felt better after I read them. I think reading was always a great escape and still is. When I was afraid to ask someone a question I found answers in her books not even knowing they would be there. What most of us are today was shaped in our early years and I could always count on her books for insight.

For Americans I would pick Whoopi Goldberg: when she looked into the camera on the Oscars and said, "you can get here from there." Maya Angelou too. 

For Canadians I would pick Frances Wasserlein my woman’s studies teacher who marked me fairly even though I was not towing the party line in her class and inspired me to use art for social change but to keep the art at all costs. Shirley Clarkson, my step mother, who gives the best hugs in the world, told me I could do anything (and I believed her because she doesn’t lie) and gave her "chosen daughter" as much love as her biological son. Auntie Margie who couldn’t pull a punch if her life depended on it. If I am afraid I am going down a wrong path I call her and she says no and I listen. Grandma Clarkson who says, "get off your big fat (think but don’t say ass) and don’t be lazy" even when I am working so hard I could bleed and keeps me inspired to be best.  

 Every success I have had I can trace back to these women. I could not thank them properly. There is not enough gratitude in the world.