Summer is the perfect time to freshen up your routine and find the inspiration you've been craving. Dive into these ten powerful films and series that showcase women defying stereotypes and overcoming incredible odds. From "Hidden Figures," which highlights the gender gap in mathematics, to "Joy," which explores the challenges of starting a business as a single mother, each movie presents a unique and motivating story. Whether it's Erin Brockovich’s fight for justice, the entrepreneurial journey of Madam C.J. Walker, or the courageous suffragettes, these films will leave you empowered to make your dreams come true and ready to tackle any challenges that lie ahead.
"Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker"
"Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker" is a Netflix series that chronicles the true story of Sarah Breedlove, famously known as Madam C.J. Walker, who rose from poverty to become America's first female self-made millionaire. The series delves into her journey of overcoming racial and gender biases, personal hardships, and rivalries to build a haircare empire that revolutionized the beauty industry for African-American women. With powerful performances and a compelling narrative, it highlights themes of perseverance, empowerment, and entrepreneurship.
“I didn’t come here to make sandwiches. I came here to do business.”
"Hair is beauty. Hair is emotion. Hair is our heritage. Hair tells us who we ware, where we’ve been and where we are going."
"Where exactly is a womans place?"
"Partner Track"
"Partner Track" is a Netflix series that follows Ingrid Yun, an idealistic young lawyer who struggles to balance her moral values with her ambition to become a partner at a prestigious law firm. The show explores themes of gender and racial dynamics in the workplace, personal integrity, and the challenges of climbing the corporate ladder. Ingrid's journey is filled with professional and personal dilemmas as she navigates love, friendship, and the cutthroat world of law.
"You have no idea how hard it is to be a person of color in this firm"
"In my day, women could be a teacher or a nurse, but mainly a wife"
"A girl like me really need to stay tough in a city like this."
"Erin Brockovich"
"Erin Brockovich" tells the true story of a determined single mother who, despite lacking formal legal education, takes on a powerful corporation accused of polluting a city's water supply. With grit and unwavering tenacity, Erin uncovers a massive cover-up, leading to one of the largest settlements in U.S. history. Julia Roberts stars in this inspiring tale of resilience and justice.
“I don't feel the need to defend myself anymore - I am a woman. I feel differently and I think differently than a man. If you're going to bully me or laugh at me because something makes me emotional - you go right ahead because that's what makes me a woman, and I don't want to be anything but that.“
“Be informed, ask questions, band together with your community, and fight at the local level.”
“What's happened in my career has been about knowing myself and realizing my flaws are my strengths, and to embrace them; to access what I'm really good at, and what I'm not so good at; and tune out the voices that get inside your head and make you think you can't do something.“
"Joy"
"Joy" follows the extraordinary life of Joy Mangano, a single mother who overcomes numerous personal and professional challenges to invent the Miracle Mop and create a business empire. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, this inspiring film showcases Joy's journey of perseverance, innovation, and the pursuit of the American Dream, highlighting themes of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
“Never speak, on my behalf, about my business, again.”
““When you're hiding you're safe, because people can't see you. But funny thing about hiding: you're even hidden from yourself.”
“The only thing you're gonna have is what you make.”
“It’s my fault. I gave her the confidence to think she was more than an unemployed housewife.“
"Hidden Figures"
"Hidden Figures" is the inspiring true story of three African-American women mathematicians—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who worked at NASA and played crucial roles in one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Their brilliant work and determination broke racial and gender barriers, transforming the space program and paving the way for future generations.
“I plan on being an engineer at NASA, but I can't do that without taking them classes at that all-white high school, and I can't change the color of my skin, so I have no choice, but to be the first, which I can't do without you, sir. Your honor, out of all the cases you gon hear today, which one is gon matter hundred years from now? Which one is gon make you the first?”
Katherine Johnson: “How can you be possibly ogling these white men?“
Mary Jackson: “It's equal rights. I have the right to see fine in every color.““Now don't get me wrong, any upward movement is movement for us all.“
"Coco Before Chanel"
"Coco Before Chanel" chronicles the early life of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, portraying her journey from humble beginnings as an orphan to her rise as a pioneering fashion designer. The film delves into her innovative spirit, determination, and the unconventional path she took to revolutionize women's fashion. Starring Audrey Tautou, this biographical drama highlights Chanel's influence and legacy in the fashion world.
“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”
”Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
”My life didn't please me, so I created my life.”
"Barbie"
"Barbie" brings the iconic doll to life in a fantastical adventure, exploring themes of identity, self-discovery, and empowerment. As Barbie leaves her perfect world behind to venture into the real one, she faces challenges and learns valuable lessons about embracing her true self. This vibrant and imaginative film is a modern take on the beloved character, promising fun and inspiration for audiences of all ages.
“It is literally impossible to be a woman.”
“I’m just so damn tired of watching myself and every single other women tie ourselves in knots so that people will like us.”
“You are so beautiful and so smart and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough.”
"Bombshell"
"Bombshell" (2019) is a drama based on true events, featuring Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie. The film focuses on the women at Fox News who exposed CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment, leading to his downfall. It highlights their courage and the pervasive culture of silence and fear in the workplace. Directed by Jay Roach, the movie is a powerful exploration of resilience and the fight for justice in the face of systemic abuse.
“We have to fight the objectification of women.”
”If I stay, do I just have to put up with it?”
”Someone has to speak up. Someone has to get mad!”
"Suffragette"
"Suffragette" (2015) is a historical drama starring Carey Mulligan, Meryl Streep, and Helena Bonham Carter. The film is set in early 20th-century Britain and follows the story of Maud Watts, a working-class woman who becomes involved in the women's suffrage movement. The narrative highlights the struggles, sacrifices, and resilience of the suffragettes as they fight for the right to vote, confronting societal norms and enduring harsh reprisals.
“We’re half of the population. You can’t ignore us.”
”War is the only language men listen to.”
”All my life, I've been respectful, done what men told me. I know better now. I'm worth no more, no less than you. Mrs. Pankhurst said, "If it's right for men to fight for their freedom, then it's right for women to fight for theirs.””
"Shakuntala Devi"
"Shakuntala Devi" (2020) is a biographical drama starring Vidya Balan as Shakuntala Devi, the mathematical genius known as the "Human Computer." The film explores her extraordinary talent for mental calculations, her rise to international fame, and her personal life, including her relationship with her daughter and husband. It highlights her struggles and triumphs, balancing her groundbreaking career and family dynamics.
“Without mathematics, there's nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.Without mathematics, there's nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.“
“What is it that you like about being on stage?“
“People's face when they see a girl in "chotis" doing maths.“
Feeling inspired? We really hope you got motivated and are ready to take the next step in your journey! Use the inspiration from these incredible stories to propel your career forward. Don't miss out on our special offer—purchase two-for-one tickets to our upcoming Women in Tech Conference and continue to make your story as impactful as the next inspirational movie.
Let the next great story could be yours.
