1. What woman has been the greatest influence on your life? Why?

Margaret Sanger. I had the pleasure of working with the Margaret Sanger Papers Project at New York University last spring, and the evidence that I found in her writings of her passionate commitment t...

'Margaret Sanger. I had the pleasure of working with the Margaret Sanger Papers Project at New York University last spring, and the evidence that I found in her writings of her passionate commitment to a cause that is still in so much in need of champions inspired me to take a stronger stance for women's and reproductive rights. Her dedication, and especially her courage and good humor in the face of relentless threats and opposition, are constantly in my mind.'

Lauren Gargani, 22

Human resources assistant

'Marie Curie; she helped break the stereotype that women cannot excel at math and science.'

David Ramby, 27

Student

'I would have to say my mom was the greatest influence on my life. She always tried to make sure I was always doing my best and doing what I wanted to do. She always wanted me to stay strong, stay independent, and not let anybody get in the way. She was all about equality in every single way and I learned a lot from her.'

Melissa Powers, 22

Student (senior)

'My best friend, Annette Secoy. She actually saved my life when I was thinking of suicide, because of a lot of problems in my life.'

Vicki Jones, 54

Homemaker

'My mother. She sets such a great example by being passionate and energetic in life. My mother is always trying something new like scuba diving, remodeling her bathroom, or traveling to other countries. My parents have been separated for years now, and my mother has really reshaped her life. She doesn't depend on a man to take care of her. If she needs something done around her house, she does it herself. Even though she may not view her life as a success, I definitely do and hope that I'm as active and vivacious when I'm her age.'

Rachel Hedrick

Sales manager

'My Mom! She has put the most care and effort into my life! '

Cheyenne Clonch, 23

Americorps YVC team leader

'My mother because she raised me as a single mother and did everything from cook to sew dance costumes and prom dresses, to fix toilets, and tear out walls and install floors. My friends call her Bob Villa meets Martha Stewart. Basically, she taught me that women can do anything they want to (do).'

Megan Cameron, 28

Retail

'My mom and grandma. They have always been there for me, raised me well, and taught me what I needed to know to make it somewhere in life. I hope to be like them someday.'

Sarah Beck, 19

Student

'My granddaughter, Alexandria, is my greatest influence. When she and I are together, I see everything as if it were all new again.'

M.J. Thompson, 50

Account examiner

'My mother. Why?... Because she never gets tired of trying to influence me!'

Rebecca Rieder, 33

Customer service

'My mother has been the greatest influence in my life. She taught me how to be independent, how to make strong family connections, and how to set goals to become a strong woman. Through positive and negative times growing up, I have used every experience as a life lesson, and something to grow from.'

Jennifer Sutton, 21

Restaurant manager

'My mother; she is always there for me and helps me through anything.'

Christen Black, 23

Bartender

'I never could really answer this question until I came to college. My mother has really had the most influence on me. I didn't realize this until college because that was the first time I really felt like I was a person who grew up with a single parent... In high school, many people's parents were divorced so it wasn't unusual. My mother has had more lows than anyone I know, and she still manages to have enough spirit to keep going. She is poor, single and votes Republican but managed to raise two children, both who graduated from the university and have progressive politics. She is a strong, independent woman.'

Ashley Ante, 22

Student

'My grandmother, Missouri Robertson, for taking every Thursday off for herself. '

Frances Gander

Acupuncturist

'I would have to say that my mom has been the biggest influence in my life. Why? Because she has guided me through my life with the best advice ever and will continue in my coming years. My mom has also always been a huge role model to my friends and family and is very well liked for her kind, strong and influential personality.'

Krystal Coe, 17

Observer

'My grandmother. Because she was always there when I needed her, and she was the greatest person in the world.'

Jaclyn Lonas, 20

Student

'My mom. She's made me the strong, independent, and ambitious woman I am.'

Nicole Richards, 23

Graduate student

'My mother has been the greatest female influence in my life. No matter what happens, Mom has always shown me by example what it is to be a strong woman. She is the rock that seems to center and balance our family emotionally. I have three sisters, and our mom stayed at home with us. She put us ahead of a career. I think sometimes families would be better off if they would raise their own kids. Otherwise, you are just working your butt off to pay a babysitter to raise your child in his or her primary years when you should be with your kid.'

Leah Vance, 39

Freelance writer

'My Grandma has been the woman I've looked up to most my whole life. She is the strongest lady I know after having raised seven kids, and she also is currently fighting through breast cancer. She has shown me an undying devotion to the Catholic faith, especially to Mary. I have never seen her discouraged ever in my life.'

Sara Normand, 19

Ohio University telerecruiter

'My Army drill Sergeant at basic training. I was a bit of a troublemaker in high school. She told me that when I made it home, to be respectful to my mother; she's the only one I'll ever have. My drill sergeant made me realize how much a person can worry, especially parents. Being a drill sergeant in the Army is a great challenge to begin with.'

Tracy Roberg, 21

Student

'Joan of Arc because she was true, win or lose.'

Sandy Russell, 55

Artist

'My grandmother; she taught me the true meaning of family values.'

Lisa King, 36

Watershed coordinator

'My mother; she raised two kids, had a full-time job and a successful marriage.'

Sebrina Ellis, 35

Patient registration coordinator

'My mom has definitely been the greatest influence on my life. She grew up as the youngest girl in a dairy farming family of eight, received her teaching degree, got married, and after months of a not-so-easy pregnancy, brought me into this world. She endured years of cooking separate meals for me, because I used to be allergi