We all have those women in our lives who are nothing short of inspirational, and Meghan Markle is no exception.
Meghan Markle shares her very personal—and inspiring— list.
Back in 2017, Meghan spoke to US Glamour about the 10 women who have changed her life, from the woman who gave her her big break to the politician who seemed to juggle it all. We have listed the top 7 ladies she mentioned.
Not surprisingly, her mum Doria Ragland made the list – well, ours would make it too. Here’s an excerpt from that interview.
1. Dian Fossey, primatologist – A few years ago, when I was in Rwanda, I made it my mission to see the mountain gorillas [protected by the Fossey Fund]. If it weren’t for her, these animals could be extinct.
Also read: See Meghan as a teen in Katharine McPhee’s amazing throwback photo.
2. Bonnie Hammer, Chairman, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group – My character on Suits wasn’t written as a biracial freckled girl, but Bonnie has always been committed to the colour-blind casting. It’s one thing to have respect for your boss, but it’s another to have the kind of respect that comes with feeling comfortable.
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3. Joni Mitchell, musician – I travel so much for work, press, and life that anytime I land back at LAX, Joni Mitchell’s “California” plays in my head. It’s become this anthem of happiness for me whenever I’m feeling homesick.
4. Alice Waters, chef and food activist – When Alice Waters opened [her Berkeley, California, restaurant] Chez Panisse, locally grown, seasonal food was not the norm. So much of the way that I approach eating and cooking is because of her.
5. Julia Roberts, actress – She was the first person I saw onscreen and thought, That looks like so much fun; I wanna do that. When I was younger, someone once told me, “You kind of look like Julia Roberts in profile.” It was the best compliment of all time.
6. Suhani Jalota, Entrepreneur – Suhani, whom I met at Glamour’s 2016 College Women of the Year awards luncheon, started the Myna Mahila Foundation [a network of women who make and sell sanitary products in India]. I’m incredibly moved by someone who is so eager to help change the lives of others, especially women.
Also read: ‘Harry spoils me’: Meghan Markle opens up about married bliss.
7. Doria Ragland, my mother – My mom’s a yoga instructor, but she does social work, as well, and she works specifically with the geriatric community. For me to watch this level of life-long sensitivity to nurturing and caregiving, but at the same time, my mom has always been a free spirit. She’s got dreadlocks and a nose ring. She just ran the LA Marathon. We can just have so much fun together, and yet, I’ll still find so much solace in her support. That duality coexists the same way it would in a best friend.
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