Women Who Inspire Us
In honor of Women’s History Month, Child Action staff shared the women who inspire them most. From family members to historical leaders, these women have shaped our lives, values, and our commitment to supporting families and our community.
My mother, Hilda
She has been my hero the person I look up to in this world. She came from Mexico when she has 16, became a US citizen in 2014 and has raised 4 of us as a single mom.
She was left with nothing and now built her own home in Mexico from the ground up, has her own business doing child care in Santa Clara County. She has showed us not to give up and anything is possible if you don’t give up.
I love this lady with all my heart and hope to be like her as I get older. Te quiero mucho mi madre chula!
Patty De La Cruz
My mother
My mother is my hero and the primary architect of the person I am today. Throughout my life, she has been my greatest advocate, constantly pushing me to chase my dreams and stay relentless in the pursuit of my goals.
Her strength and unwavering belief in my potential have been the guiding forces in my journey. Today, I celebrate her leadership, her heart, and the profound impact she continues to have on my life and work.
Diba Saifi
My grandma, Grace
One woman who deeply inspires me is my grandmother. She served as a Panchayat President in her village in India — similar to a city council head in the United States. In that role, she addressed community concerns, managed local development efforts, and advocated for essential resources.
What stands out most about her leadership is how she used her position to serve others. She helped families access government subsidies that provided food and basic necessities. She created job opportunities and built relationships with officials to secure support for her community. People trusted her and came to her with their concerns because they knew she would listen.
She believed that true peace comes from within, and that when you help others, you can sleep peacefully at night. Watching the respect, she earned and the way she carried herself shaped how I think about responsibility and leadership. Through her, I learned that leadership isn’t about authority, it’s about caring enough to make a difference.
Tara Abraham
Mother Teresa
I would like to honor Mother Teresa, a woman who has deeply inspired and shaped my heart and perspective on life.
For many years, Mother Teresa lived among the poorest of the poor, dedicating her life to serving those who were forgotten, unloved, and suffering. Her life was a powerful example of humility, compassion, and unconditional love. Through her actions, she showed the world that true greatness is found in serving others with a sincere and caring heart.
One of her teachings that has always stayed with me is, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”
She is my mentor during difficult moments. Whenever I feel heavy I watch her movie or reflect on her words, and I feel inspired again. Her legacy continues to guide me, reminding me to choose love, patience, and faith even in challenging times.
Shahla Akhzari