Jennifer Davidson, Reality Check Coaching, based in Portland, Oregon, offers leadership for your career & life goals

Shero is a word I’m growing to love more and more. I’ve heard it passed around the last few years in regards to females who embody “heroic” attributes or behaviors. In fact, I recently heard Oprah use the term on her show.  What does it really mean? According to Urban Dictionary “a Shero is a man or a woman who stands up specifically for female rights” or “Female hero”. I personally like ”female hero”. So, for the purpose of this blog let’s use that definition.

Over time we have seen many sheroes: Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa, Princess Diana, Oprah…all powerful women. Their brilliant work has impacted our world in a major way. Far beyond the reach of what any one person would imagine. But, who are the sheroes in our daily lives? Who are the amazing women that have personally reached out and made a difference? Allowing us, the sheroes of today, to grow strong.

For me I can think of at least 5 women. My Mom, my Step-mom (Am I allowed to use both of their names side-by-side?  Luckily for me, YES!), my childhood Gymnastics Coach, my HR Manager at GE, and my dear friend Courtney Macavinta. All of these women have had a profound impact on me from birth to right this very moment as I type these words.

My Mom - A single parent who ran an in-home daycare center. Independent and strong, loving and compassionate, determined and full of hope. She is the ultimate ”glass half full” kind of woman. Her persistence for a better life and commitment to her children (as well as a zillion others) helped me become determined, strong, and full of heart for others.

My Step-mom - Practical and sincere, smart and savvy, confident and direct. She has always demonstrated clear evaluation when making decisions and a very straightforward approach in business. All of this combined with her ability to look at the big picture has taught me to step back and evaluate before acting, to be honest with others, and speak clearly to what I want and need.

My Gymnastics Coach - Where to start? She was “the” major player in my life for many years. A true friend and mentor. She helped guide me through good and bad, never judging, never bossing. She taught me to let others be who they truly are, how to laugh in good and bad times, and what loyalty really means.

My HR Manager at GE - What a firecracker! She is full of grace, smarts beyond measure, and she is a powerhouse! I admire her “to the point” approach wrapped up in her desire to see others succeed. I learned how to brand myself as a leader, how to show up on top of my game, and how to be myself with confidence.

My Dear Friend, Courtney Macavinta - A young shero who will continue to impact women everywhere with her RESPECT message for years to come. She is a professional journalist with a huge heart for females everywhere. She has taught me what a real sisterhood is and absolutely lights me on fire with motivation! In fact, together we are setting out to  reach 1,000,000 girls through the RESPECT Rally by the end 2009. That’s right, ONE MILLION GIRLS! (Wanna help? Click here to read about Respect Rally Leader Training or email me jdavidson@realitycheck-coaching.com.)

So whether you’re a shero in training or in the hall of fame, share your shero stories. Who inspires you to be a shero?