She’s the Creator, Head Writer, and Executive Producer of Female led, hit, network TV shows “Scandal” (2012-2018), “Grey's Anatomy” (2005-present), Netflix newer period series “Bridgerton”, it’s spinoff “Queen Charlotte: a Bridgerton Story” and the producer for (one of my personal favorites) “How to Get Away with Murder”. She’s also a published author and the writer of several films.  In other words… she’s a successful woman working in the entertainment industry who knows her shit. Just one quick Google search and you can see she is just oozing with inspiration and wisdom.
           I had been looking for an inspirational quote or two to share on my social media pages to encourage and empower people to pursue their dreams and help them become their best selves. However, she has so many, I could not pick just one. So, here they are, in no particular order:  some of the best, most empowering and inspiring quotes (in my opinion) from the talented, hardworking, Shonda Rhimes.  
          F.Y.I. I don't care if some of these show are technically off the air now, these quotes are still like gold and encourage and empower me to this day. So, I hope they will help you as well. Life is too short to not spend it doing what sets your soul on fire.
            So, listen to mama Shonda and do what you need to do to focus and pursue your dreams. Especially if you are a writer, creative, or just plain crazy dreamer like me. I know I will be...

1.) “Maybe you know exactly what it is you dream of being, or maybe you’re paralyzed because you have no idea what your passion is. The truth is, it doesn’t matter. You don’t have to know, you just have to keep moving forward. You just have to keep doing something, seizing the next opportunity, staying open to trying something new.”
 
2.) “Happiness comes from living as you need to, as you want to. As your inner voice tells you to.”
 
3.) “You just have to keep moving forward. You just have to keep doing something, seizing the next opportunity, staying open to trying something new.”
 
4.) “I am not lucky. You know what I am? I am smart. I am talented. I take advantage of the opportunities that come my way and I work really, really hard. Don’t call me lucky. Call me a badass.”
 
5.) “You want to be a writer? A writer is someone who writes every day. So, start writing. You don’t have a job? Get one. Any job. Don’t sit at home waiting for the magical opportunity. Who are you? Prince William? No. Get a job. Go to work. Do something until you can do something else.”
 
6.) “Have some fire. Be unstoppable. Be a force of nature. Be better than anyone else. And don’t give a damn what anyone thinks.”
 
7.) “You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.”
 
8.) “Everyone’s got some greatness in them. You do. The girl over there does. The guy on the left has some. But in order to really mine it, you have to own it. You have to grab hold of it. You have to believe it.”
 
9.) “Ditch the dream and be a doer.”
 
10.) “Maybe you know exactly what it is you dream of being, or maybe you’re paralyzed because you have no idea what your passion is. The truth is, it doesn’t matter. You don’t have to know. You just have to keep moving forward. You just have to keep doing something, seizing the next opportunity, staying open to trying something new.”
 
11.) “A lot of people dream, and while they are busy dreaming, the really interesting, powerful, engaged people are busy doing.”

12.) “Dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change.”
 
13.) “The only limit to your success is your own imagination.” 

          So, listen to Shonda. You have greatness inside of you. Believe it. If you have a dream in your heart, don’t just dream it. Work hard and go for it. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Don’t worry about what other people think. Don’t limit yourself. Create the life you want. Don’t wait for doors to open for you. Work hard and make it happen for yourself. You CAN live whatever life you long for in your heart. Be a doer, not just a dreamer. And most importantly, be like Shonda and believe in yourself. That no matter how your life may look and feel right now, you are indeed... a Badass. 

Contributed by Tiffany Grand

What would you do if you were told you weren’t allowed to play music (or something else you loved) because you were a woman?
         I first discovered “Zohra” back in 2017. Afghanistan’s first all female orchestra, formed by musicologist Ahmad Naser Sarmast in 2010 at the National Institute of Music. This was and is still a huge deal because during the Taliban rule of Afghanistan- playing instruments was literally BANNED. Even today, performing music is still frowned upon by many conservative Muslims. 
        That’s what makes this group so exciting and inspiring. Not only are they an all female musical group formed in an extremely male supremacist society where many things are STILL restricted for women, but the orchestra is also led by a woman. And beginning at only 19 years old, the conductor Negin Khpalwak, is an inspiration in herself.  
       The National Institute of Music in Kabul, enrolls about 300 students between the ages of 14-20, most of which are female and many of whom come from underprivileged families. The institute is dedicated to promoting women’s rights and ensuring gender equality in the sector of music, as well as offering quality arts education in an area of the world that often tells their people that they can’t even play music. Giving the students outlets for self expression, creativity, and independence they wouldn’t have elsewhere in the country during a previous time.   
         Then in 2021, when the United States withdrew and the Taliban reasserted control, the school needed to be evacuated. The students were relocated to Portugal where they made shelter in a hospital and feared the day the Taliban would come find them and kill them.
         But these young musicians were determined to continue playing music and prevail in the mist of struggle, violence and starvation.
        "One can't be without dreams because dreams give us hope..." wrote Zohra Ahmadi, one of the top students. "If you have a dream, follow it..."
        
By Femmespire Media Staff

           Tonight, June 1st, 2023, starts the beginning of the NBA Finals between the #1 seed Denver Nuggets and the 8th seed Miami Heat. Both have been considered “underdogs” throughout the season, but this will be the Nuggets first time EVER making it to the Finals. I will undoubtedly be watching this game tonight and placing some bets- and you should too. Because I mean, seriously, even if you don’t watch sports normally, who doesn’t love a good ole underdog story?
            But here at FEMMESPIRE Media our focus is to bring more exposure and awareness to all the bad-ass, inspiring ladies in Sports, Entertainment and life in general. To bring encouragement and hope to as many people as possible (although especially for women and teen girls who often feel like underdogs, particularly in an industry focused on men). And the WNBA season is FINALLY in full swing. So that’s what I’ll be focusing on here today.      
            It was a sloppy, rocky start, full of face-palm moments at first (I’m looking at you my New York Liberty). But now a couple weeks in, the ladies and most of the teams in the league seem to have finally found their groove.
            So, what better time than now to share some of the most encouraging, inspiring and empowering quotes from some of the most talented ladies in professional basketball?     
            Because even if you feel like an underdog, or like you can’t “get it together” fast enough, I want to remind you that you’re worth more than you know and it’s never too late to turn your life around or pursue your dreams. You can get to wherever in your heart is calling you…eventually…just like these strong, talented, ambitious ladies have. It might never lead you to an NBA or WNBA Final, but you can have an amazing life either way. Let these ladies’ positive words help drive you. Let's get #Femmespired

“You cannot achieve unless you believe in yourself. You are more capable than you think.”

• Elena Delle Donna

“You don’t have to be the best… but you have to be YOUR best.”

• Skylar Diggins-Smith

“Never let the fear of failing discourage you from trying.”

• Sue Bird

“If you aren’t one of those top-caliber athletes, you have to take one thing you’re good at and really excel and improve in that.”

• Jewell Loyd
  

“The difference between a winner and a loser is, many times, a matter of inches. If you think you can do it, most of the time you’ll do it.”

• Nancy Lieberman

“Be confident in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire. Sure, you’ll encounter challenges here and there, but use them as motivation to try even more. Find ways around and/or through your obstacles.”

• Tamika Catchings

“I’m a bit of a perfectionist, but you have to know you’re going to make mistakes. It’s how you respond to those mistakes that counts.”

• Sue Bird

“Your passion and dedication can’t be some-time, part-time or spare time. It has to be all-time.”

• Breanna Stewart

“Believe that your dreams
will come to life.”

• Tamika Catching