With yesterday being National Women’s Equality Day, and this month marking the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, the Mah-velous Magnolia had to be quite stellar…..and I think you’ll quickly agree she is indeed.

President Truman called her “First Lady of the World“. She embodies the quote we all strive to live by. Fought the fight so that we, as women, need not struggle as much. And she was married to my favorite President of all time, FDR.

Today’s Mah-velous Magnolia is the phenomenally inspiring, Eleanor Roosevelt.

Born in 1884 into New York’s high society, the swells, Eleanor found herself battling a host of insecurities after both her parents and one brother all died before she was 10. Regardless at the young age of 14, she was well aware that

No matter how plain a woman may be if truth and loyalty are stamped upon her face all will be attracted to her.

These insecurities were quickly shed when she entered finishing school outside of London. The headmistress strove to cultivate independent thinking in young women and Eleanor was no different. After school she returned to the states and began working with various community programs around the New York City area.  In 1902 she met Franklin Delano Roosevelt [my favorite President!] through which she became first, the First Lady of New York and then the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945.

Eleanor used her status to begin the works of great deeds for woman [and men] across the world.  Supporting the New Deal, the rights of working women, Freedom House and United Nations is only a fraction of the work to which she was committed.  She chaired the United Nations committee which drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women under the John F. Kennedy administration.

Society and Scandal, World Wars and Presidential Inaugurations, Equality and Perseverance, there is so much every woman, man and child can learn from reading about Eleanor Roosevelt.  Her timeless beauty, inside and out, her yearning to always help others and persistence to make a difference in the world are traits to be admired no matter what generation, race or sex you are. And always remember:

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. -Eleanor Roosevelt

*A few more of my favorite Eleanor Roosevelt quotes:

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.

A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.

Thank you, Eleanor, for being such an inspiration. Thank you.

{To read more about truly inspiring women, join in the month-long 90/19 Celebration, the 90th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, and head on over to skirt! magazine. See their posts on phenomenal female change makers, personal stories and much more! }

photo credit: painting, photograph facts & notes: wikipedia

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The Mah-velous Magnolia badge will be awarded each Friday to a selected lady {or a few..or fellas..we’ll see!} who has had an impact on my week.  Who knows — maybe you’ll be up next!