5 Powerhouse Women Paying It Forward

When you’re just getting started in your career, it seems mentors can be found everywhere you look. There’s the slightly senior coworker who shows you the ropes and the manager who pushes you to reach higher bars. Then, there are the superstars: the legendary icons who've carved out spaces for themselves at the top of their industries — the ones who likely inspired you to pursue the field in the first place.

So, we decided to tap the powerhouse women in a handful of industries to explain what it’s like to be a role model for millions — as well as why it’s essential to have a mentor at any stage of the game. Read on, and be prepared to be both seriously inspired and ready to inspire the people who may be looking up to you.