Michelle Obama once said, “The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work hard for them.” Women have come a long way throughout history to be honored and celebrated as hardworking and ambitious people today. Often, women’s work was dismissed, overlooked, or ignored. Now, having women in the spotlight and thriving in countless fields and occupations is beyond empowering.

National Boss Babe Day is celebrated on Wednesday, May 22nd to honor the many ambitions of women. It is a national holiday created in June 2021 by Heather Schwendeman-Kincaid in memory of her mother, Donna. May 22nd is Donna Schwendeman’s birthday, and though she passed away in 2019, her ambitions are still celebrated by the loved ones in her life. Heather attributes her success as a self-employed small business owner to her mother and claims she couldn’t have succeeded without her mother’s inspiration. Mrs. Schwendeman uplifted other women and encouraged their uniqueness and “female power.” She believed women should be encouraged to unlock their full potential and do what they love. National Boss Babe Day was created to celebrate hardworking, ambitious, way-making women. The intention of National Boss Babe Day is empowering and beautiful, as it is a day where women are acknowledged for their career paths, determination, and hard work.

When many people hear the term “Boss Babe” they think of self-employed women, entrepreneurs, and others in the business field. It is a term coined by American businesswoman Sophia Amoruso in 2014.

Typically, the title “Boss Babe” is referred to an ambitious businesswoman who has created her success and has risen above societal norms. These “Boss Babes” are seemingly independent, consistently hard workers, go-getters, and tend to do it all themselves. I want to give credit where credit is due because the women who have achieved this should be celebrated, and they are inspiring women. My question is, can all women be considered a “Boss Babe?”

Some people argue that “Boss Babe Culture” actually is not empowering to all women, and typically ignores BIPOC women. The impact of systemic racism and the economic status of our country can place notable limitations on the journey of achievement among people. What about women who cannot get out of their circumstances that limit their growth, no matter how hard they try? Then are they not a “Boss Babe?” What about women who do not seek to climb every metaphorical mountain by themselves? What about the women not dreaming about climbing the corporate ladder, and overworking themselves to pave the way for other women?

I think it is interesting to note some of the controversy that does occur around the title “Boss Babe.” The terms “Boss Babe, Girl Boss, Fempreneur” can be ones that people shy away from or claim to be anti-feminist. People often wonder why these female titles have to be gendered when men don’t have reciprocal titles when they hold the same positions. Some people feel that the term “Boss Babe” or “Girl Boss” can make others look down on women and not take them seriously in their profession.

My pledge to every reader is yes, every woman is a “Boss Babe” no matter her career, work ethic, race, sexuality, religion, limitations, or circumstance.

Let’s change the negative narrative around the title “Boss Babe,” and use it to empower women. That’s why National Boss Babe Day was created. Being a “Boss Babe” involves having a vision, doing whatever you can to achieve it, and supporting all women in their unique personal journeys and aspirations. There is no one way to achieve success or greatness. That is left to each person to define for themself.

My favorite well-known “Boss Babes” today include former First Lady Michelle Obama, Vanity Fair Editor-in-Chief Radhika Jones, singer Dolly Parton, producer Shonda Rhimes, and many other women who are changing the world. Every woman is inspiring, no matter where her journey takes her. You can do many things to celebrate this year’s National Boss Babe Day. Grab a meal with your female friends, mentors, colleagues, and loved ones to celebrate “girl power.” Various motivational podcasts for women can be a great way to inspire your inner “Boss Babe.”

A “Boss Babe” is not only a successful female businesswoman. She is a preschool teacher, writer, future ecologist/forester, social worker, firefighter, professor, doctor, farmer, mathematician, nurse, barista at my favorite coffee shop, college student, actress, and countless more. Not only in their careers but women who are “Boss Babes” are mothers, grandmothers, daughters, friends, dog/cat-moms, sisters, wives, and more. “Boss Babes” are brave, ambitious, uplifting to all, empowering to other women, and embody a world of kindness. On May 22, look in the mirror and reflect on what makes you a “Boss Babe.”

Her Nexx Chapter invites you to join our free Community where women from around the world are connecting with each other’s stories, exploring different experiences, and transforming ideas.

The Future of Connection for Women