So Worthy Women of 2009

12/29/09


As I look back on the challenges of 2009, certain women have inspired me by living up to the words of Frederick Douglass: “Without struggle, there is no progress.” While I don’t know most of them personally, how they have handled themselves in the public eye has been of great influence.

Here is my top 10 list of the “So Worthy” Women of 2009. Whether it was the struggles they endured, the obstacles they overcame, or character they displayed in the face of criticism, these women have truly defined what it means to be “So Worthy.”

10. Khloe Kardashian: The feistiest of the Kardashian sisters, Khloe has bared her struggles with lasting relationships on both Keeping up with the Kardashians and Kourteney and Khloe Take Miami. After ending a relationship and enduring being set up on dates by her sisters, Khloe found her perfect match in basketball star, Lamar Odom. Despite everyone’s raised eyebrows, Khloe threw caution to the wind and decided to get married to Lamar after dating for only about a month. I guess when you know, you know. Way to go Khloe for following your heart! (Oh, and for always going to bat for your family. Especially when it comes to Scott!)

9. Kandi Burruss: After debuting on The Real Housewives of Atlanta this season, Kandi became a popular cast member for her laid back, no-nonsense ways. During the season, viewers watched as she began to rebuild her career as a musical performer while managing the drama between her mother and fiancé. Prior to the end of the season, Kandi suffered the sudden and tragic loss of her ex-fiance, AJ. The courage she showed in opening up to her fans during the reunion show, only days after the tragedy, was admirable.

8. Wendy Williams: In 2009, the ‘Queen of all Media’ said goodbye to her hilarious, infamous, and successful radio show to pursue her career as a TV talk show host. In spite of all that the critics had to say, this diva has dominated her market with solid ratings and continued to expand her empire! Even though I miss this ‘friend in my head’ on the radio, I am so excited and inspired by her success. “How you doin’?!”

7. Elin Nordegren: The soon-to-be-ex-Mrs. Tiger Woods is proving that no amount of money can make her stay in a marriage with her ‘transgressions’ committing, porn star-screwing, philandering husband! After attempting to take matters into her own hands with a golf club (I would have, too!), Elin is gearing up to go the legal route and take Mr. Woods for half of his fortune, which she rightfully deserves. Way to look out for you and your children and not be swayed by Tiger waving money in your face. You’re gonna get it anyway. You go girl!

6. Britney Spears: After Britney lost her mind a few years ago (e.g. the stint in rehab, the bizarre shaved head incident, and the head-shaking, finger-wagging, hot mess VMA performance to name a few), I was pretty much convinced that this pop princess wouldn’t make her way back up on the throne. However, Ms. Spears has managed to do just that! With the support of her family, Britney released some toxic people from her life and embarked on a road to recovery. Britney is back and better than ever as is evident with her chart topping, comeback album, Circus. Good job, Brit Brit. We’re glad to have you back.

5. Jenny Sanford (wife of cheating South Carolina Governor, Mark Sanford): Mama didn’t raise no fool when she raised Jenny Sanford! She refused to be one of ‘those women.’ The kind that just stands by and watches as their husbands publicly humiliates their family as he reveals his indiscretions. This brave and classy lady preferred to preserve her dignity in the wake of her husband’s admittance of his escapades on the ‘Appalachian Trail’ (aka Argentina). In the months that followed, Mrs. Sanford did attempt to reconcile, but after numerous failed attempts to do so, she has filed for divorce. Seeing as she was not only his wife but also his campaign manager and strategic adviser, she’ll be just fine!

4. Princess Tiana: Disney didn’t realize they were modeling their latest, trailblazing Princess after me! Not only is Tiana the first African-American Princess, but she is also the first princess I’ve ever noticed that believes in working hard and not waiting on a prince to come. This motivated and independent young woman is on a mission to make her dreams a reality! Perhaps Tiana’s fatal flaw (like mine) is that she prefers to do things herself, without help from others! In the end (I won’t give it away), Tiana learns that she must achieve balance in both her personal and professional life. I’m on my way to learning that lesson right now!

3. Sonia Sotomayor: I mean, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor! What a role model for not only Latinas, but for all women. During her confirmation hearings, pundits tried to come at her from every angle and ruffle her feathers, but she refused to be moved or shaken. The epitome of cool, calm, and collected, Justice Sotomayor simply answered each question with rock solid confidence. I say we change the saying, “We girls can do anything, right Barbie?” to “We girls can do anything, right Sonia?!”

2. Michelle Obama: Mrs. O is daily redefining what it means to be a First Lady. Not only is she by her husband’s side at appearances and engagements (in everything from J. Crew to Jason Wu), but she also makes time to help her daughters with their homework and tend to the White House garden. Somehow she manages to squeeze in workouts, too! However, her intrigue, appeal, and allure aren’t just about her impeccable style or her buff arms. It’s about how she manages to balance family and career with grace. How she manages to stand by her man, but also retain her own identity. With a husband who takes center stage, Mrs. O has notably made her own mark on American culture and society. Cheers to you, Michelle! Can I get a fist bump?

1. Sujeiry Gonzalez: Lovemionline.com’s founder truly epitomizes today’s modern entrepreneur. In less than a year, she has taken her brainchild from an idea to a full-fledged business! Seeing a void in dating and relationships media, she created a site that would cater to love lives of Latinas. While she’s had to make sacrifices and overcome obstacles to make Lovemionline.com a success, she’s done so with courage and cojones! Never afraid to speak her mind or wholeheartedly pursue her dreams, Sujeiry is well on her way to expanding her empire! Power to the pepas! (Sujeiry's work can now be found at LoveSujeiry.com)

See you in the New Year!