As women, it’s important to have strong role models that we can look up to and find inspiration from. There are hundreds of amazing women out there doing great things, and many of our favourite celebrities are using their influence to create positive changes in the world. We can learn from the generosity and dedication of these women and get motivated to do more and live better. This week I thought I would share a few celebrities who are committed to making our planet a better place by standing up for what they believe in. I hope they inspire you, too!

Angelina Jolie

She might be one of the most well-known actresses in the world, but Angelina is much, much more – for years she has dedicated herself to humanitarian and aid work in less-fortunate countries.

Angelina became aware of worldwide humanitarian crises while filming Tomb Raider in Cambodia. Since 2001, she has been on numerous field missions and met with refugees in more than 20 countries. She is a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, and has her own organisation – the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation – dedicated to protecting forests, eradicating poverty, establishing health care and educational opportunities in Cambodia. Among other things, she also co-chairs the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which helps fund education programs for children affected by conflict.

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama was one of the most influential and inspiring First Ladies to grace the White House. Her compassion and fairness moved hearts all across the world, and we can all look to her as a positive role model. The values Michelle stood by were rooted in ideas of equality, freedom and safety. Time and time again she spoke about the need for racial, economic, social and gender equality. She empowered Americans – and the world – to embrace one another regardless of our differences and foster a community of love.

Nadia Lim

And here’s one of our own local celebrities – the gorgeous Nadia Lim. Nadia is a great role model in terms of her healthy living beliefs. The chef and dietitian won Masterchef New Zealand back in 2011 and went on to launch the very successful My Food Bag and Bargain Bin. Since then she has released numerous cook books, hosted her own cooking show and now released her own magazine, NADIA. Focused on healthy eating, wellness and family, the magazine encompasses all of Nadia’s great values around healthy living.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson has been making waves in the political and social world with her support for gender equality. The British actress was appointed the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador in 2014, where she dedicates her efforts to empowering young women around the world. She is an advocate for UN Women’s ‘HeForShe’ Campaign, which calls on men to support gender equality. Since then, Emma has created a partnership with 10 international universities to prioritise gender equality and address sexual assault dangers. Gender equality is a relevant and pressing issue which we all need to support. Look to Emma for motivation.

Ellen Degeneres

Ellen is a fantastic role model for more reasons than one. Her fight for LGBT rights has been ongoing and incredibly influential – just last year President Obama awarded her the Congressional Medal of Freedom for her work in this area. As well as her committment to LGBT rights, Ellen is a strong supporter of animal rights. Ellen is vegan and lies a cruelty-free lifestyle. In 2009, she was named Woman Of The Year by People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for her work in raising awareness of their campaign. She also co-owns Halo Pet Food, a line of natural foods for animals, which is partnered with non-profit companies such as The Humane Society of the United States to donate a million pet meals to 100 shelters in America.