Every generation of girls needs a role model to look up to. Seeing powerful women playing the resourceful competent hero gives young girls the confidence to pursue a life they want. Here are just a few iconic female characters that have led the way.

1. Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman, a.k.a. Princess Diana of Themyscira, a.k.a. Diana Prince is a superhero character created by DC comics. This Amazonian princess rules with her awesome shield, sword, and magical whip. Wonder Woman is a Greek mythological hero you could say was born out of the first remnants of the feminist movement.

With her god-like powers and noble ways, she's been inspiring young girls for over 75 years, first appearing in comics, then a TV series, and even in a major motion picture today.

2. 'Charlie's Angels'

"Charlie's Angels" was a television series that first premiered in the 1970s. It featured a trio of crime-fighting women all under the employment of a mysterious billionaire benefactor named Charlie. At his behest and under the guidance of the liaison, Bosley, they'd go on top secret missions to right wrongs and take down the bad guys. "Charlie's Angels" perpetuated the idea that women could be a force to be reckoned with. In the 2000s, a successful major motion picture was released based on the famous television show.

3. Ellen 'Ripley'

This woman's mantra is "I am a survivor." When there's a predatory race of alien monsters with acid for blood killing the crew aboard your space station, who you gonna call? Ripley! Throughout the "Alien franchise," Ripley is a strong female character who, without fail, makes it to the end. While her male counterparts are being shredded from the inside out by the most terrifying babies in the universe, she's taking on aliens and androids until those credits roll.

This character not only showed that a woman could be an amazing protagonist, but could also seriously slay in the sci-fi genre. If you like female leads in science fiction, check out the latest installment of "Dr. Who."

4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Originally a film that was then turned into a 90s TV show, this is one of my childhood favorites.

If you were a young tomboy growing up in the 90s, then you were watching this blond valley girl staking vampires and eradicating demons in the small California town of Sunnydale. For any girl going through the perils of adolescent life, and feeling lost, Buffy was a weekly escape away from it all. Whether she was taking down Dracula or traversing the social pitfalls of high school, she did it in style and with class. For that, we tip our hats to Buffy and the rest of the Scooby gang. Special shout-out to Willow, Anya, Joyce, Dawn, and Tara -- a whole crew of impressive ladies on that show. There have been rumors of a possible reboot as well. Fingers crossed!

5. Hermoine Granger

She is no basic witch.

From the mind of J.K. Rowling (another lady icon) comes Hermoine Granger. Hermoine is the female lead in the "Harry Potter" books and film series. Let's be honest, Ron and Harry would be lost without her. With her vast knowledge, intelligence and skill, she courageously takes down the villains with a swish and flick of her wrist. She teaches young girls that there's no shame in having confidence, to never underestimate knowledge, and above all, to fight for what is good in this world.
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