Every life is shaped by stories both ordinary and extraordinary. And within those stories, one influence rises repeatedly: the women who guide, challenge, and inspire us. From family members and close friends to mentors and educators, women bring wisdom, strength, knowledge, and compassion that can change the course of our lives.
This International Women’s Day, we invited some of the remarkable women at Motley Rice to reflect on that influence by answering one simple, powerful question.
Who has been the most influential woman in your life?
Moniqúe Christenson
“Raised amid voices intent on teaching young girls that their worth was confined to beauty, marriage, and obedience to anyone but themselves, Catherine Salas lives each day in defiance of those limits. Through relentless work and resilience, she rose above stigma and hardship to build a life of purpose—serving her community, providing for her family, and exemplifying grace, fortitude, and perseverance. Always seeking solutions, she embraced growth when given the space to do so, making courageous choices to radically change her perspective. The most inspirational woman in my life, my mother set her own personal and professional standards and taught me I could aim without limits, modeling a work ethic I strive to honor every day.”
Moniqúe primarily represents government entities in complex litigation designed to protect public health, safety, and other interests.
Tope Leyimu
“Without hesitation, my mother. She has shaped how I move through the world – with authenticity and a strong sense of self. She is the warmest, most confident, and faith-filled person I know.
After immigrating to the United States, she faced profound underestimation and, at times, cruelty and ignorance. Yet she remained strong, kind, and dignified. She has met adversity not with bitterness, but with poise and perseverance. Her life is a quiet testament to integrity, resilience, and grace, and she inspires me every day. To grow up with such an example has anchored me and given me courage in rooms where I might otherwise have doubted myself.
I am also inspired daily by the remarkable women I work with, and have worked with, at our law firm. Those who lead with intellect and empathy in equal measure, advocate fiercely, and support others generously. Their example reinforces what my mother first taught me: that strength and kindness are partners.”
Tope advocates for improved worker safety and women’s health issues. She takes pride in representing those catastrophically hurt or killed because of corporate wrongdoing, occupational hazards, and environmental negligence.
Grace Chandler
“My grandmother has been the most influential woman in my life: she was a teacher who, after raising four children, dropped everything to start Hospice of the Upstate after the sudden death of my aunt at a young age. She spent the rest of her life fundraising and advocating for nonprofits in her community and remained deeply involved in my life until she passed away in 2019.”
Grace advocates for people who have suffered severe, life-altering health complications caused by dangerous and defective medical devices.
Alexandra Stulpin
“My most inspiring woman is my mom. After my dad passed away unexpectedly, my mom was left to raise four kids alone. Not only did she do an incredible job, but she also made it a priority that we would all still be able to accomplish our individual dreams and goals. My mom made sure that our dad’s death would be a part of our story, but not the whole story, and encouraged us to take big risks and use our imagination in the face of tragedy. She is the strongest and most inspiring woman I’m lucky enough to have on speed dial.”
Allie brings nearly a decade of experience litigating medical, human rights and sexual abuse cases in state and federal courts. She uses a trauma-informed approach throughout every stage of the litigation process when representing victims and survivors.
Sarah Cornwall
“My grandmother, Ann B. Cornwall, was the most influential woman in my life. She taught me fundamental values that have stayed with me — patience, forgiveness, respect for people with differing ideals, and the importance of living within your means. She believed that things are replaceable and just that — things — while loved ones and shared experiences carry far more weight. Though she was practical and serious, she knew how to not always take herself too seriously. I carry her love and example with me wherever I go.”
Sarah is a Systems Administrator on the Infrastructure team at Motley Rice, supporting the technology that enables the firm to carry out its mission.”
Abigail Burman
“My most influential woman was my first boss, now friend, from when I worked in a congressional office. So much of what I know about both health care and being an effective manager comes from her.”
Abigail fights for consumers who are struggling to cope with life-altering effects of negligence and misconduct by large tech companies. She also advocates for copyright holders to receive the fair compensation they need to continue producing art and sustain themselves and their families.
Shantay Stafford
“My mother Gloria Winns-Myers was the most influential woman in my life. She was my biggest supporter, and she always pushed me to do my best. My mom sacrificed a lot for me and my siblings. She made sure we had food, clothing, and a roof over our head even if she had to go without. My mom taught us the core morals and values of honesty, kindness, and hard work, which have guided our decisions throughout our lives. Her lessons shaped us to always respect others, act with integrity, and persevere through challenges, ensuring we grew into responsible individuals. My mom would be so proud of the young adults she has raised. Her legacy will live on forever!”
Shantay is a dedicated and passionate HR Coordinator at Motley Rice, known for her strong work ethic and willingness to take on challenges.
Jade Haileselassie
“I have come to realize that the most influential woman in my life is a dynamic position. I am here because of a chain built by all the women who came before me. Each link was forged by a woman who decided that what she built would hold the weight of those who followed her. I remain here because of a net woven by all the women I work for and with who provide the support necessary for me to do my job and build a meaningful life outside of professional accomplishment. For me, that is motherhood and building a life for my child that will allow him to reach his full potential. For other women I know, it is a cause they champion or a leadership role they pour themselves into outside of work.
Within the past few years, I have had the pleasure of working alongside a tremendous team, including women from several firms, on the social media litigation. Their dedication, strength, and professional insight have influenced my own practice in a myriad of positive ways. Over the course of a year, the woman ‘most influential’ to me may change 52 times or may be the same over a course of weeks for several reasons. I hope the message we receive from International Women’s Day is that we are all powerful in our ability to be the most influential woman to those in our personal spheres. We should each do all we can to ensure that we are adding to the chain of lasting influence.”
Jade’s diverse practice includes representing global terror victims, individuals and school districts alleging harm by social media platforms, consumers harmed by vehicle defects and fraud, and public entities in litigation aimed at enhancing public health and safety.
Honoring the women who made us who we are
Ask yourself, who has been the most influential woman in your life? How did they impact you? What lessons did they teach you? This International Women’s Day, take a moment to thank them for the impact they had on you.