During the course of my career I’ve been lucky to travel the world and share the stories of people from all walks of life.

So on this International Women’s Day I celebrate the many inspiring women I’ve met along the way — the brave and courageous, the strong and steadfast — all working tirelessly to improve their communities. Some are prominent public figures while others cultivate change in anonymity.

I’m reminded of Lek, Thailand’s small but powerful animal advocate and Catarina, the Portuguese lawyer and UN Special Rapporteur devoted to improving access to clean water and sanitation; but also Helen, the Kenyan mother mobilizing friends and neighbors to work the community garden to overcome challenges caused by climate change and feed their children; Menu, Shweta, Umang, Ananya, and all the women of Delhi championing change by standing up against violence and rape; and Nadia, the Egyptian widow turned entrepreneur thanks to the help of a village savings and loans program.

These are but a few of the names that come to mind but rest assured there are many many more who have left their indelible imprint on me — women stateside and abroad, who I work with and live with, friends, family members, loved ones.

Today, I honor you all and say thank you for your example.