In 1942 the U.S. government commissioned the “We Can Do It!” poster, which featured an image of a character who became known as Rosie the Riveter. Her biceps-revealing shirtsleeves and determined look were meant to motivate American women to step out of the kitchen and into the factory to replace the men who had been pressed into service during World War II. And millions did just that, paving the way for us to pull down paychecks more than 60 years later. “She’s a symbol of women getting things done. It shows that strength is beautiful.”—Alexis Bledel, 27, of this summer’s comedy Post Grad

Alicia Keys as First Lady Michelle Obama

Not only is Obama the first African American filling the position, but she’s already making best-dressed headlines for a style that ranges from couture to J.Crew. Raised in Chicago, Obama, 45, powered on to Princeton and Harvard Law School before beginning a career during which she met, mentored and married our current President. Hail to our newest smart, opinionated, chic First Lady! “She has worked hard for everything she’s accomplished, and done so with grace and humility. So many women and girls can identify with her story.”—Alicia Keys, 28, whose most recent album is As I Am

America Ferrera as Dolores Huerta

A fierce advocate for migrant farmers, Huerta cofounded, with César Chávez, what became the United Farm Workers of America. In 1975 she played a critical role in enacting policies that allowed workers to bargain for better wages and conditions. Today, at age 79, Huerta continues to be active—last year she campaigned for Hillary Clinton’s presidential run. “She saw her own opinion and voice as [something as] powerful as any man’s.”—America Ferrera, 25, of ABC’s Ugly Betty, holding a sign that reads “strike” in Spanish

Hayden Panettiere as Amelia Earhart

In 1932 Earhart—with her leather jacket, scarf and close-cropped hair—became the first female aviator to fly a solo transatlantic flight, redefining expectations of women along the way. Though the 39-year-old disappeared in 1937 during a flight around the world, she still serves as a reminder of female fearlessness. “She proved that anything is possible. If you want to fly a plane, fly a plane…. No one can tell you no.” —Hayden Panettiere, 19, costar of this summer’s comedy I Love You, Beth Cooper, standing on a 1939 Lockheed UC-40A Electra Junior airplane

Elisha Cuthbert as Brandi Chastain

Amazing moment in sports history #1: Chastain, then 31, scores the game-winning penalty kick against China in the first-ever women’s World Cup soccer final, in 1999. Amazing moment #2: Chastain dives to her knees and tears off her jersey in celebration. Newspapers debated whether to run the photo, and commentators were shocked that she exposed her—gasp!—sports bra. But they missed the point: This was a moment when women let out a collective roar of approval and little girls discovered a new hero. “Brandi proves that we should have no excuses as women to go out there and be the best that we can be.”—Elisha Cuthbert, 26, of FOX’s 24

Lindsay Lohan as Madonna