In an essay for Glamour, Reese Witherspoon shared her thoughts on what being an ambitious woman meant to her.
Witherspoon talked about her early career when all actresses would be auditioning for the one female part. And – when she landed a role – she would often be the only girl with a speaking part.
Witherspoon said it's better today, but still needs a lot of work. She is now producing film and television with an emphasis on strong, female roles and roles for women behind the camera.
And all of her hard work has been noticed by her older children. She wrote, "It means a lot to me to have two kids who support my ambition to change perceptions of women."
Witherspoon said that women should never downplay their hopes and dreams, especially if it’s out of fear or to gain the approval of men.
Witherspoon is walking the walk. She started her own production company to create more roles for women. Today she is working on about 23 projects that feature great female characters.
She also says no matter how ambitious you are, you still have to do the work and prove yourself.
Reese, you are a true inspiration. Here's to all of us being more ambitious in our everyday lives.
