I watch a lot of Netflix. Like, a lot. And so I was thinking about all of the iconic TV characters that inspire me—characters Including Jessica Day, Olivia Pope, and Meredith Grey. I won't spill the entire list, but here's nine female powerhouse TV characters that should be role models for every 20-something gal.

Olivia Pope, Scandal

Hands-down, without-a-doubt, Olivia Pope is a character that is both one you shouldn’t aspire to be and one that you should look to. She’s fearless yet cautious. She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it — no matter how big the cost. She’s made some risky decisions in the show that have cost her friends, her job, and love. But she stood through every decision she made with her feet planted firmly in the ground. And that’s something I admire. Plus, I’m a little biased to her name. 

Lorelai Gilmore, Gilmore Girls

A completely different personality than Ms. Pope, but still a true, iconic character. She raised a baby when she was 16 years old—all on her own. She began a career as a maid in an inn, and after years of hard work and putting herself through night school, she bought her own inn (shared with her BFF Sookie). She fell in and out of love throughout the show. But most importantly, she created an unbreakable bond with her daughter. 

Lorelai Gilmore, with her witty and sarcastic humor, teaches young women that no matter what obstacles stand in your way, you can accomplish anything. You can stand on your own two feet. You have your own unique perspective to see the world. 

Samantha Jones, Sex and the City

I’m gonna get to Carrie Bradshaw, I promise. But first, let me tell you that Samantha Jones is the queen of this show. Sure, Carrie offers advice on sex and dating in your 20s and 30s, but Samantha knows what she wants. She’s had her ups and downs, but she takes that stride of pride in anything that she does. She’s not afraid to be herself. Not only does that make her the queen of PR, but the queen of this show.

Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

If I included Samantha, I must include Carrie. I do consider myself a Carrie — not just because I’m a writer. Carrie offers advice from her own perspective—a perspective she’s not afraid to share. Yes, boyfriends come and go, but every gal needs her best friends by her side. “Let’s gossip to get our heart rates up.” 

What writer wouldn’t want to be Carrie Bradshaw? 

Cristina Yang, Grey’s Anatomy

Cristina is an iconic role model for women in their 20s who are career-focused, unbothered, and eager to get what she wants. Like Samantha Jones, she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it, no matter the cost. 

Meredith Grey, Grey’s Anatomy

C’mon...Mer is an icon. She serves as an inspiration for young women everywhere—even those studying not to be doctors. Like Cristina, she’s career-focused, but she also chooses love. While she chooses her soulmate, Derek, she chooses medicine. She’s a mother, a wife, and a kickass surgeon. She’s a textbook definition of a woman who can truly have it all.

Jessica Day, New Girl

 My absolute favorite show ever. (Besides Friends, of course.) She’s quirky, she’s fun, and she’s certainly not afraid to be herself (like most of the women on this list). Why would I include her if she’s not heavily career-focused, determined, and ambitious? I mean, she’s all of those things, TBH. But she’s more than just that. She is weird, but that’s what makes her so unique. Jess teaches young women to be your weirdest self, to laugh at yourself, and to ignore the negativity. 

Robin Scherbatsky, How I Met Your Mother

Have you noticed all of these female characters are ambitious and career-driven? Robin Scherbatsky, from How I Met Your Mother, chooses career over love. She has a goal in mind—that very much doesn’t involve kids. Ted Mosby knew that and he still pursued her. He pressured her into kids and marriage and almost talked Robin into it—until Robin came back to her goal. She’s one of those women who stuck to her guns (literally, Robin is a gun enthusiast) and is very “bro-like.” (Ahem, refer to photo of Robin sitting with a cigar.) 

Monica GelLAr, Friends

Last but CERTAINLY not least, Monica Gellar is truly someone to look up to. Her and Jessica Day are two TV characters that are amazing role models. Monica grew from being fat and being constantly ridiculed for her weight, and turned that into something positive. She is focused, determined, ambitious, and has a little touch of OCD.