Mothers are the foundation for life. They create and nurture the next generation of humanity like it's no big deal. Some women don't stop there, either. They've risen to become world leaders, entertainers, creators, and thinkers who've changed history in the process. We're taking a look at the most powerful moms who didn't just rear their little ones, but also followed their biggest dreams.
Adele
Meryl Streep
Speaking of Meryl Streep, there's only one woman in Hollywood who commands our attention quite like this iconic actress and mom of four. Her first big-screen performance was in the 1978 war drama "The Deer Hunter," which led to her first Oscar nod. Forty years later, Meryl is considered one of the greatest actresses of our time and holds the impressive record for most Oscar nominations (a whopping 21). Up next for Meryl is a role in "Big Little Lies," "Mary Poppins Returns" and "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again."
Amal Clooney
Admittedly, many of us didn't know who Lebanese-British barrister Amal Clooney (née Alamuddin) was before she married film star and producer George Clooney. Today, we know the mom of 10-month-old twins Ella and Alexander is also a powerful human rights attorney who specializes in international law. Amal's high-profile clients include WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and the Greek government. She's even boldly taken the terror group ISIS to court for crimes of genocide.
Angelina Jolie
While Angelina Jolie made a name for herself in Hollywood with her beauty and talent, it was her off-camera work that got our attention. The 42-year-old mother of six (including three adopted children) served for years as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador. She was later appointed as a special envoy focusing on refugee displacement on a global level, traveling abroad to find solutions to problems refugees face. In her spare time (how does she have any?), she also produces and directs.
Aretha Franklin
Rolling Stone calls Aretha Franklin "one of the most influential and important voices in pop history," and we can't help but agree. The 76-year-old soul singer, mother of four and 18-time Grammy winner began her music career as a child, singing gospel in her father's church. Although she debuted her first album in 1957, Aretha's true arrival on the music scene came in 1967 with the release of "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Loved You," which quickly went gold. Today, Aretha is still bringing down the house with live performances.
Benazir Bhutto
In 1988, Benazir Bhutto changed history when she became Pakistan's first female prime minister and the first female leader of a Muslim nation. Benazir inherited her political role from her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the head of the Pakistan People's Party, who was executed in a military coup in 1979. Stepping into her father's shoes, Benazir (a mother of three) led her country but would face charges of corruption and, ultimately, exile. In 2007, she returned to Pakistan, only to be assassinated by a suicide bomber.
Beyoncé
We first met Beyoncé in 1998 with the release of her all-girl group's self-titled debut album, "Destiny's Child," and were captivated by her bold vocal talent, beauty and style. Just five years later, Bey dropped her solo album, "Dangerously in Love," and began her path toward world musical domination. Queen Bey is now the Coachella-slaying mom of three, wife of rap mogul Jay-Z, entrepreneur, actress and 22-time Grammy Award-winning music artist who holds the title of being one of the richest women in America.
