Women Rising Strong

Stories and reflections about women, life, and becoming who we are.

I’m glad you’re here

I'm S.A. Sterling, a writer, teacher, and endlessly curious woman who has always been interested in other women's lives.

I created Women Rising Strong because I wanted a place to tell their stories—and, eventually, some of my own.

I'm interested in the big things: courage, change, identity, relationships, aging, starting over. But I'm just as interested in the smaller things. The choices we make without telling anyone. The roles we fall into. The things we carry for years before we realize we're carrying them.

You'll find stories of remarkable women here, but you won't find many perfect ones. I'm much more interested in what happens when life gets complicated and we have to figure out who we are now.

I don't have everything figured out either. That's part of why I write.

So have a look around. Read something. Stay awhile. And if something here makes you stop and think, then Women Rising Strong is doing what I hoped it would do.

What’s here for you

Stories, reflections, books, and ideas about women's lives—what we go through, what we learn, what we question, and how we change.

Some are about extraordinary women. Some are about ordinary moments. Often, the line between the two isn't as clear as we think.

Read & Explore

Stories and reflections about women, life, change, and the questions we sometimes carry with us.

Explore the Blog

Stay in Touch

Join me for Thursday Reflections, new writing, book news, and the occasional note from Women Rising Strong.

Join the Newsletter

Read My Books

My books explore women, identity, change, resilience, and the complicated ways we become ourselves.

Explore My Books

  • "I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own." – Audre Lorde

    Audre Lorde was a poet and civil rights activist who championed the rights of marginalized communities, advocating for interconnected freedoms.

  • "The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud." – Coco Chanel

    Coco Chanel revolutionized fashion by bringing modern, liberating styles to women, celebrating bold self-expression.

  • "I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard." – Malala Yousafzai

    Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel laureate, inspires through her dedication to girls' education and resilience in the face of adversity.

  • "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any." – Alice Walker

    Alice Walker, author of 'The Color Purple,' explores resilience, encouraging readers to recognize their inner strength.

  • "I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." – Louisa May Alcott

    Louisa May Alcott, author of 'Little Women,' wrote stories with strong female characters, inspiring generations of readers.

  • "The best protection any woman can have is courage." – Elizabeth Cady Stanton

    Elizabeth Cady Stanton was instrumental in the women’s rights movement, organizing the first women’s rights convention.

  • "The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me." – Ayn Rand

    Ayn Rand, novelist and philosopher, advocated for self-determination, stressing the importance of individuality.

  • "I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear." – Rosa Parks

    Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat became a symbol of peaceful resistance in the Civil Rights Movement.

  • "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt

    Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the role of First Lady, advocating for human rights and social justice.

  • "Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get." – Ingrid Bergman

    Ingrid Bergman, an acclaimed actress, broke stereotypes and pursued her career with remarkable dedication.

Join our community of women empowerment!

* indicates required