“I was once afraid of people saying, ‘Who does she think she is?’ Now I have the courage to stand and say, ‘This is who I am.’” - Oprah Winfrey. Oprah Gail Winfrey born January 29,1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi stands for everything she built on integrity, compassion, authentic, and resilience. She continues to being one of the most influential and charismatic female leaders of our time making a difference in the world. Oprah Winfrey is known for being an Emmy Award Winning Talk Show Host, Media Executive, Academy Award nominated Actress and Philanthropist. She was announced the first black woman billionaire, the first black female to own her own network broadcast, and in 2004,2005,2006, 2007,2008-, and 2009-Times Magazine names her “one of the most influential people. Oprah Winfrey continues making a name for herself in this male dominated industry. …show more content…
Oprah Winfrey was born to Vernita Lee and Vernon Winfrey on isolated farm in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Her parents soon separated after her birth, leaving her in the care of her abusive disciplinary grandmother. At the age of six she was sent to Milwaukee to live with her mother where she experienced more horrifying trauma. Being raised in poverty, being raped at the age of 9 by her 19-year-old cousin, being abused by friends and family, and ending up pregnant at the age of 14. Despite everything she went through she didn’t let that stop her, she later moved in with her stick father seeking guidance and a change. While living with her father she gained a full ride to Tennessee State University, became Miss Black Nashville and Miss Tennessee, and was invited to the White House for the Youth Conference. Winfrey challenge upbring made her resilient, she didn’t let her childhood define who she wanted to