Actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph has been named as one of USA today Women of the Year, a recognition of women who have had a particular positive influence on their communities and the nation as a whole.

These honorees are strong and resilient women who have been champions of change across the country, leading and inspiring as they promote and fight for equity and give others a place to seek help and find hope.

The name Sheryl Lee Ralph has been originally rose to fame at the 1981 Broadway premiere of Dreamgirls. She is now receiving her greatest awards while sporting the outfits of a kindergarten teacher from the TV series Abbott Elementary.

But it was not always smooth sailing for the Hollywood actress, there were those years with little to no work and the bit parts. But this did not hold Ralph back from going after her goals.

“There have been moments where I thought, ‘Well, if I quit now, I have had a great career.’ No one could say that wasn’t true,” the actress shared with USA Today. “But I didn’t quit. I kept moving on. I kept believing.”   

As an activist, Ralph started the DIVA Foundation to help friends who were HIV/AIDS positive granting them the support they needed, instead of plunging into that abyss,

Throughout her career the actress and singer has appeared onscreen alongside legendary Hollywood actors. 

She recently won an Emmy for supporting actress in a comedy in September of last year, making her the second black woman to do so in history.

Shortly after her Emmy win, the performer was tasked with singing at the 2023 NFL Super Bowl Pregame Show.

When she sang Lift Every Voice and Sing, dubbed as the unofficial Black national anthem, at the Super Bowl, with an audience span of millions. The performance allowed the world to witness the powerhouse shine in that moment of highlight.  

Even while the song has long been a staple of pregame performances, this was the first year it was actually sung during a game inside the stadium.

While some questioned the NFL’s decision, Ralph made the decision to rise rather than plunge into the valley of bitterness. 

And it is with this ‘never give up attitude’ that Ralph continues to motivate others while creating her own legacy.