inspirational women

First, the Georgetown University law student was shut out of a congressional hearing on insurance coverage for contraception. Then, she was called a "slut" by Rush Limbaugh. Now, she talks to MC about being the subject of a national political firestorm—and whether she'll run for office someday. For more on the contraception debate, read "Why is Birth Control A Big Deal Again?"

At 26 and with seven Olympic medals, 6, the swimmer was America's golden girl. But she also suffered from an eating disorder, depression, even cutting. In her new memoir, she reveals the dark truth that lurked behind that perfect image.

Behind the buttery highlights and geek glasses is one of the fiercest strategists in politics. Meet the Obama campaign's head rumor-killer, message-crafter, and human bulldozer.

Katie Miller is among the small group of women diagnosed with autism. She's also a gorgeous artist who's never been on a date and has difficulty meeting new people. But to her, being autistic isn't the disadvantage it might seem.

Pultizer Prize-winning journalist Katherine Boo's book, Behind the Beautiful Forevers, is the most riveting Indian story since Slumdog Millionaire — except hers is true.

Author Caitlin Flanagan wants to protect teen girls from the Internet and shield them from racy song lyrics. Is she right — or crazy old-fashioned?

So far, nothing has stopped the political aspirations of the Republican governor of South Carolinanot racism, not sexism, not her youth. There's even talk of her making it to the nation's top office. MC asked the rising political star for her secret

Yang Lan was once told she wasn't pretty enough to be on TV. Today she presides over a media empire and is one of China's wealthiest and most famous women.

Jennifer Buffett's father-in-law handed her a fortune with only one condition: She had to give it all away. It was a chance to change the world — and save her marriage.

After years of trying, Daniela Petrova and her husband, acclaimed journalist Sebastian Junger, finally conceived a baby, just after his documentary won an Oscar nod. But Hollywood was no match for the drama that awaited them.

As head of the Democratic National Committee, Debbie Wasserman Schultz is tasked with getting the president re-elected. She reveals how she's handling the high-stress job.

As producers of the top news shows on TV, they're the first people on the scene when wars erupt, earthquakes hit — or a politico cheats. And they're busy trying to beat each other to big stories as we speak.

The number of women in Congress has declined for the first time in decades. The junior senator from New York wants to change that.

One woman took the kindness she experienced in soup kitchens as a child and opened her own.

Deborah Lloyd, the enterprising creative director of Kate Spade, has designed a bracelet you can feel good about buying.

What makes pop star Natasha Bedingfield a rebel? Being good in the ultimate bad-girl industry.

Talk about cool: RB diva Alicia Keys is helping provide HIV/AIDS drugs to 45,000 people in Africa.

Sure, she's posed as a sexy pirate in racy lingerie ads, but supermodel Helena Christensen is also a model citizen. Her latest gig? Getting food to those who can't afford it.