As a world-renowned human rights lawyer and activist, who has represented high profile clients such as former Ukranian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, Armenia (yes, the country) in a European Court of Human Rights and who has worked closely with former secretary-general of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, it's not as if Amal Alamuddin Clooney has to look far to find inspiring, world-changing role models.
She is one, after all.
But, at the Texas Conference for Women, Clooney revealed that despite her high profile connections and being a member of the inner Hollywood circle as a result of her marriage to actor George Clooney, her role model growing up was a woman far closer to home – the acclaimed, award-winning journalist, Bariaa Alamuddin.
Who, also happens to be her Mum.
'I think growing up my mother was definitely a role model, she was always a working woman and someone who is independent and cared about her career and cared about being independent but also had balance,' she said during a Q&A sessions at the conference, according to People.
'She never lost her femininity and she believed the balance was important and that is something that stuck with me,' she added.
Praised on social media for her inspiring speech at the conference, Alamuddin Clooney also took the opportunity to encourage women to support each other and share experiences.
'The worst thing that we can do as women is not stand up for each other. Because if we are united, there is no limit to what we can do.
'I never understood why women were considered a minority when we are a majority and powering the global economy,' explained the Lebanon-born lawyer.
George, you do realise you're married to a bonafide goddess, right?
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
