This is the kind of list that could go on forever, but here are some of the many women who inspired us with their courage, smarts and success in 2013.

Alice Munro

This year, the master of the short story became the first Canadian woman to win the Nobel Prize for literature.

Ariel Levy

Levy’s heartbreaking memoir in the New Yorker about losing her baby on a trip to Mongolia was another inspiring reminder of the power of the written word.

Bonnie Brooks

When Brooks was first appointed president of The Hudson’s Bay Co., many doubted that she could rescue the brand. Now, everyone and their French Bulldog post pics of their Bay stripes. The woman who reinvigorated HBC was promoted to vice-chairman of the heritage brand this year.

Julie Delpy

“In Hollywood, any woman over forty is basically buried alive already.” When the third instalment of Richard Linklater’s series, Before Midnight, came out this year, Delpy reminded all of us of the importance of women’s sexuality at any age. Also, we wish her yelling, “Hey, that’s chauvanistic, you  fuckers!” at Linklater and Ethan Hawke during the writing process could be our ringtone.

Malala Yousafzai

The 16-year-old education activist stands up to the Taliban for women’s rights in Pakistan. She’s already been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize; imagine the effect she’ll have on the world as she continues to grow.

Sheryl Sandberg

The Facebook COO’s NYT bestseller, Lean In, has given millions of women a boost of confidence to get ahead in the boardroom. It has also spurred conversation everywhere about what feminism means and looks like today.

Tavi Gevinson

Rookie continues to be a force of good in a world filled with US Weekly. Thanks to Tavi and her band of contributors, the kids are going to be all right.

The Women of Pussy Riot: Nadezheda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina, Yekaterina Samustevich 

Even as the women whose names have become synonymous with standing up for what you believe in are freed from jail, they continue to inspire with their refusal to bow to authority, telling the media their release is basically a PR stunt.

Tell us who’d make your list by adding a comment below!