International Women's Day: Celebrating the ones who raised, shaped & taught us

Jolie and Ava Fralicks

Ann Fralicks

"She was the sweetest person ever," Scott Fralicks on his mom.

Yvette Remy

"She emigrated from Belgium to Texas. A single mom, she taught herself the language, and had an intense work ethic. She was kind, witty, an artist, chef, seamstress, fierce defender of the underdog and avid reader. Her laughter was joy personified. She was my best friend."

Victoire Remy

"My grandmother stood up to Nazis and supported allied troops stationed in Belgium during WWII. There wasn't anything this woman couldn't do. And she did it all with style, strength and grace. I named my daughter after her – Victoire, which means victory."

Claudia Palacios

"My mom, Claudia Palacios. She had been a dedicated volunteer for as long as I can remember. Her heart is woven into what she does for the schools and local community."

Diane Rainey

"Diane Rainey is an incredibly strong woman who makes daily sacrifices to take care of her family. She tackles any obstacle head on and maintains an optimistic approach to life, despite the hardship's life has thrown her way. She is a role model to her daughters and has shown them how handle difficult situations with grace and perseverance."

Terri Bell

"My mom, Terri Bell. She grew up as a poor sharecropper in the bootheel of Missouri. She would tell me about 'Cotton Vacation' and how she had to pick 100 pounds of cotton when she was just 5-years-old. She was determined to make sure her kids had a better life. Through pure grit and determination, she went on to run her own advertising agency and became one heck of a businesswoman. She taught me the meaning of strength, resilience, grace and love."

Sylvia Hernandez

"Her unconditional love completes us; her resilient spirit guides us; and her unwavering support continues to shape us," Selena Hernandez on her mom.