We’ve Chosen The Top 10 Most Inspirational Moms Of 2020

Most of us didn't know who she was before 2020, but when Amanda Kloots' husband, Nick Cordero, contracted the coronavirus, she instantly became a fixture of strength and grace this year. Amanda routinely shared updates about Nick's condition on Instagram, and no matter what, she was always brimming with hope and positivity. Sadly, Nick lost his battle with the virus. Now Amanda is grieving her husband while raising her 1-year-old son, Elvis. Through all her pain, she's still shining bright, and it's been a huge inspiration to us all.

Just this week, Kamala Harris officially accepted the nomination for vice president of the United States. Kamala is the first Black and Indian woman to be on a presidential ticket. It's been a huge moment in history and truly amazing to witness. But not only that, she's also been outspoken about how her heritage has shaped her views, making her a powerful voice for diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. Kamala is also a stepmom — another important job that she takes very seriously.

Melissa Etheridge lost her beloved son, Beckett, to an opioid addiction this year. He was just 21 years old at the time of his death. It's an unthinkable tragedy for any parent to experience the loss of a child, but Melissa has somehow found the strength to share her story with the world — an incredible show of bravery. She's also talked about how she's found solace in her music and thrown herself back into the creative sphere, making her art, which helps to heal not only herself but others.

At this year’s Democratic National Convention, DeAndra Dycus had the opportunity to share her story with the world. Her son, DeAndre Knox, is a 19-year-old quadriplegic. He was shot in the back of the head at a party when he was 13. Now DeAndra makes it her mission to not only care for her son but to speak about the dangers of gun violence, hoping to inspire change. "I'm speaking on behalf of survivors or even the volunteers at Everytown, which is like six million of us. So, I have a heavy job," she told People about her appearance. "This is not just about me and Dre, this is sharing what gun violence looks like in America. There's so many."

Tamika Palmer, the mother of Breonna Taylor, a woman who was shot and killed by police while sleeping in her own bed, is an absolute fighter. Her daughter was unjustly taken from her, but so far, the police who killed her daughter have faced no charges. Since losing her daughter, Tamika has been working hard to get Breonna's Law passed, which would ban no-knock warrants. She said in an interview with ABC, "I'm hoping that it changes the way that they are entering into people's homes and that, again, no family should ever have to go through this."

When Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, died in a helicopter crash, the whole world felt the loss. But no one felt it more profoundly than the wife and mother the two left behind. Vanessa Bryant is still coping with an unimaginable loss, but she has been fearless this year in spite of her grief. She bravely took the stage to share inspiring words of love and strength at the funeral for her husband and daughter and has been keeping the memory of them both alive with her powerful social media posts.

So many women struggle to get pregnant, but not many ever talk about it. Amy Schumer is always outspoken about her life, her struggles, and her motherhood experience, though. She's been particularly vocal about her debilitating first pregnancy, when she struggled with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness that can have dangerous consequences. In the past year, she's showed us, firsthand, what her journey to conceiving again has looked like, sharing personal details about IVF treatments.

We've all watched Meghan Markle struggle very publicly since becoming a member of the royal family. Meghan was ripped apart by tabloids, then became a mother to baby Archie while going through all of the public challenges. Now Meghan and Harry have started a new life in California, and it's been inspirational to watch the two on their journey, to say the least. Meghan is not only brave for sticking by Harry's side through thick and thin, but she's also given him the strength to live his truth, too.

Alanis blew us away with her new album this year. But what was even more stunning was her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. She sang a gorgeous song about motherhood with her toddler daughter squirming on her lap. It felt like a statement about so many things — the state of the world, working motherhood, and perhaps a shift in how we view mothers who work in this day and age. Mothers are constantly pulling double-duty, and it felt crystal clear in this performance, which perfectly represented the plight of so many modern moms.

Naya Rivera tragically lost her life this year. But before she died, her final act was one of bravery and motherly love. She and her 4-year-old son were swimming in Lake Piru, California, when the conditions became challenging. The actress couldn't make it back onto their boat herself, but her son's last memory of his mother is her pushing him to safety. He was found sleeping alone on the boat. Days later, her lifeless body was recovered. As those who loved Naya grieve her, they will always remember the incredible mother she was.