I don't know that I have any role models now that are fixed. Definitely my mom - she's the coolest. She's worked really hard her whole life and I just think she's got a great attitude. Moms just know so much it's so silly.
Be of service. Whether you make yourself available to a friend or co-worker or you make time every month to do volunteer work there is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than being of service to someone in need.