23. Shara Bey
Image Credit: Marvel (via Wookieepedia)
Shara Bey flew an A-wing in the Rebel Alliance’s attack on the Second Death Star. After the battle, she earned the respect and attention of Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker and accompanied both on important missions. Later, she retired from the Alliance to give birth to her son, Poe Dameron and raise him in a peaceful life. Six years after the destruction of the Second Death Star, however, she died in unknown circumstances.
One reason Shara makes our list is she is a Star Wars mother figure who remains active during and after her pregnancy. She also isn’t sacrificed for a greater cause. Ultimately, however, Shara is an amazing woman representative of the new attempts at diversity by Lucasfilm and Marvel. She is a female soldier and pilot, and she is just as good at what she does as any of her male peers. We’re happy to celebrate her.