( CNN ) -- After Angelina Jolie made the surprise announcement on Tuesday of having undergone a preventative double mastectomy , the world stood in awe of her brave move and willingness to share her story . Now hailed an inspiration to other women , CNN examines what makes us love the Oscar-winning actress turned humanitarian . 1 . Demonstrating courage . Angelina Jolie has never been afraid to express herself , emotionally or artistically . Her decision to publicly announce her preventative surgery so other women could benefit from her experience shows bravery and an overwhelming desire to help others . She has gone against her own public image and challenged the perception of a woman 's identity by choosing to speak up about her operation . Even more powerful , her global reach may influence millions of women to proactively look after themselves . 2 . Humanitarian efforts . It has become Jolie 's mission to provide a voice for people whose lives have been ravaged by war and natural disasters . In short , she has turned her celebrity status into a force for good . She has personally donated more than $ 5 million to the UNHCR since 2001 . In addition to her appointment as UN Special Envoy to Refugees , the actress has set up the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation dedicated to conservation , education and healthcare in Cambodia . 3 . Transcending stereotypes . Jolie refuses to fit a certain mold and proves that women can be daring and independent , and at the same time caring and altruistic . She is a loving mother of six campaigning tirelessly for women and children across the globe , but she is also an Oscar-winning Hollywood actress . The actress has redefined what it means to be a humanitarian . 4 . Cinematic talent . From her award-winning portrayal of a mentally unstable woman in `` Girl , Interrupted '' to starring in the `` Lara Croft '' series , Jolie has steered clear of typecasting and has not shied away from theatrical risk . In the last decade , she has steered her career in a serious and meaningful direction , starring in films such as `` Changeling , '' as a distraught mother looking for her son , and `` A Mighty Heart , '' playing the role of Mariane Pearl , wife of U.S. journalist Daniel Pearl who was , in 2002 , abducted and killed in Pakistan . In 2011 , she made her directorial debut with `` In the Land of Blood and Honey , '' a film about the Bosnian War . 5 . From celebrity to icon . Jolie has emerged as a woman who is not afraid to make mistakes . She has made the ultimate transition -- from Hollywood starlet to global ambassador and in turn , has become an icon of female empowerment , strength and independence along the way .
Angelina Alonso has shown courage going public about her condition . The actress refused to undergo preventative surgery . In recent years she has become increasingly well known for her humanitarian work .