Katie Holmes is making celebrity history by standing up against a Hollywood Goliath in the name of freedom. Women who can relate to the former Dawson's Creek star can have the Elle cover blown up and framed as a reminder: This is the face of courage.

A thousand words can be read in the face of the Elle cover, with "ready," "bring it," "mother," and "fierce" burning bright in the eyes of Holmes. As feisty as she looks, Katie also shows a certain level of sadness and melancholy in the photo.

Katie Holmes: Feisty and ready in Elle magazine cover

In-charge and capable

Holmes may have stood in the shadow of her husband for five years, but she is still her own woman. In fact, she tells Elle in the May interview:

"I'm starting to come into my own. It's like a new phase."

What now?

With hair loosened up, top unbuttoned, a hand on her waist, and her other arm resting in front of her body, Katie looks the opposite of helpless and defenseless. It almost seems like she is waiting for a reaction, asking, "What now?"

Hollywood Reporter notes that Holmes may be using the same strategy that the Scientology founder had taught followers: Attack, don't defend. If Holmes' blindsiding Tom Cruise in the filing for divorce was indeed an attack, it is regarded as a smart one.

The new phase

The 1907 Chelsea Mercantile Building has been gaining increased attention since Katie Holmes moved in. Brokers for the condo's multi-million-dollar listings have gotten busy since news broke on the divorce filing. This is proof positive that Holmes can influence affluent buyers' decisions.

"We went from showing once or twice a week to five showings today, four on Thursday and seven on Friday so far," Nestseeker broker Ryan Serhant told the Real Deal.

If Katie Holmes could turn things around for the real estate industry, what else could she not do?

For her daughter

The 33-year-old actress has decided on the divorce to protect her daughter, many reports say. With a motivation like that, Katie Holmes may have become a changed empowered woman. She could be unstoppable.