Bessie Smith (1894 - 1937) Arts

Prominent Classic Blues Singer

Elizabeth “Bessie” Smith was an influential Blues singer, popular in the 1920s. Smith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and worked as a performer from a young age. In 1923, Smith signed to Columbia Records and became one of the most prominent artists during her era, even accomplishing the feat of selling 500,000 records of her recording of “Downhearted Blues”. At one point, Bessie was the highest-paid African-American artist in the country, making about two thousand dollars per week.

Often nicknamed the “Empress of Blues”, Smith developed into one of the leading figures in classic blues along with blues singer Ma Rainey. An incredible talent, her discography includes 160 recorded songs. Her songs are weaved in themes of racism, love, sexism, and poverty. Two of her other most notable songs include “Empty Bed Blues” and “St. Louis Blues”, both of which were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In addition to her individual stardom, she collaborated with other famous artists like Louis Armstrong. Her career had a tremendous impact on future music stars, such as Janis Joplin. A film and biography, both titled Bessie, were also made based on her life.

“It’s a long old road, but I know I’m gonna find the end.” ~ Bessie Smith

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Fawzia Koofi (1975 - Present) Politics

Afghan Politician and Advocate

Fawzia Koofi is an Afghan politician, writer, women’s activist, and human rights advocate. She has served as the Vice President of the National Assembly of Afghanistan, and she was a member of the peace negotiation team between the Taliban, the Afghan ministers, and the United States of America in Doha.

Koofi should be remembered not only for surviving assassination attempts, but also for standing up against the Taliban, and for her improvement of women’s rights in Afghanistan. She improved the living conditions for women in Afghan prisons, established the Elimination of Violence Against Women Act (EVAW) and a commission combatting the issue of violence (especially sexual violence) against children, helped amend the Shia personal status law, meaning women are not the property of men anymore, and promoted education for women and children. Through her work, she has advocated for access to schools and ensured that opportunities are created for non-formal education in constituencies that do not have the funds for schools.

“For as long as I am alive, I will not rest in my desire to lead my people out of an abyss of corruption and poverty.” - Fawzia Koofi

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Arfa Karim Randhawa (1995 - 2012) STEM

Pakistani Computer Scientist

Arfa Karim Randhawa was a Pakistani tech prodigy who became the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional at age nine, breaking a Guinness World Record and earning global recognition. She was recognized by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates who invited her to Microsoft's Redmond Campus in the United States for a personal meeting in 2005. The same year, Randhawa was awarded the Fatima Jinnah Gold Medal in Science and Technology, the Salaam Pakistan Youth Award, and the prestigious President's Award for Pride of Performance, for which she is the youngest recipient.

In November 2006, Microsoft invited her to be the keynote speaker at the Tech-Ed developers conference in Barcelona, making her the first and only Pakistani among over 5000 developers. Randhawa was passionate about computer science, education, and empowering underprivileged communities through technology. Her dream was to make Pakistan an Information Technology (IT) hub, but her life was tragically cut short at age 16. Nonetheless, her legacy lives on as she continues to inspire youth to achieve unimaginable feats within and outside technology.

"People say I am a genius. I might be one, but I am not the only one. There are many other Pakistani girls and boys like me. All those gems need is a little bit of polishing. And I will do it. That's my aim." - Arfa Karim Randhawa

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Edith Cavell (1865-1915) Politics

British World War I Nurse

Edith Cavell, a British nurse during the First Great War, was a woman who saved the lives of hundreds, both during and outside of the war. She is best known for actively helping downed Allied airmen escape from German-occupied Belgium during the war, and treating all soldiers no matter what side they fought for. Although she only had one year of formal instruction, Cavell played a significant role in the training of other nurses later on in life. Despite all the danger Cavell encountered throughout her nursing years, she refused to discriminate against anyone and believed that she had an obligation to help all people. Overall, she has left a lasting legacy on nursing and is now remembered as a hero for her courage and bravery.

“Patriotism is not enough; I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone” - Edith Cavell

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Tu Youyou (1930 - Present) STEM

Chinese Scientist and Phytochemist

Tu Youyou, a renowned Chinese scientist and phytochemist, is well-known for using ancient and traditional Chinese practices to produce a cure for malaria, a disease that has killed millions of people. She was awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for her achievements in chemistry research. Moreover, she was the first mainland Chinese scientist to receive a Nobel Prize without foreign training, education, or medical degree. Tu Youyou is currently a Chief Scientist at the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

“Every scientist dreams of doing something that can help the world.” - Tu Youyou

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Sampriti Bhattacharyya (1987 - Present) Business

Founder & CEO, Innovator, Engineer and Robotictisit

Sampriti Bhattacharyya freed herself from the restrictive traditional gender roles in India, rejecting the expectations of becoming a housewife or having a subdued job. Instead, she became an Indian-origin CEO and founder of Navier Boats, a company that creates electrical-flying and sustainable-luxury boats. Her greatest accomplishment at Navier is the creation of an electric hydrofoil boat called the Navier 30 (N30).

Although Bhattacharyya loved science and math, she failed physics in high school and was not encouraged to further her education. Even when she did decide to enhance her education through internships, she got rejected from more than 500 of them. However, she was so persistent and determined on becoming a scientist that she continued trying, leading her to being the founder and CEO of Navier Boats.

“If you really want something, go out and get it. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do because it is important to know that your work is something you will spend all your life doing…. It will be hard and you might fail many times, but the most important lesson I have learned doing my startup is perseverance.” - Sampriti Bhattacharyya

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Narges Mohammadi (1972 - Present) Humanities

Iranian Human Rights Activist and Nobel Laureate

Arrested by the Iranian government a whopping thirteen times culminating in a sentence of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes, Narges Mohammadi is one of the most prosecuted and celebrated women’s rights activists in Iran.

Mohammadi is an Iranian human rights activist. She is the president of the National Council of Peace in Iran and vice president of the Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC), founded by fellow Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Shirin Ebadi. For her humanitarian work and feminist activism, Mohammadi has been arrested 13 times and accused of working against the Iranian government. She is currently being held in one of Iran’s most notorious prisons, Evin Prison.

In 2022, amidst protests for the murder of Mahsa Amini and whilst serving a prison sentence, Mohammadi published a report on BBC, publicizing the treatment and conditions of female prisoners in Evin Prison.

“Thoughts and dreams don’t die. Belief in freedom and justice does not perish with imprisonment, torture or even death and tyranny do not prevail over freedom, even when they rely on the power of the state.” - Narges Mohammadi

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Mary Church Terrell (1863-1954) Humanities

Black Suffragist, Civil Rights Activist, Educator

Mary Church Terrell was an African American activist and suffragist who was committed to fighting for women’s right to vote in the United States and equality by battling against Jim Crow Laws.

Terrell attended Oberlin College, the first college in the United States to admit women and African-Americans. Between 1880-1884, she became one of the first African-American women to receive a college degree. She received her Bachelor’s in Classics, and in 1888, she went on to get her Master’s in Education. Terrell taught and became the principal at one of the first schools that taught African-Americans: M Street High School in Washington D.C. In addition, she helped found and was involved in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Council of Negro Women, and was the first president of the National Association of Colored Women.

“With courage, born of success achieved in the past, with a keen sense of the responsibility which we shall continue to assume, we look forward to a future large with promise and hope.” - Mary Church Terrell

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Harriet Martineau (Jun. 12, 1802 - Jun. 27, 1876) Humanities

English Social Theorist

Harriet Martineau’s revolutionary work was imperative in increasing the study of women, children, and marriage in sociology. Martineau herself was an eccentric character in her time period. Despite her struggles with disabilities, such as partial deafness, from a young age due to sickness, her compiled work includes an impressive 35 books, countless published essays and articles, as well as an extensive autobiography.

Martineau was born in England and dabbled in numerous intellectual professions, including writing essays and novels, journalism, economic and historical writing, and translation. She was a fiercely intelligent woman with a drive to be successful, despite the barriers she faced as a woman in the Victorian era. In fact, she worked all throughout her life to advocate for women’s rights, specifically education and voting rights.

“Are we not growing sensibly more merciful, more wisely humane towards empirics themselves, when they cease to be our oracles? Are we not learning, from their jumbled discoveries and failures, that empiricism itself is a social function.”

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Catherine Hilda Duleep Singh (1871-1942) Politics

LGBTQ+ Icon, Suffragette, the Indian Schindler

Catherine Hilda Duleep Singh was an activist who brought about significant change during her lifetime. Singh was an Indian princess who was well-educated and used her privilege and resources for the good of many people. Furthermore, she was a suffragette who raised significant amounts of money for women’s right to vote in Great Britain, despite living abroad for half of her life.

One of Singh’s most important contributions to society was her kindness and hospitality to Jewish survivors of the Holocaust. During her time in Germany, she managed to help multiple Jewish families escape the Nazis. When she moved back to Britain, her home, Coalhatch House, served as refuge for survivors.

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Sylvia Plath (1932-1964) Humanities

American Poet and Novelist

Sylvia Plath, a tragically introspective literary genius who published countless poems, short stories, and novels about her battles with mental health, the confinements of her loveless marriage, and her complicated relationship with her parents, was and continues to be seen as one of the most controversial female authors of the 20th century. From age eight, Plath has worked diligently to create a writing style that perfectly intertwines the realistic tragedies of life into a captivating story that reflects the human condition - her most notable works The Bell Jar and The Colossus.

“I desire the things which will destroy me in the end.”

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Michela Murgia (1972-2023) Humanities

Activist, Italian novelist, playwright, and radio personality

Michela Murgia was an Italian novelist, playwright, and political activist whose work and life epitomized the struggle for social justice, gender equality, and the rights of marginalized communities. Known for her outspoken criticism of patriarchal structures, Murgia used her voice and writing to challenge societal norms and advocate for progressive change. Her literary works, including the acclaimed novel Accabadora, explored themes of identity, gender, and the human condition, resonating deeply with readers and critics alike. Murgia's activism extended beyond the page as she engaged in public discourse on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, feminism, and anti-fascism. Her influence was felt not only in Italy but internationally, as she became a symbol of courage, intellect, and resistance against oppression.

Michela Murgia was a deeply spiritual person with a unique relationship to Catholicism. While she often critiqued the institutional Church, she found solace and inspiration in her faith, which influenced much of her literary work. This paradoxical relationship allowed her to engage with complex theological themes in her writing, making her a distinctive voice in contemporary Italian literature.

‘"Men are also discriminated against" A man can experience personal discrimination for various reasons, but he does not know gender discrimination because no culture has ever persecuted males for being male.’

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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (1977-Present) Humanities

Nigerian Author and Women’s Activist

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author whose literature and empowering speeches have touched the hearts of millions. Despite many doubting her due to her background, upon arrival to America to pursue her education, she received multiple degrees and awards from prestigious universities. Her literary gifts have been utilized to make change. Adichie’s TED talk “The Danger of a Single Story”, one of the most viewed TED talks in the world, helped motivate people to progress towards a more diverse and inclusive environment for women and people of color in the modern age.

“I have chosen to no longer be apologetic for my femaleness and my femininity. And I want to be respected in all of my femaleness because I deserve to be.” - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, We Should All Be Feminists

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Ana Roque de Duprey (1853-1933) Humanities

Botanist, Suffragist, Educator, and Scientist

Ana Roque de Duprey was the leader of the most impactful women’s suffragist movement in Puerto Rico, known as the Suffragist Social League, successfully earning Puerto Rican women the right to vote. Duprey also created the most comprehensive book on Caribbean botany throughout the entire region, entitled Botanica Antillana. She was extremely smart and particularly gifted in the field of science, where she not only participated in various areas such as astronomy and botany but also taught them to local male and female residents through schools and right out of her own home. Hence, Duprey changed the political and scientific landscape of Puerto Rico for all women.

Duprey earned an honorary doctorate from the University of Puerto Rico, the same school that she self-founded all women’s college is now under. She was also named president of the Puerto Rican National Library and an honorary member of the Paris Society of Astronomers. Her legacy continues to live on as a nominee for the honoree of the National Women’s History Alliance in 2020. Her incredible work through politics and sciences paved the way for women all across the island.

“I am the echo of the past that comes to awaken the woman of the future” - Ana Roque de Duprey

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Paz Márquez-Benítez (1894-1983) Humanities

Filipino Short-Story Writer and Educator

Paz Márquez-Benítez wrote the famous Dead Stars in 1925, which currently still stands as a renowned critical piece for English literature in the Philippines, effectively bringing it to a larger audience and to the mainstream. Dead Stars follows the tale of Alfredo Salaza, a man who finds himself infatuated with a woman named Julia whilst engaged to Esperanza. Additionally, she wrote A Night in the Hills in the same year, to similar acclaim – a story following Gerardo Luna, a jewellery salesman who dreams of a beautiful location in a forest.

The cultural influence of living in the Philippines during the American colonial period can be found in her work and the activities she participated in during her youth. The previously mentioned Dead Stars is widely considered an allegory for American imperialism due to how its romance reflects the slow decay of Philippine heritage.

Márquez-Benítez consistently advocated for women in English Literature, even founding multiple women’s colleges and journals throughout her life. These colleges are named Philippine Women’s College and St John’s Academy, founded in the same year as her women’s magazine Women’s Journal which was one of the first of its kind in the Philippines.

While she has indirectly influenced women through her presence in the field of English Literature, these are just some of the ways she has directly touched the lives of women through education.

“Was love a combination of circumstances, or sheer native capacity of soul” ― Paz Márquez-Benítez

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Susan Stamberg (1938-Present) Humanities

American Broadcast Journalist and Author

Susan Stamberg, the first woman to host a national news broadcast, is best recognized for her work with National Public Radio (NPR). For 14 years, Stamberg was a co-host of NPR’s newsmagazine “All Things Considered.” Often referred to as a “founding mother” of NPR, she has become a role model for women within the field of journalism. The New Jersey native is known for her fierce reporting and fresh interviewing style, and she has conducted over 50,000 interviews during her career. Some notable people she has interviewed include Rosa Parks, Laura Bush, Billy Crystal, Dave Brubeck, Luciano Pavarotti, and Milton Friedman.

Stamberg has written two books about her experiences in radio and has dabbled in book editing. Her curiosity and compelling radio presence have earned her many rewards, including a spot in the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Radio Hall of Fame in 1996.

“Well, you know, we had plenty of founding fathers. And I was almost born a feminist, and I didn't want them to get all the credit from the creation and the doing.” - Susan Stamberg

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Claudia L. Gordon (1972-Present) Politics

First Female Black Deaf Attorney

Claudia L. Gordon is the first female Black Deaf attorney. She was originally from Jamaica, moving to the United States shortly after losing her hearing at age eight. She is the first Black Deaf alumni of American University Washington School of Law.. Most notably, she worked for the federal government during Barack Obama’s presidency. Recently, she was presented with the Max J. Starkloff Lifetime Achievement Award for her determination to create inclusive spaces and accessibilities for people with disabilities. Now, she holds multiple titles, including the chair of the National Council on Disability in addition to the Senior Accessibility Strategist with T-Mobile U.S., Incorporated. Through these positions, Gordon continuously fights for equal opportunities and inclusivity for those of all identities, especially people with disabilities.

“Accessibility and inclusion for those with disabilities is a journey where we will never arrive at an endpoint, or where we can just pat ourselves on the back and rest our laurels. When we think about accessibility, we ought to think about people.” – Claudia L. Gordon

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Dr. Dora Nkem Akunyili, OFR (1954-2014) Politics

Politician, Pharmacist, Writer, and Activist

Dora Nkem Akunyili née Edemobi was a leading pharmacist and health activist in Nigeria. During the highlight of her career, she served as the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and was instrumental in ensuring that Nigeria’s War on Counterfeit Drugs was not merely a dream, but rather a reality. Her efforts led to a drastic reduction in the importation and production of counterfeit drugs as well as the deaths and injuries sustained from them. Her stay in office was not smooth sailing because Akunyili was a target in numerous unsuccessful assassination attempts. After her tenure, she was appointed the Minister of Information and Technology and also ran for legislative office.

In recognition of her efforts, Akunyili was a recipient of numerous awards, rumored to be in their hundreds; including, Officer Order of the Niger (OFR) and the Integrity Award from Transparency International, South Korea.

“If we fail to act now, history will not forgive us. I rest my case.” - Dr. Dora Akunyili

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Sabaa Tahir (1983-Present) Humanities

Young-Adult Novelist

Sabaa Tahir is a Pakistani-American young-adult novelist known for her New York Times bestsellers An Ember in the Ashes and All My Rage. Her works are heavily influenced by her upbringing, her cultural heritage, and her experiences as a journalist. As a novelist, she most commonly writes about themes of oppression, resistance, and the power of hope.

Her books have received numerous accolades, including the New York Times bestsellers list, nominations for the Goodreads Choice Awards, and recognition from the American Library Association.

“Fear is only your enemy if you allow it to be.” - Sabaa Tahir

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Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) Politics

African-American Activist, Presidential Advisor, and Former Vice-President of the NAACP

Mary McLeod Bethune was a significant influence in expanding rights for African American citizens in the United States. Her dedication to spreading knowledge is prominent through her establishment of Bethune-Cookman University. Bethune has held many distinguished roles, including serving as the president of the National Association of Colored Women and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Her achievements were described by the Daytona Beach Evening Newspaper as proving that “genius knows no racial barriers''.

Her expansive knowledge was recognized by numerous presidents as she was an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, and more. In addition, she was the first African American woman to head a federal agency. As stated in her last will, Bethune expressed, “If I have a legacy to leave my people, it is my philosophy of living and serving.” Overall, her life accomplishments clearly reflect her desires as her impact remains heavily prevalent today.

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Ayesha A. Malik (1966-Present) Politics

First Female Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan

From 1947 until 2021(74 years since its independence), Pakistan had not yet had a single woman on the bench in its Supreme Court. However, this dry spell ended on January 6, 2022, when Justice Ayesha A. Malik was elevated to the highest appellate court of Pakistan: the Supreme Court. Before this, she served as a Justice of the Lahore High Court in Pakistan from March 27, 2012 to January 5, 2022.

Malik has worked to protect women's rights through her judgements, most notably banning the two-finger test on victims of rape or sexual assault. This test was used on victims of sexual assault cases until it became outlawed in 2021. She also ruled that policies promoting and facilitating women's employment in Punjab were not discriminatory, but were instead based on affirmative action. Outside of this she has been a part of multiple initiatives focused on improving the position of women working in the legal field in Pakistan.

One of her most notable achievements includes a feature on BBC’s 100 Women in 2022.

“Women must build a new narrative - one that includes their perspective, shares their experience, and includes their stories.” - Justice Ayesha A. Malik.

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Charlotte E. Ray (1850-1911) Politics

First Female African-American Lawyer

Charlotte E. Ray was the first female African-American lawyer in the United States. In 1872, she passed the bar exam at Howard University, subsequently opening a firm concentrated on commercial law. However, in 1879, Ray closed her practice, relocating to New York City to become a teacher at a public school in Brooklyn. Ray became devoted to ensuring that the voices of other women of color around her were heard. Specifically, she made an appearance at the National Woman Suffrage Association’s (NWSA) annual convention in 1876 and joined the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) in 1895.

“You can shake that shame of your secrets.” – Charlotte E. Ray

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Claudia Dale Goldin (1946-Present) Humanities

Pioneering Economist and Expert Advocate for Gender Equality

Claudia Goldin is a renowned economist and a trailblazer in the study of gender economics and labor history. She is currently the Henry Lee Professor of Economics at Harvard University, where she was the first woman to achieve tenure in the economics department. Goldin's seminal work, Understanding the Gender Gap: An Economic History of American Women, has become a cornerstone in the field, providing invaluable insights into the evolving roles and economic participation of women over the past century.

One of the most interesting aspects of Goldin's career is her ability to combine rigorous economic analysis with a deep historical perspective. Her research has not only illuminated the historical barriers women have faced in the labor market but also highlighted the significant progress made over time. In 2023, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics for her comprehensive account of women's earnings and labor market participation through the centuries.

"Progress for women is not a straight line. It's more like a winding path with many obstacles and occasional breakthroughs, but each step forward builds on the efforts of those who came before." - Claudia Goldin

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Susan Ahn Cuddy (1915–2015) STEM

First Female Officer for the United States Navy, First Asain American Woman in Naval Intelligence, Pioneer for Women in the Armed Forces

Susan Ahn Cuddy was the first female Asian-American officer in the Navy, Asian-American in the WAVES, gunnery officer in the U.S. armed forces, Asian-American woman to work in naval intelligence, and Asian-American woman to be a codebreaker and section chief in the National Security Agency. Cuddy decided to enroll in the Navy following the death of her activist father, inspired by his service towards the liberation of his country, Korea, from Japanese occupation. Cuddy joined the national service through the WAVES program, which was intended for women to work in the military for the duration of World War II.

At the time her career began, anti-Asian sentiment in the country was high and women were still battling over sexism in the military. Despite the criticism and doubt received from others against her, Cuddy proved herself worthy with her skill. By following her dreams, Cuddy was able to redefine a woman’s ability to hold positions of rank and authority within the military and also break societal barriers concerning her heritage.

"A lot of people thought that women didn't belong in the service. That made us try harder." - Susan Ahn Cuddy

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Franca Viola (1947-Present) Politics

First Italian Woman to refuse a "rehabilitating marriage" publicly

Franca Viola symbolizes Italy's post-war civil progress and the emancipation of Italian women. Her most significant accomplishment was her refusal to marry her rapist, a defiant act that challenged the oppressive norms and laws of her time. By rejecting the so-called "rehabilitating marriage," she not only asserted her autonomy but also set a legal precedent that led to the eventual repeal of Article 544 in 1981. This article allowed rapists to absolve their crimes by marrying their victims, a practice that Franca's brave stance helped to abolish. Her actions also contributed to the reclassification of sexual violence as a crime against the victim in 1996, reflecting a crucial shift in the legal recognition of women's rights and personal dignity.

Franca's influence extended beyond legal reforms; she inspired a cultural shift in Italy, challenging the deeply entrenched honor codes that viewed women as property and their honor as something that could be tarnished and restored by men. Her courage and determination have continued to inspire generations of women and advocates for gender equality, making her a lasting figure in the fight for women's rights.

A fun fact about Franca Viola is that, after her courageous stand against societal norms and legal injustices, she went on to marry Giuseppe Ruisi in December 1968. Their wedding was celebrated with great public support, including a gift of 40 Lire (approximately $300 today) from the Italian President, a month of free railway travel from the Transport Minister, and personal praise from Pope Paul VI, who invited the couple to a private audience. This public acknowledgment of her bravery highlights the widespread admiration for her defiance and the significant impact of her actions on Italian society.

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Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (1970-Present) Business

Southeast Asia’s first female self-made billionaire

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao is Southeast Asia’s first female self-made billionaire. She became a millionaire at 21 as the founder and CEO of Vietjet Airlines, along with Sovico Group (an investment company), and other successful business endeavors such as her travel resorts. In 2016, she was ranked 52nd in Forbes Power Women and in Asia’s 50 Power Businesswomen.

From humble beginnings in Vietnam, Nguyen was able to make a name for herself, while offering thousands of Vietnamese citizens something they didn’t have access to: flight. As a billionaire now, she gives back to her community through charity work.

“Don’t go small, go for the big deals.” - Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao

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Shidzue Katō [加藤 シヅエ] (1897-2001) Politics

Japanese Activist, Pioneer of Women’s Reproductive Rights, and Former Member of the Japanese House of Representatives of the Diet of Japan

During the 20th century, a Japanese woman named Shidzue Katō sparked a great change in society, specifically towards birth control legislation. She is known as “Japan’s Margaret Sanger” as she greatly contributed her time to fight for women’s reproductive rights in Japan. In addition, she was also the first woman to be elected into the Diet of Japan, serving another great feat in Japan’s history regarding women’s voting rights. The Diet of Japan is the national legislature of Japan and consists of a lower house, called the House of Representatives, and an upper house, the House of Councillors.

Due to her outstanding work, Katō earned the United Nations Population Award in 1988, and The Katõ Shidzue Award was created by Dr. Attiya Inayatullah to commemorate her work within the sectors of women’s reproductive rights.

“In a sad moment, let yourself be saddened deeply. In a joyous moment, let yourself explode in celebration.” - Shidzue Katō

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Sofya Vasilyevna Kovalevskaya (1850-1891) STEM

Russian Mathematician

Sofya Vasilyevna Kovalevskaya was a mathematician and writer who made immense contributions to the theory of partial differential equations over the course of her life in spite of judgment from her male counterparts. She was also the first woman to gain a doctorate in mathematics, the first to be on an editorial board of a science journal, and the first woman appointed to a full professorship of mathematics. Kovalevskaya was a pioneer for women in mathematics around the world, resisting pushback from her male counterparts to achieve her goals and succeed in mathematics.

“Say what you know, do what you must, come what may.” - Sofya Kovalevskaya

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Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (1954-Present) Politics

First Female Nigerian Finance Minister and WTO Director-General

Okonjo-Iweala is the first African and the first woman to be the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation. She also served as the Nigerian Foreign Minister (2006) and as the Nigerian Finance Minister twice (2003 - 2006; 2011 - 2015), making her the first woman to hold both positions in the Nigerian government. Under her leadership, Nigeria emerged as one of the premier economies in Africa.

During Okonjo-Iweala’s second term as Finance Minister, the Nigerian government implemented the Growing Girls and Women in Nigeria program to address the barriers faced by marginalized girls and women, such as poverty and a lack of education.

“When I became finance minister, they called me Okonjo-Wahala—or ‘Trouble Woman.’ It means ‘I give you hell.’ But I don't care what names they call me. I'm a fighter; I'm very focused on what I'm doing, and relentless in what I want to achieve, almost to a fault. If you get in my way, you get kicked.” - Okonjo-Iweala

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Savitribai Phule (1831-1897) Humanities

Indian Social Activist, First Female Teacher in India

Despite being forced into child marriage at the age of 9 and being denied an education for years, Savitribai Phule was one of India’s most prominent social activists for a variety of causes, including education for girls, child marriage, casteism, and violence against women. She started the first school for girls in India and became the country’s first female teacher as well. She brought a change of clothes with her to work every day, as she would be pelted with rocks and dirt on her way to work. She was also forced to leave her family home because her father believed that his daughter was sinning by educating young girls.

Phule educated more than 150 girls in her community throughout her life, and the schools she founded are still open today. She also created a shelter for pregnant women who were victims of sexual assault. Her birthday continues to be celebrated in her home state as an important holiday, and women from her community remember her with love.

“The true measure of progress is the status of women in society.”

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Margaret Mitchell (1983-Present)STEM

Chief AI Ethics Scientist at Hugging Face, Former Co-Lead of Google’s AI Ethics Team

For three years, Margaret Mitchell was a co-leader of Google’s AI (Artificial Intelligence) Ethics Team along with Timnit Gerbu, the Founder and Executive Director of the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR). Unfortunately, after Mitchell and Gerbu published a paper in 2020 stating that large language models (i.e., LLMs include ChatGPT) exacerbated social inequalities partly due to companies prioritizing size over safety, they were both fired from Google. Afterward, Mitchell emerged as a notable critic, stating that a lack of diversity and inclusion negatively impacts the quality of the technologies created by AI companies. After her termination at Google, Mitchell is now the Chief AI Ethics Scientist at Hugging Face, a company that enables the machine learning community to collaborate on datasets, applications, and models.

Listed as one of the most influential figures of AI in Time100 AI in 2023, Mitchell is a force to be reckoned with as she is the Chief AI Ethics Scientist at Hugging Face. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on machine learning and AI ethics, which incorporate various fields, such as social science, law and policy, and machine learning.

“It really depends on the developer. I’ve worked with developers who always want to check if they’re doing the right thing. But the development culture, engineering culture, tends to prioritize a sort of alpha behavior where you always want to be the first to put out something or get the highest score.” - Margaret Mitchell

This quote is in response to an interview question on whether AI developers care about AI Ethics.

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Rani Lakshmi Bai (1828-1858) Politics

Indian Freedom Fighter, Queen of Jhansi, Leader of the Indian Mutiny from 1857 - 1858

Rani Lakshmi Bai, also known as Lakshmi Bai, was a brave woman who fought against colonial oppression from the British East India Company in the 19th century. She is one of the many faces of the Indian Rebellion against the British. Furthermore, Lakshmi Bai fought in battle dressed as a soldier and with her child tied to her back. She was a valiant woman who defied odds and overcame the challenges of colonial British India.

“We fight for independence. In the words of Lord Krishna we will, if we are victorious, enjoy the fruits of victory”- Rani Lakshmi Bai

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Jean Augustine (1937-Present) Politics

First African-Canadian Woman to be Elected in Canada’s House of Commons, First Black Woman in Cabinet, Former Federal Minister of the Crown, Elementary School Teacher and Principal

Jean Augustine, born in Happy Hill, Grenada, is the first African-Canadian woman to be elected to Canada’s House of Commons as a Member of Parliament in 1993. In 2002, Augustine was also appointed as the first Black woman in Cabinet and then the Government of Ontario presented her with the title of the first Fairness Commissioner in 2007. As an immigrant from Grenada, Augustine’s journey from nanny, school teacher, to principal introduced her to activism in women's rights, drug abuse, violence interventions and poverty even before she entered her work in politics. Throughout Augustine’s many careers, she has received numerous achievements and awards, including organizing the first Caribana festival in 1967 in Toronto and being both the founder and national president of the Congress of Black Women of Canada in Toronto. In addition, Augustine established Black History Month in Toronto to be set as February annually and then Black History Month federally across Canada. Some of the various awards Augustine has to her name includes the YWCA Women of Distinction Award, The Pride Newspaper Achievement Award, The Ontario Volunteer Award, and the Kaye Livingstone Award.

Augustine’s work extends far from just politics as she works to address issues in multiculturalism, women's rights, racism, immigration rights, human rights, discrimination and HIV/AIDS.

“Have a passion and know what it is. Take a risk. Look for, and find, mentors and role models. Don’t accept mediocrity. Have confidence that you can change the world.” - Jean Augustine

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Michelle Yeoh (1962-Present) Arts

First Asian Best Actress Winner at the Oscars

Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian person to win best actress at the Oscars, is one of the greatest action movie stars in the world. Her elegance and strength in martial arts is exemplified in both her oscar-winning movie, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and her earlier work, Tomorrow Never Dies. Michelle is known for her humility and talent, making her excel in acting and landing unconventional roles that go against gender stereotypes.

Outside of acting, Michelle is not only the goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, but she has also joined the relief team in Nepal after the earthquake in 2015 to help people in need. Whenever she is given the chance to talk in speeches and interviews, she always utilises her platforms to stress on the importance of representation of Asian people, empowering women and young children, and giving a helping hand to the underprivileged people.

"Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up." - Michelle Yeoh

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Maria Gaetana Agnesi (1718-1799) STEM

The first woman recognized in Western mathematics

Eldest in a family of 21 children, Maria Gaetana Agnesi was a child prodigy with a talent for learning languages and applying her linguistic skills to the language of math. Her name would be revered by mathematicians from the 18th to the 20th century for her meaningful contributions to the field of calculus through her thoughts and invention of her witch’s curve, a revered name given to a revolutionary cubic curve she developed.

Agnesi is known to be one of the fiercest women in the history of mathematics, paving her way through adversities that women in STEM before her had not overcome. Her fighting spirit and innovative brilliance cemented her title as the first woman in math.

“For it is very well known that persons able and willing to teach it (mathematics) are not found in every city . . . . and every one that would be glad to learn has not the means to travel into distant countries in quest of proper masters.” - Maria Gaetana Agnesi

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Matilda Joslyn Gage (1826-1898) Humanities

American Writer, Suffragist, and Activist

Matilda Joslyn Gage was an American author, suffragist, abolitionist, and Native American advocate. She served as a prominent figure in pioneering a pathway to freedom for women within the 18th century. Having co-founded the National Woman’s Suffrage Association alongside Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, she stands at the forefront of helping build a platform for the silenced voices of thousands of women. In addition, she co-authored 3 volumes of ‘The History of Womens’ Suffrage,’ and even The Declaration of Rights of Women in the United States which helped influence the perspective institutions imposed upon womens’ freedom.

Despite dedicating her life, and work to fighting for the rights of women and Native Americans, she was written out of history for her radical beliefs that countered the conservative beliefs of the church. Consequently, her recognition failed to deliver in history books. Despite this, she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1995. Her impact is still seen within literature and the foundations that helped pave the path to feminism.

“There is a word sweeter than mother, home or heaven. That word is liberty.” - Matilda Joslyn Gage

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Eunice Hunton Carter (1899-1970) Humanities

First African-American woman to work as a New York County Assistant District Attorney

Eunice Hunton Carter was the First African-American woman to work as a New York County Assistant District Attorney. She graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Smith College, going on to attend Fordham Law School. She served on the Harlem Emergency Unemployment Relief Committee in 1932 as she was finishing up law school.

In addition, Carter ran for assembly as a Republican in New York’s 19th District in 1934. Her accomplishments as a prosecutor include bringing vital evidence to the case against Lucky Luciano, a powerful mobster in New York.

After her time as an Assistant District Attorney, she served as the Chief of the Special Sessions Bureau and became one of the highest paid African-American lawyers in the country. She also was involved in international service as she served as a consultant of the U.N. Social and Economic Council for the International Council of Women and the chair of the U.N.’s International Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations.

“A country or community which fails to allow its women to choose and develop their individual beings in an atmosphere of freedom thrusts away from itself a large part of the human resources which can give it strength and vitality.” - Eunice Hunton Carter

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Captain Prem Mathur (1910-1992) STEM

First Female Commercial Pilot of India

Captain Prem Mathur, the first female commercial pilot of India, is one of the earliest women who left a lasting impact on defying gender roles in the airline industry, paving the way for more female pilots in India. She is known for winning the 1949 National Air Race and, despite being rejected by eight different airlines because men did not feel comfortable with her flying, got her first pilot position as a co-pilot for Deccan Airlines. Finally, she became the first commercial female pilot of India, for both private and public planes. Overall, she challenged the “cult of domesticity” and made great strides for women in piloting.

“You will not regret hiring me” - Captain Prem Mathur

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Charithra Chandran (1997-Present) Arts

British Actress and Racial Equality Advocate

Charithra Chandran was born in Scotland to Indian immigrant parents, eventually settling in London with her mother. In 2018, she trained at the National Youth Theatre alongside her peers in University. Chandran studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at New College, Oxford graduating in 2019. Some notable characters she has played include Sabina Pleasance in Alex Rider, Edwina Sharma in Bridgerton, and Amelia Brown in How to Date Billy Walsh. Chandran was nominated in the rising star category for her role in Bridgerton by the National Television Awards and Glamour Awards, winning the latter. Combining her acting and advocacy, Chandran has been recognized for her advocacy work in the project ‘She Creates Change,’ an animated series fighting for gender equality.

Chandran’s budding career was not her initial goal. In fact, she almost pursued a more “practical” career in public policy in her five-year plan after graduating from Oxford. Furthermore, Chandran considered going to law school — even going as far as taking the LSAT. Fortunately, she ultimately decided to share her talents and enter a career in film and voice acting.

Chandran is set to make her assistant producing debut in the upcoming TV series, Song of the Sun God, a story set during the Sri Lankan civil war.

“For me, colorism in some ways is more painful because it feels like a betrayal of your own.” - Charithra Chandran

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Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1915 - 1973) Arts

Musician

Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a musician born in the early 20th century. Her unique blend of secular themes into traditional gospel music intrigued many people and earned her a large following at a young age. She was best known for her stand-out guitar skills, an instrument that she was fluently playing by the time she was just four years old. In addition, she traveled all over the country performing, and collaborated with artists such as Lionel Hampton, Paramount with Count Bassie, and the Apollo. Her career set the stage for the early rock n’ roll scene and inspired artists, both male and female, for decades to come.

“Can’t no man play like me.” - Sister Rosetta Tharpe

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Simone Veil (1927 - 2017) Politics

Holocaust Survivor, French Politician, Lawyer, Former President of the European Parliament, and Civil Servant

Simone Veil is particularly known for her role in the Loi Veil: the law in France that decriminalises abortion. Veil was also the first directly elected woman to be the President of the European Parliament and a survivor of the Holocaust.

Veil is arguably the woman responsible for advancing women’s legal rights in France during the 20th and 21st century. She was groundbreaking for both the women’s movement in France and the European movement.

“Freedom is not given to us by anyone; we have to cultivate it ourselves” - Simone Veil

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Emerita Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Mazlan binti Othman (1951 - Present) STEM

Malaysia’s First Astrophysicist

Emerita Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Mazlan Othman is Malaysia’s first astrophysicist, pioneering the fields of astronomy and astrophysics within her country. Throughout her career, she created an undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum in astronomy for Malaysian universities while still publishing research. As a leader in her field, she pushed the nation towards progress in space exploration, sending the country’s first astronaut – Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor – to space as well as launching two remote-sensing satellites.

Mazlan has contributed to the field on an international basis, stepping into several positions; she served as the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space (UNOOSA) twice, the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), and director of the International Science Council Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. Today, she remains a fellow of numerous scientific organizations, promoting science in her own way.

“Knowing when to change comes with knowledge and wisdom you will acquire in your journey. Be careful to stick to your ethics, sense of integrity and moral principles.” – Emerita Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Mazlan binti Othman

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Donaldina Cameron (1869 - 1968) Humanities

Scottish-American Missionary

Donaldina Cameron was a faithful Presbyterian who devoted her life to rescuing and protecting Chinese girls and women from forced prostitution in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the late 19th century and early 20th century. For the majority of her life, she was the superintendent of the Occidental Mission Home, an organization and home dedicated to housing Chinese girls and teaching them Christian values.

Cameron was known for her kindness and courage in her work. Despite the constant threats she received against her life from brothel owners, she continued going on dangerous rescue missions in freeing hostage Chinese girls and maintaining the Home. She also founded other homes for children of Chinese girls and for Chinese orphans. Throughout her life, she aided over 3,000 Chinese women and children, making a lasting impact in San Francisco’s Chinatown.

“With simple faithfulness, therefore, let us go forward looking to God for our pattern, then weave it into human life; thus will the world become better.” - Donaldina Cameron

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Billie Jean King (1942 - Present) Sports

American Tennis Player and Women’s Equality Activist

A professional tennis player and activist, Billie Jean King’s journey began at just 17 when she and her doubles partner set the record as the youngest pair to win the iconic Wimbledon tournament. However, her triumphs were quickly overshadowed by the unequal and biased landscape of 1950s tennis, igniting her passion for advocacy. Determined to make a difference, King dedicated her life to championing gender equality and LGBTQ+ visibility, emerging as a trailblazer for female empowerment.

Beyond her achievements on the court, she fought for change as a coach, commentator, and founder of numerous nonprofits. Her relentless pursuit of equal access, pay, and rights for women transformed the landscape of sports. King’s efforts led to groundbreaking changes in the regulations of Grand Slam championships and elevated the status of female tennis players worldwide. Through her unwavering commitment, she inspired countless individuals to stand up for their rights and pursue their dreams, proving that one person can spark monumental change.

“The main thing is to care. Care very hard, even if it is only a game you are playing.” - Billie Jean King

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Nelly Korda (1998 - Present) Sports

American golfer and Olympic champion

Nelly Korda is a professional American golfer who is making colossal strides in the golf world, as she is known for her domination on the golf course. She currently plays on the LPGA tour, and has won a total of 14 times. At just 25 years old, Korda continues to be named No.1 in the Women’s World Golf Rankings. In the male dominated sport that golf is, Korda is helping popularize womens’ golf, and is prompting other young female golfers to compete professionally. Furthermore, Korda is heavily motivated by her fan base, along with her family.

Korda secured the gold medal in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, something only one other American woman has done before. She will be competing in the 2024 Olympics starting in August, and it is possible that she will bring another gold medal back to the United States.

“I just never give up. I mean no matter what. No matter how much adversity is thrown your way. I just hope that they know that I never give up and I give it my all.” - Nelly Korda

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Ellen Swallow Richards (1842 - 1911) STEM

First Female Graduate of MIT, Founder of Home Economics, and Professor of Sanitary Chemistry

Ellen Swallow Richards was a chemist, engineer, and scholar who performed groundbreaking work in health management and experimental human ecology. In 1871, she became the first woman to be admitted to MIT, one of the world’s most prestigious research institutions. As she became a pioneer in sanitary chemistry and euthenics, she founded MIT’s Women’s Laboratory, where she taught aspiring pupils chemical analysis, industrial chemistry, mineralogy, and biology. Furthermore, some of her most notable accomplishments include establishing the first water quality standards in Massachusetts and checks on food and air conditions in the state.

Considered to be an ecofeminist and lead scientist in her field, Richards regarded women's domestic work as an essential element of the economy and most importantly explored how to apply science for the benefit of the home, community, and human prosperity.

“Home Economics stands for the ideal home life for today unhampered by the traditions of the past and the utilization of all the resources of modern science to improve home life.” - ESR

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Amy Sherald (1973 - Present) Arts

African American Painter

Amy Sherald is a contemporary African American painter. Specifically, her works focus on the African American experience and how African Americans appear in American art. She paints her subjects with skin tones in gray scale to contrast the subject’s vibrant clothes and the pastel background; Sherald uses her art to urge her audience to look beyond just the skin tone of a person. As a result, she has continued to be an inspiration and an advocate for the African American community and the injustices they face.

Sherald is most known for being the artist picked to paint former First Lady Michelle Obama’s official portrait. Sherald was also the first woman to win the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition for her 2014 painting Miss Everything (Unsuppressed Deliverance). Furthermore, her work has been exhibited across many museums in the United States, including in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“[I want] people to be able to imagine life outside of the circumscribed stereotype, or identity that can be controlled by many circumstances such as your environment, your parents, your friends, your skin color, your class.” - Amy Sherald

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Samantha Cristoforetti (1977 - Present) STEM

Italian Astronaut, Engineer, and Pilot

Samantha Cristoforetti, a 45-year-old astronaut, though still young, is far more accomplished than countless others in her field, in her country, and on our planet. Samantha Cristoforetti holds the record for the most extended single space mission by a woman (199 days, 16 hours). As of five years ago, she holds the longest continuous spaceflight by a European astronaut. Having studied all around the world and pursued different interests, ranging from mechanical engineering to military and space air flight, Cristoforetti has earned her title as a citizen of the world (and of outer space, of course!) Through her linguistic abilities, unprecedented honors and titles, and especially her determination to push through any endeavor, Cristoforetti has proven that she’s capable of adapting to any job, circumstance, or experience.

Beyond her impressive accomplishments, Cristoforetti is known for her adventurous spirit and love for storytelling. During her time in space, she has shared her experiences through social media and educational videos, captivating audiences with insights into life aboard the International Space Station. One memorable moment was when she brewed the first espresso in space, demonstrating her passion for coffee and connecting with people back on Earth. This unique blend of science and lifestyle showcases her belief in making space exploration accessible and relatable, inspiring the next generation of astronauts and explorers.

“When it seems to you that there is no way out, stop, breathe, and change your perspective. A trivial lesson, perhaps, but which I feel I have learned in my bones, not in the intellect.” - Samantha Cristoforetti

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Ursula Kroeber Le Guin (1929 - 2018) Humanities

American Author

Ursula Kroeber Le Guin was a barrier-breaking science fiction and fantasy writer in the late 1960s and 80s, a time when women were largely excluded from the science fiction world. She gained international success and became the first woman to win both the Hugo and Nebula awards in the same year for Best Novel. She used her recognition in the writing world to further advocate for the acknowledgement and celebration of other female science fiction writers.

Le Guin used her writing to spread her philosophies of freedom, feminism, and the nuanced conversations that keep people’s minds open to new ideas. Her compiled list of work includes 23 novels, 11 collections of poetry, 12 short story volumes, 13 children’s books, 4 translated works, and 5 essay collections.

“You cannot buy the revolution. You cannot make the revolution. You can only be the revolution. It is in your spirit, or it is nowhere.” ― Ursula K. Le Guin

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Chief Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti (1900 - 1978) Humanities

Educator, suffragette, politician and Pan-African activist

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a prominent Nigerian suffragette, politician, and educator, whose goal was to ensure women's access to democratic literacy as well as secure Nigeria's independence from the British. Her most notable pursuit of her desires was her role in the “Abeokuta Women's Revolt”. By leading thousands of women in protest against harsh tax systems, she was able to cement the notion of “no taxation without representation". In 1947, amongst the group of delegates who went to London to discuss the possibility of a new constitution for Nigeria, she was the only female in the group.

She is a recipient of the Nigerian Medal as a Member Order of the Niger (MON), an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Ibadan, and the Lenin Peace Prize in 1970.

“May I never let womanhood down” - Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti

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Margaret Chase Smith (1897 - 1995) Politics

First woman to serve in both houses

Margaret Chase Smith was the first woman to serve in both houses of the United States Congress, paving the way for women to hold influence in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Smith was also the first woman to represent Maine in the US government. Furthermore, she passed the Women’s Armed Forces Integration Act, guaranteeing equal benefits to women who have served. She delivered the famous “Declaration of Conscience” speech as one of the first to criticize McCarthyism, an anti-communism campaign led by Senator Joseph McCarthy involving the persecution of anyone who was believed to be communist during the Cold War. Lastly, Smith served the 76th-92nd term in Congress, adding up to over 30 years of service.

“The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.”- Margaret Chase Smith

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Yi Soyeon (June 2, 1978 - Present) STEM

First and Only South Korean Citizen to Fly in Space

Yi Soyeon, the first and only South Korean citizen to fly in space, has exemplified remarkable resilience and tenacity throughout her life and successful career in science. As the only woman in her family to surpass middle school, she fervently pursued her passion for science, attending one of Korea’s most prestigious universities to study mechanical engineering: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. Soyeon further shattered gender barriers within the STEM field by going on to earn a doctorate in biotechnology systems. In 2006, Soyeon distinguished herself in the Korean Astronaut Program, emerging as one of the two finalists from an astounding 36,000 applicants. Her journey led her to embark on an 11-day mission at the International Space Station, where she conducted extensive and groundbreaking research. Soyeon’s achievements extend beyond her remarkable journey into space. Currently, she leads the biotechnology startup Noul Co., Ltd and has obtained her MBA, further showcasing her versatility and relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Soyeon’s narrative is a testament to the boundless potential of women when granted the opportunity to explore their passions.

“Growing up, no one could have imagined that I would become an astronaut. Thirty years later, I became a [doctor of philosophy] and the first Korean woman astronaut. Within 60 years, Korean women's history was totally changed. I am so proud to be a part of that.” - Yi Soyeon

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Tarsila do Amaral (1886 - 1973) Arts

Modernist Artist and Creator of the Anthropophagic Movement

Tarsila do Amaral was a Brazilian painter whose works were essential in the development of modernist painting in Brazil, giving a new direction to Latin American arts. Tarsila was a passionate traveler, socialite, fashionista, divorcee, revolutionist, and mother, who lived life on her own terms and conditions. She was a strong and resilient woman who never gave up on her dreams.

“I want to be the painter of my country.” – Tarsila do Amaral

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Carmen Amaya Amaya (1918 - 1963) Arts

Spanish Flamenco dancer and singer

Carmen Amaya Amaya is known as the greatest flamenco dancer of all time. Flamenco footwork was only reserved for men due to its speed and intensity until the 20th century due to Amaya’s tenacity. She was able to break the toxic masculinity that defined the dance form. As a result, she became the first woman to execute and openly perform the “men’s only” footwork, proving that women can transcend what is societally assigned to them.

Amaya started dancing at a young age in her hometown in Barcelona, then at prestigious theaters in Spain, and eventually globally as more people recognized her talent and potential as a performer. Furthermore, she was cast in Hollywood films and musical plays, such as María de la O. Rising to worldwide fame, Amaya toured across America and Europe, inspiring influential figures with her fierce and virtuosic style, such as Queen Elizabeth II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Charlie Chaplin, and many more!

“I don’t know how to go through the world alone, and if I don’t go with my people, I get nothing out of life” - Carmen Amaya

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Edith Bolling Galt Wilson (1871 - 1961) Politics

“First woman to run the US government”

Edith Bolling Galt Wilson was the first woman to ever hold political power close to that of the President of the United States of America. Specifically, she took over the role of president during World War I and fearlessly led the nation through times of fear and uncertainty. She held great influence among the White House as well as the capital’s social elite, becoming a symbol of upholding the American homefront. The “secret president” also proved that the First Lady’s role extended beyond domestic virtues, transforming America’s perception of the First Lady to be a publicly prominent political position.

“The only decision that was mine was what was important and what was not.” - Edith Bolling Galt Wilson

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Mary Ware Dennett (1872 - 1947) Humanities

Women’s Rights & Reproductive Justice Activist

Mary Coffin Ware Dennett was a women's rights activist, pacifist, homeopathic advocate, and pioneer in the areas of birth control, sex education, and women's suffrage. She co-founded the National Birth Control League (ABCL) alongside Jessie Ashley, Clara Gruening Stillman, and Margaret Sanger. As a highly talented artist, she held positions at the Drexel University Institute of Art, teaching design and decoration from 1894 to 1897. Dennett was undoubtedly a trailblazer for a wide range of women and her immense impact in the fight for women’s rights and reproductive justice on all fronts must be underscored, not forgotten.

"If a few federal officials want to use their power to penalize me for my work for the young people of this country, they must bear the shame of the jail sentence. It is the government which is disgraced, not I." - Mary Ware Dennett (April 24, 1929, at a Brooklyn federal courthouse)

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Marielle Franco (1979 - 2018) Politics

Politician and Human Rights Activist

Franco was a black woman, part of the LGBTQ+ community, and a city council member of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She advocated for human rights, primarily focusing her efforts against police violence in underprivileged neighborhoods. On March 14, 2018, Marielle Franco and her driver Anderson Gomes were mysteriously shot to death. Doubts arise to this day if the murder had any government interference.

Franco´s story gained international recognition and sparked fights for justice.

“How many more are going to need to die for this war to end?” – Marielle Franco

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Mary Winston Jackson (1921 - 2005) STEM

American Engineer

Mary Winston Jackson became the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) first black female engineer in 1958. She held two bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and physical sciences and was also a mathematics teacher, clerk, and bookkeeper.

In her 34-year career, she joined and led several NASA inclusion programs where aspiring minority engineers and mathematicians could earn their qualifications–many of which would not have been possible without such programs challenging racial prejudices at the time. Jackson also earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including the Congressional Gold Medal.

“Obstacles are only opportunities in disguise” - Mary W. Jackson

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Annie Jump Cannon (1863 - 1941) STEM

American Astronomer

Annie Jump Cannon was a pioneer astronomer who developed the modern-day Harvard stellar classification system, which organizes stars into groups and subgroups based on characteristics such as temperature and luminosity. Fascinated by the stars since childhood, Cannon pursued physics and astronomy studies at Wellesley College and furthered her education at Radcliffe College. Most of her work was done at the Harvard College Observatory under Director Edward Pecking and alongside numerous female astronomers, including Williamina Fleming. She was deaf most of her career due to surviving scarlet fever.

Over the span of her career, she classified more than 225,00 different stars and discovered 300 variable stars, five novae, and a binary star. She was named Harvard’s William C. Bond Astronomer in 1938 and became the first woman to receive an honorary doctorate from Oxford in 1925. After becoming the first female officer of the American Astronomical Society, she established the Annie Jump Cannon Award to honor and encourage young female astronomers. Cannon was also a suffragette and a member of the National Women's Party.

“Every star has a story to tell, and it is up to us to listen, to decipher their messages, and to learn from them.” - Annie Jump Cannon

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Khunying Kanitha Wichiencharoen (1922-2002) Politics

Lawyer, Advocate, Maechee

Khunying Kanitha Wichiencharoen pioneered women's advocacy and protection in Thailand. From 1922 to 2002, she lived to protect and support women in several aspects: health, housing, education, and exploitation prevention. While fighting and advocating for laws amendments such as ensuring fair labor pay for both men and women, she opened shelters, clinics, and teaching facilities for women and children who needed the help. Furthermore, to further the Women’s Rights Movement in Thailand, she founded the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women (APSW) to work towards her goal of equality and inclusivity. By protecting the women who suffered from discrimination and abuse, and working to prevent other women from becoming victims of such suffering, Wichiencharoen laid down the fundamental rights women in Thailand have today.

In 2000, Dr. Suteera Thomson Vichitranonda, President of the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women (APSW), recognized Wichiencharoen, saying that her pathway was most precious and extraordinary and that in the 80 years of her life, others received many blessings from sharing ideas with her, working together, and learning from her.

“I’m sad to say that in my country, we still have slavery even though it’s been more than 100 years since King Rama V abolished the practice.” - Khunying Wichiencharoen

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Ellen Ochoa (1958 - Present) STEM

NASA Astronaut, First Hispanic Woman in Space

As the first Hispanic woman in the world to go to space, Ellen Ochoa made history during her nine-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. She would go on to complete four space flights, log nearly 1,000 hours in space, and even become the first astronaut to play a flute in space. Ochoa redefined being a woman in astronomy as she took on male-dominated leadership roles at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) by becoming the second female director of the Johnson Space Center.

In 2017, Ochoa was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Notably, six schools across the country are named in her honor. She currently travels the world giving speeches as an advocate for STEM education and held the position of chair of the National Science Board from 2020-2022.

“Success comes to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Ellen Ochoa

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Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan (1947 - Present) Politics

Indian Politician

Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan was a significant figure in Indian politics for many decades, starting in the 1970s and following her retirement in 2022. Jagadeesan has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of many marginalized groups in India, from handloom workers to LGBTQ+ individuals. She started in state-level politics as a Minister of Handloom Textiles and eventually became an elected member of India’s Parliament. The politician spent a short period in jail due to her suspected involvement in the murder of a militant leader by the name of Padmanabha. However, she eventually appealed her case to the Supreme Court and was cleared of all charges. After working her way up the political ladder, she spent much of her time in Parliament raising awareness for the lack of female representation in Indian politics. Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan was and continues to be a proponent of the long-discussed reservation system in Parliament, where some seats in both houses would be reserved for women.

“I am very keen to see major changes coming about in the lives of persons with autism…which come under the umbrella term developmental disabilities.” - Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan

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Abigail Adams (1744 - 1818) Politics

Second First Lady of the United States

Abigail Adams, wife of the second President of the United States, John Adams, is one of the earliest feminists who left a lasting positive impact on a range of issues that concerned the state of American society and politics, especially in women’s rights and the Abolitionist Movement.

She is known for her influence on early politics through her husband’s presidency through her remembrance of those forgotten in the early stages of America. She was constantly supporting her husband and was recognized for her role in shaping the colonial era’s early reform movements.

“Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors.” - Abigail Adams

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Joan Didion (1934 - 2021) Humanities

American Writer and Journalist

Joan Didon was an evocative writer and journalist who was able to grasp a wide variety of creative mediums throughout her life to produce philosophical and thought-provoking works about the period in which she lived. Didion was a pioneer in the “New Journalism” movement, which challenged many journalistic traditions in the 1960s and 70s.

Didion’s writing won several accolades throughout her career, including the National Humanities Medal awarded to her by President Barack Obama in 2013. She was a wife and mother, both roles significantly impacting her art by fueling the emotional nature and relatability of her works.

“I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.” - Joan Didion

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Kathrine Switzer (1947 - Present) Sports

American Marathon Runner and Author

When Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially run and complete the Boston Marathon in 1967, little did she know that this moment would not only shape history but also pivot her life. Switzer has become an advocate for women’s participation in long-distance races. Her campaigns and work have led to the Boston Marathon officially allowing women to compete, as well as the introduction of the women’s marathon in the Olympic Games.

Switzer has also been a successful TV commentator, having commentated for ABC, CBS, NBC, and ESPN. Throughout her life, she has been honored with numerous awards for her contributions to social change in the running environment for women. Notably, she was inducted into the United States of America National Women’s Hall of Fame in October 2011.

“If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.” - Kathrine Switzer

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Sarah Qureshi (Unknown - Present) STEM

Aerospace Engineer and CEO of Aero-Engine Craft

Dr. Sarah Qureshi is a Pakistani aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, and innovator. She is the CEO of Aero-Engine Craft, a private aviation company that focuses on developing environment-friendly airplanes located in Pakistan. The name of this company was inspired by her daughter Ayat Qureshi. She co-founded this company with her father, Masood Qureshi, in July 2018. Furthermore, one of her main innovations is a contrail-free aero engine in which Qureshi plans to change the aviation industry through her revolutionary technology. On a global scale, Qureshi has worked towards eliminating contrails by recovering water from fuel exhaust emissions as a net positive product. This can be a crucial development for countries suffering from drought since this innovation helps to reduce CO2 emissions released from airplanes.

Qureshi aspires to create an efficient, eco-friendly aircraft, promising a more sustainable future for both humans and the environment.

“Aviation has been a passion for me since I was a child, as I grew up in a family of scientists and engineers." - Sarah Qureshi

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Lyda Conley (1868 - 1946) Humanities

First Native American Lawyer

Lyda Conley was the first female Native American lawyer involved in the American legal system and was admitted to the Kansas Bar, the legal institution to represent and run the state. She was also the first Native American and third woman to challenge the Supreme Court, arguing for the protection of her tribe’s sacred Wyandotte (why-un-dot) burial grounds after undergoing forced relocation to Kansas. Many members of the tribe died as they were unequipped for the Kansas landscape, making the cemetery paramount in preserving Wyandotte’s history. Conley also stopped urban renewal among her tribe’s sacred cemetery, creating a meaningful step forward in Native American rights as well as environmental protection. Conley’s advocacy for cemetery protection paved the way for Native Americans and women alike to pursue impactful careers in law, championing the rights of historically marginalized peoples.

“No lawyer could plead for the grave of my mother as I could, no lawyer could have the heart interest in the case that I have.” - Lyda Conley

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Dr. Danielle Allen (1971 - Present) Humanities

Civic Educator, Visionary Policymaker, and The Washington Post Columnist

Dr. Danielle Allen is a distinguished scholar, educator, and advocate known for her profound contributions to political philosophy, ethics, and public policy. As the James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University and Director of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation at Harvard Kennedy School's Ash Center, she has led groundbreaking research and initiatives to improve democratic practice and civic education. As a seasoned nonprofit leader and democracy advocate, Allen's work spans academia and activism, where she has tirelessly championed causes such as cannabis legalization, public health policy, and democracy reform.

Throughout her illustrious career, Allen's leadership has been instrumental in driving change both locally and nationally. Notably, her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in developing the country's first-ever Roadmap to Pandemic Resilience, with her strategy related to testing, contact tracing, and isolation and quarantine adopted in federal legislation and executive orders. As the first Black woman to run for statewide office in Massachusetts, Allen has shattered barriers and continues to advocate for greater access and inclusivity in our democracy. Recognized for her scholarly achievements, she has received prestigious honors such as the Library of Congress's Kluge Prize and the MacArthur Foundation's "Genius" grant, affirming her commitment to advancing democratic principles and fostering inclusive governance.

“Democrats, are you willing to stop hating Republicans? Republicans, are you willing to stop hating Democrats? This is what is asked of us if we are to have the constitutional democracy we desire." - Dr. Danielle Allen

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Nezihe Muhiddin (1989 - 1958) Humanities

Turkish Political Pioneer, Women’s Rights Activist, Journalist, Writer, and Suffragette

Nezihe Muhiddin was born in İstanbul during the last years of the Ottoman Empire and lived through the transitional Kemalist regime, experiencing firsthand the societal shifts that define Turkish history today. Muhiddin was the face of women’s suffrage during the first-ever years of the Republic of Türkiye established in 1923, where she established the first-ever political party of Türkiye, called the Women’s People’s Party (Kadınlar Halk Fırkası). Due to immense sexist backlash, the party transitioned into the Turkish Women’s Union/Association in 1924, which aimed to improve every aspect of women’s lives and amplify their presence in the political sphere.

Additionally, Muhiddin edited and wrote for the Feminist Magazine “Kadınlar Dünyası" (Women's World). She published over 300 short stories and completed 17 novels on critical issues facing women. Her unwavering commitment to gender equality serves as an inspiration for women’s liberation and suffrage for generations to come.

“Women need to assert our rightful places in social and political life. First, we need to raise awareness, then we need to educate.” - Nezihe Muhiddin

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Jhumpa Lahiri (1967 - Present) Humanities

English-born Bengali-American Novelist, Translator, and Literary Critic

Jhumpa Lahiri is a prominent novelist in the publishing industry. Her works showcase the experiences of Bengali and East Indian immigrants, specifically focusing on the challenges of assimilation, building community, and identity. She is also fluent in Italian and has published works such as In altre parole, a memoir about her experience with learning Italian. Lahiri worked as a literary critic for The New Yorker magazine for over twenty-five years and has translated many works of Italian and Latin into English.

Some of Lahiri’s most well-known novels and short story collections include: Interpreter of Maladies, The Namesake, and The Lowland. In 2000, she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Fiction for Interpreter of Maladies. U.S. President Barack Obama also awarded her the 2015 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature for The Lowland and the 2014 National Humanities Medal.

“The more I feel imperfect, the more I feel alive.” - Jhumpa Lahiri

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Frances Allen (1932 - 2020) STEM

American Computer Scientist

Frances Elizabeth Allen, born in New York on August 4, 1932, was an American computer scientist. Allen has received many awards and accomplished various achievements during her academic and professional career. Allen is best known for being the very first female International Business Machines (IBM) Fellow to receive the A.M. Turing Award in 2006, the most prestigious and highest award one can receive in computer science. The award illustrates Allen’s “pioneering contributions to the theory and practice of optimizing compiler techniques that laid the foundation for modern optimizing compilers and automatic parallel execution.” Later that year, the IMB Ph.D. The Fellowship Award was created in honor of Allen. Furthermore, Allen also served as a professor at New York University (NYU) from 1970 to 1973, where she actively taught mathematical sciences. From Allen’s endless hours of work to her goals and passions, she has specialized in developing advanced computer compilers, which would thus lead to the efficiency and rapidness of computers.

“All the things I do are of a piece. I’m exploring the edges, finding new ways of doing things. It keeps me very, very engaged.” - Frances Allen

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Adele Goldberg (1945 - Present) STEM

American Computer Scientist

Adele Goldberg is a computer scientist who has made immense contributions to technology and computer science, showcasing great passion for the evolution of this industry. Along with Goldberg’s passion for computer science, she is also a computer corporate executive and administrator. This was the very first object-oriented language created that changed how programmers viewed STEM. Along with Goldberg’s success, in the past, she has received numerous awards. For instance, in 1987, she received the ACM Software Systems Award andalso became a member of the Association for Computer Machinery. With Goldberg’s innovative and logical thinking skills, she has expanded the horizon for programs and applications, creating a new programming language system that will effectively benefit the technological society.

“Don’t ask whether you can do something, but how to do it.” - Adele Goldberg

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Queen Seondeok (632 - 647) Politics

First Reigning Queen of Korea and the Silla Kingdom

Queen Seondeok was an influential figure throughout the 600s, significantly modifying the Silla kingdom and further defying the entrenched gender barriers present in Korea at the time. As the first female ruler and Queen of Silla, she underwent numerous substantial challenges and experiences of confrontation from opposing sides that constantly questioned her ability to lead solely due to her gender. Nevertheless, her reign can be characterized through her resilience, passion, and innovation exhibited through her leadership, as she strengthened Silla’s connection with Tang China and appeased her people by building temples and Cheomseongdae, an acclaimed astronomical observatory still garnering popularity today. By going against the status quo of the time and exhibiting steadfast resistance to male authority deeming her as unqualified, Queen Seondeok stands as a prominent figure in Korean history today demonstrating that women are capable of anything. In 2009, a historical drama about her life called Queen Seondeok was aired.

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Alice Sheets Marriott (1907 - 2000) Business

American Entrepreneur

Alice Sheets Marriott was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and began attending university at only 16 years old. From there, she caught the eye of J.Willard Marriott, whom she married a day after her graduation. Soon after, they launched a small root beer stand, and though it gradually lost popularity, they quickly adapted to the situation by shifting their business model to a restaurant, using recipes Alice obtained from a chef at the Mexican embassy. Overall, Alice played a significant and active role in their business, taking up tasks such as bookkeeping and making major decisions. Decades later, Marriott International has become one of the biggest hospitality companies in the world.

In addition, Alice is also praised for her philanthropic spirit, manifested through her numerous posts in institutions. Specifically, she was a member of the JFK Centre for Performing Arts, the National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse, and many more charitable organizations. Today, Marriott’s five companies have had over $20B in sales, with Alice’s descendants continuing the Marriott legacy.

“My mother was a true partner to my father in the early days of the business.” – J.W. Marriott, Jr.

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Frida Kahlo (1907 - 1954) Arts

Mexican Painter

Frida Kahlo was a renowned Mexican painter remembered for her use of vibrant colors and eye-catching self-portraits. She extended her influence in Mexico and other parts of the world through her paintings and portfolio. Her works have continued to serve a prevalent role in the art world today and have impacted the lives of many through her use of social justice and feminist themes on the canvas.

Before painting, Kahlo encountered many obstacles. From polio at the age of six to a near-fatal bus accident as a teenager, Kahlo used art as an opportunity to express her immense feelings through paintings. As the daughter of a German Jewish photographer, Kahlo would develop an artistic eye during her recovery from polio. Through her artistic experiences with her father and painting courses, the skill of painting traveled with Kahlo to the National Preparatory School in Mexico City. Soon after the bus accident, she painted her first artwork: Self Portrait Wearing a Velvet Dress (1926).

200 paintings, sketches, and drawings later, Kahlo continues to be celebrated in Mexican and indigenous cultures around the globe.

“Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away.” - Frida Kahlo

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Alma Dea Morani (1907 - 2001) STEM

First American Female Plastic Surgeon, Artist, and Educator

Dr. Alma Dea Morani, the first woman in the United States to ever pursue a career in plastic surgery, showcased extreme grit and passion within her lifetime. She persevered to build a name for herself, despite the numerous obstacles that assuming a career in a male-dominated field brought forth. The immense difficulty to receive proper training as a woman in this specialty often steered many away, fearful of receiving prejudice or being belittled by their male counterparts. Yet, Morani never abandoned her desire and instead utilized the restrictions set on her as fuel to become a talented plastic surgeon.

Morani’s artistic ability, nurtured by her sculptor and painter father, not only sparked her love for plastics but also catalyzed her progression toward gaining recognition in a field that was innately designed to limit her success. She testified the ways art could benefit a doctor and their procedures. As Morani’s career and success progressed, she not only improved the lives of patients worldwide but also paved a path for women who share a common dream.

“In fact, it never occurred to them that any women wanted to be surgeons.” - Alma Dea Morani

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Lise Meitner (1878 - 1968) STEM

Jewish Austrian-Swedish Physicist, Discovered Nuclear Fission

Lise Meitner was a critical pioneer of physics during the 1930s. During the Holocaust, she fled Germany due to her Jewish heritage and settled in Sweden, continuing her research with her colleague Otto Hahn. Meitner and Hahn ended up discovering nuclear fission and published their historic research. In 1994, their discovery was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Chemistry, which only Hahn received. Despite this, Meitner continued to accept many more awards for her discovery.

In addition, she co-founded a new isotope of Protactinium, element 109, named Meitnerium in honor of her discovery. Even though many revered her as the ‘Mother of the Atomic Bomb,’ she opposed the title as she was prolifically against the usage of nuclear weapons.

Albert Einstein once praised her to be the ‘German Marie Curie.’

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Diana Trujillo (1983 - Present STEM

Columbian Aerospace Engineer, Technical Group Supervisor for Sequence Planning, and Execution and Tactical Mission Lead for the Mars Perseverance Rover

Diana Trujillo Pomerantz is a Columbian aerospace engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the Tactical Mission Lead for the Mars Perseverance Rover. She led the 45-person engineering team that developed a robotic arm to collect rock samples on Mars and answer the critical question: “Is there life out there?”

Born and raised in a country with limited opportunities for women, Trujillo immigrated to Miami, Florida with only $300, and she began to study at Miami Dade Community College. By cleaning bathrooms to afford tuition, Trujillo transferred to the University of Maryland to study aerospace engineering. Then, she studied at the University of Miami, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in aerospace engineering. She then applied to the NASA Academy and was one of the first Hispanic women accepted.

Her contributions to NASA have benefited the agency since 2007. Today, she hosts NASA’s first Spanish-spoken live broadcast known as #JuntosPerseveramos (Together We Persevere), and issues updates on the Perseverance mission via NASA’s English and Spanish series, Martes de Marte.

"I want to be out there looking back in, showing my family that women have value, that women matter." - Diana Trujillo

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Dr. Dorothy Klenke Nash (1898 - 1976) STEM

American Neurosurgeon and Activist

Dorothy Klenke Nash was the first female doctor to specialize in neurosurgery in the United States and was the only female neurosurgeon in the country from 1928 to 1960. In the years following her graduation from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, she conducted research on life-saving diagnostic technology. As the president of the Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania, she worked to empower Pennsylvanian women and honor their achievements. Being a lifelong advocate for mental health, Dr. Nash never missed an opportunity to bring awareness to mental health through fighting the stigma against it and founding the mental health society of her county. She was honored for her numerous achievements by being awarded the Minerva Award, named after the Roman goddess of wisdom, by the Women’s Auxiliary of Mercy West, and by being awarded a commemorative medallion from Columbia.

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Mary Edwards Walker (1832 - 1919) STEM

American Suffragist, Patriot, and Surgeon

Best known for being the first and only woman to ever receive the most-distinct U.S. Medal of Honor, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker played a pivotal role in American society and history. Placing her amongst the heroes of her era, this recognition was not the first nor the last “only woman” title she would receive in her life. While fighting for gender equality and challenging gender norms persisted for centuries, Walker showed the world what it truly means to be a woman, an activist, and everything in between.

“Struggle for political rights, for it is through such, and such alone, that you will ever obtain human rights. It is not simply for yourself, but for that great army of young women, who cannot yet see the necessity for anything but smiles and gallantry from the future husbands.” - Mary Edwards Walker

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Clementine Churchill (1885 - 1977) Politics

Politician and Charity Worker

Clementine Churchill was the powerhouse behind Winston Churchill’s successful career. As his cunning political wife, she saved his political career when he made a blunder and saved his life during a life-threatening incident. Without her, Winston would have mentally and physically collapsed early in his political career.

However, Clementine’s influence goes beyond just being his wife. During both World Wars, she involved herself in charity work, organizing canteens for munitions workers, spearheading campaigns, and raising funds for other organizations. Her impactful contributions were later recognized with honors from Russia and the British Empire.

“You are strong because you are imperfect. You are wise because you have doubts.” - Clementine Churchill

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Annie Easley (1933 - 2011) STEM

American Computer Scientist, Mathematician, and Rocket Scientist

Annie Easley was an American computer scientist, mathematician, and rocket scientist, who made remarkable contributions to the technology field. Her research on energy-conversion systems has advanced various fields revolving around technology, science, and mathematics. Easley received various awards for her contributions to the modern world, including the Special Achievement Award from NASA Director of Administration Henry Barnett and Deputy Director Gene Manganiello. Easley would become known as a “human computer” because of her computational calculations for researchers. Her wide range of contributions to society includes interpreting power technology, which was used for vehicles assisting in the Centaur upper-stage rocket. In addition, Easley inspires many around the globe to follow her footsteps as a STEM pioneer.

“Don’t give up on it. Just stick with it. Don’t listen to the people who always tell you it’s hard, and walk away from it.” - Annie Easley

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Naaz Joshi (1984 - Present) Humanities

India's First Transgender International Beauty Queen and Transgender Right Activist

Naaz Joshi is the first transgender model in India, as well as a cover model, showstopper, and worldwide beauty queen. She is also a motivational speaker and a transgender rights activist. She was recently crowned the Empress Earth in 2021 and is the only woman in India to hold seven international crowns. In addition, Naaz has won the Miss World Diversity pageant three times.

Fun fact: Her name ‘Naaz’ means ‘pride’ in Urdu.

“I take a lot of pride in just being myself. Like every other woman, I too dream of falling in love and have a beautiful life.” - Naaz Joshi

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Sophia Bush (1982 - Present) Humanities

Actress, Activist, Philanthropist

Sophia Bush is a prominent figure, not only for TV show fanatics, but also for her work towards advocating for members of the LGBTQ+ community, aiding developing nations, and her avid political efforts. She has gained a large platform from one of her most well-known characters, Brooke Davis (One Tree Hill) and has used it for women empowerment advocacy.

Bush actively works to make the world a better place by shedding light on lesser-known injustices and raising money for causes ranging from cancer research to voting rights.

CNN has named her one of the most charitable celebrities since 2015.

“You are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work in progress. Simultaneously.” - Sophia Bush

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Amy Hood (1971 - Present) Business

American Businesswoman, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Microsoft Corporation

Amy Hood is an American businesswoman who has made substantial advancements in the business and marketing fields. She is most widely known for being the first female Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Microsoft Corporation.

Hood joined Microsoft in 2002, and has since then advanced the company’s business operations, including global real estate, treasury, accounts, reports, and acquisitions. Her contributions have shaped how many view the business and technology world.

“As the leadership team, we’re taking bold and decisive action to evolve our organization and culture. This includes difficult steps, but they are necessary to position Microsoft for future growth and industry leadership.” - Amy Hood

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Amelia Boynton Robinson (1911 - 2015) Humanities

Activist, Leader of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery Marches

Amelia Boynton Robinson was a central figure in passing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. By working alongside other activists, most notably Martin Luther King Jr., she was able to assist in the organization of the Selma to Montgomery Marches. Fighting against racial discrimination, she sought to increase the number of African American registered voters and fought to have their voices heard.

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Gloria Allred (1941 - Present) Humanities

Attorney, Human Rights Activist, Feminist

Gloria Allred is a lawyer who has dedicated her life to advocating for justice and rights for women and disadvantaged minorities. Her law firm, Allred, Maroko, and Goldberg, has handled more women’s rights cases than any other private law firm in the nation. After facing various hardships, Allred pursued her career as a lawyer to ensure that all women were treated fairly under the law. Committed to her job, she has not taken a vacation in forty years. Allred even works on the weekends and holidays because she believes that "your problem doesn't wait for Monday." The magazine Time called her “one of the nation’s most effective advocates of family rights and feminist causes.”

“Because of my life experiences, I understand that I have an opportunity to help other women. I have the desire and the ability.” - Gloria Allred

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Bernice King (1963 - Present) Humanities

African-American Author, Minister, and CEO of the King Center

As the youngest daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Bernice Albertine King took on her parents’ passion for advocating for nonviolent social change. At a young age, she was called to the ministry, just like her father was, and she was the only child in the King family to take up ministry as a profession. Later on, she published two books: one based on a collection of her addresses, “Hard Questions, Heart Answers: Sermons and Speeches,” and the other one is an autobiography, “The Father I Never Knew.”

In January 2012, King was given the position of chief executive officer (CEO) for the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, also known as the King Center, by the Board of Trustees. To carry on her parent’s legacy, King began educating youths and adults about nonviolent practices, which she rebranded as Nonviolence365, demonstrated by her parents.

“Love is not a weak, spineless emotion; it is a powerful moral force on the side of justice.” - Bernice King

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Michelle Wie West (1989 - Present) Sports

Korean-American Professional Golfer on the LPGA Tour, Stanford Graduate, “The Big Wiesy”

At 13, Wie qualified to play in the 2003 Kraft Nabisco Championship, making her the youngest player to compete on the LPGA Tour. She continued on to finish in the Top Ten, carding a 66 (6 under par) on the third day. Wie officially went pro before turning 16, inviting sponsorships from brands like Nike. Her first LPGA win was at the 2009 Lorena Ochoa Invitational in Mexico at the Guadalajara Country Club.

Outside of golf, Wie is a passionate foodie. She even has a second instagram account, @whatdowieeat, dedicated entirely to her latest food adventures, including everything from banana bread to sushi.

“We're all just playing our own game. I don't see it as a rivalry. We're just trying to play our best.” - Michelle Wie West

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Wu Zetian (624 AD - 705 AD) Politics

Holy and Divine Emperor of the Tang Dynasty in China

Wu Zetian, also known as Wu Chao or Wu Hou, was the first and only female Empress of China. She ruled during a time heavily influenced by Confucianism, which did not regard women as equal members of society.

She had significant military victories during her rule, maintained good foreign relations, improved education, and increased agricultural production. Wu ruled China for fifteen years and led the rapid development of China as the empire expanded, both in population and land.

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Susanne Langer (1895 - 1985) Humanities

Philosopher of Aesthetics, Author, and Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Susanne Langer was an American philosopher who made significant contributions to her field. Her ideas on creativity and the mind have become a part of society’s mindset around art and music. She was one of the most widely read philosophers of her time per her celebrated book Philosophy In A New Key. She argued that when an artist creates, they don’t create to communicate their own emotion but to rather convey the idea of emotion itself and what they know about emotion. The book sold more than half a million copies and quickly made its way to assigned reading lists where thousands of students eagerly consumed its new ideas. Langer was also a professor of philosophy at Connecticut College, before receiving a research grant and going into writing.

“Most new discoveries are suddenly - seen things that were always there. A new idea is a light that illuminates presences which simply had no form before the light fell on them.” - Susanne Langer

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Selena Quintanilla (1971 - 1995) Arts

Mexican-American Singer and Fashion Designer

Known as the “Queen of Tejano music” and the “Mexican Madonna,” Selena Quintanilla has made it into the history books. Quintanilla brought an immense amount of exposure to Tejano or Tex-Mex music throughout her career, and her talent continues to do so today.

Growing up with little money, Quintanilla and her family made substantial sacrifices for success. Once she and her siblings developed a family band called Selena y Los Dinos, achievements followed. By performing locally, Quintanilla became a familiar name and gained popularity.

The star’s admiration boomed after she signed to EMI Records and caught the eyes of an audience of Tejano fans. Following the release of Quintanilla's Ven Conmigo album, and a collaboration with Alvaro Torres called “Buenos Amigos,”and “Donde Quiero Que Estes,” Quintanilla began her rise to fame. Her legacy proceeds to reign through her music, and she remains a household name among hispanic homes.

“There's a lot of men in this business. If you can't speak for yourself, they are going to run you down every which way.” - Selena Quintanilla

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Muriel “Mickie” Siebert (1928 - 2013) Business

The First Female Wall Street Broker, “The First Woman on Finance,” First Woman to Hold a Seat on the New York Stock Exchange, and First Female Superintendent of Banking

Muriel Siebert was a monumental figure for women interested in finance and opportunities on Wall Street. She began as a researcher on Wall Street in 1954, and from there became a Wall Street power house. In 1967, she was the first woman to buy a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. She was the only woman on the exchange where 1,365 men sat for 10 years.

Muriel faced bias everyday for being a woman and of Jewish heritage. The inequity she faced did not stop her resilience on Wall Street, reaching a position as the Superintendent of Banking in New York. As time progressed, she even ran for the United States Senate.

She created multiple opportunities for underrepresented people to learn about finance, and in 1994, Muriel was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

“I put my head down, and charge.” - Muriel Siebert

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Serena Williams (1981 - Present) Sports

Professional Tennis Player and Entrepreneur

With an exclusive style and presence on the court, Serena Williams, one of the greatest female athletes in history, has forever changed the sport of tennis for women, especially for those of color. Her pure strength and athletic talent has overwhelmed opponents; she calls 39 Grand Slam titles her own, 23 of which are for singles events. Williams holds the record for winning the most women’s singles matches at the Grand Slams, the most by any player in the Open Era, and the second-most of all time in tennis history. She was ranked world No. 1 in singles by the Women's Tennis Association for 319 weeks, and finished as No. 1 five times.

How Williams expresses herself through her energy, hair styles, unique outfits, dancing, and general passion on the court were once unheard of in tennis. Despite immense pressure throughout her career, she remained herself without shame, inspiring many women to pursue their passions with a firm mindset and drive. As her tennis career closes in 2022, Serena continues to cultivate her success and impact beyond her professional tennis career with her Venture Capital firm and as a mother. Williams’s sense of emotion and power makes her a celebrity both off and on the court, communicating to girls that there is no need to hide determination in order to succeed.

“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up.” - Serena Williams

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Karen Nussbaum (1950 - Present) Humanities

Activist and Co-Founder of 9to5 Movement

Karen Nussbaum is a union organizer, activist, and former U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau director. In 1973, she founded and directed the 9to5 movement, which focused on obtaining fair treatment of women in the workforce and ensuring the workplace was free of sexual harassment and microaggressions directed toward women.

She dropped out of the University of Chicago during her sophomore year to be more active in the anti-Vietnam War movement. To support herself, she was a clerical worker at Harvard University. That experience inspired her to join forces with other middle and working-class women in the United States to advocate for better treatment.

"The true face of unions is not now a man in a hard hat as much as it is a woman in a classroom or in cleaning smocks.” - Karen Nussbaum

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Maria da Penha Maia Fernandes (1945 - Present) Humanities

Women Rights Activist and Inspiration for the “Lei Maria da Penha” (the Maria da Penha Law)

When Maria da Penha was almost murdered by her husband, there was no law, police station, or shelter that protected women from domestic violence in Brazil. “At that time, we weren’t even aware of this expression – domestic violence,” she said, “you just had a bad husband.” Even paraplegics decided to dismantle the patriarchal culture and fight for women’s rights.

Thus, she was the inspiration for the first Brazilian law against violence towards women, the “Lei Maria da Penha” (the Maria da Penha Law), which saves, supports, and helps Brazilian women to this day.

“Life only starts when the violence ends.” - Maria da Penha

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Heidy Quah (1994 - Present) Humanities

Philanthropist, Social Rights Advocate, Queen’s Young Leader Award Recipient

At only 28 years old, Heidy Quah is a prominent figure who has impacted the lives of thousands of people through her creation of the NGO, Refuge for the Refugees. Although Malaysia has allowed refugees to stay in the country temporarily before relocating to another, the country does not endorse the Refugee 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol. The lack of support from the Malaysian government is due to the Malaysian Immigration Act 155 Law, which makes no distinction between undocumented migrants and refugees. This misgiving creates vulnerability for refugees as they are increasingly prone to arrests and deportations.

Although society has progressed in many ways, there are still millions of people who seek refuge from their war-ridden countries. As a human rights activist, Quah plays a significant role in aiding victims who need to evacuate the unstable environments of their home countries. Her efforts to provide a safe space to educate refugees greatly impact their lives, since they are often forced out of their homes with no time to collect their personal items or legal documents. This makes it immensely difficult for them to obtain a job or enroll into school to pursue further education.

Her work is recognized not only by Malaysians but by people across the world. Quah even gained the attention of Queen Elizabeth II, who awarded her the Queen’s Young Leader Award in 2017.

"When you understand your privilege, know your identity and your worth, there's so much more to give." - Heidy Quah

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Alice Nkom (1945 - Present) Humanities

First Female Cameroonian Attorney and LGBTQ+ Rights Activist

Alice Nkom is an outspoken activist for LGBTQ+ people throughout Cameroon, where they can be convicted for their sexual orientation and face jail time. From being the first female attorney in Cameroon to form the first anti-homophobia non-profit organization, Alice Nkom is no stranger to breaking down barriers and fighting for what is right, no matter the cost.

Despite being threatened with arrest, Nkom continues to work towards bringing more attention to the worsening situation for LGBTQ+ people across Cameroon.

"The situation will not change until there is a minimum level of democracy and respect for human rights values.” - Alice Nkom

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Louise Bourgeois (1911 - 2010) Arts

French-American Artist, Feminist, and Printmaker

Louise Bourgeois was a French-American painter, printmaker, and modeler during the 20th century. Most commonly known for her popular pieces referred to as Spider and The Destruction of the Father, Bourgeois is recognized for many awards, including the Wolf Prize in Arts - Painting. In her artwork, Bourgeois portrays emotions that convey meaningful messages to aspiring artists. In addition, her work proposes questions about several themes, such as domesticity in one’s home.

“A work of art does not have to be explained.” - Louise Bourgeois

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Virginia Hall (1906 - 1982) Politics

American Espionage Agent

Virginia Hall was one of the first women to be an espionage agent. Although she lived in a time dominated by traditional values, where society taught her to believe that women should only focus on marriage, Hall was able to break the barriers that had been set for her. She chose to pursue higher education at one of the most prestigious women’s colleges, Barnard College, dreaming of becoming a diplomat.

Even though Hall could no longer pursue that career due to the amputation of her left leg, she did not let that dictate her life. After impressing an SOE (Special Operations Executive) agent, she was hired to work for Britain’s World War II Espionage Organization. Through her wit and bravery, Hall provided the Allies valuable information, plotted safe areas, and completed other critical missions. Two years later, she joined the OSS (Office of Strategic Services), an American spy organization, where she provided equally important information and fulfilled other dangerous missions.

She has received many awards from France, Britain, and the USA for her service. Virginia was the only woman to be given an award in World War II from the American government. After her eventful spy career, she and her husband worked office jobs at the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) for 15 years before they retired. Hall preferred to remain unrecognized throughout the rest of her life to stay safe and undisturbed.

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Yu Gwansun (1902 - 1920) Humanities

Korean Independence Activist and Patriotic Martyr

Yu Gwansun, referred to as Korea’s “Joan of Arc,” was a fearless young woman who showcased great bravery and patriotism for the freedom of her country. She is best known for joining the March 1st (“Samil” translating to “three-one” or “March-one”) Movement, a collection of protests fighting for Korea’s independence from Japanese control since the peninsula went under colonial rule in 1905. Yu has displayed not only her impeccable strength, but also great adoration for her country through her willingness to endanger her own life to lead and advocate protests. Through these demonstrations, Yu would witness the murder of both her parents, peers, and imprisonments, which were generated by colonial authority.

Even in prison, her activism persisted by holding protests by herself or with fellow prisoners. Yu died in 1920 at the age of 17 due to starvation and torture. Although she was never given the chance to embrace a free Korea as she died long before its liberation in 1945, she remains as a great source of inspiration to Koreans to this day.

“Even if my fingernails are torn out, my nose and ears are ripped apart, and my legs and arms are crushed, this physical pain does not compare to the pain of losing my nation. My only remorse is not being able to do more than dedicating my life to my country.” - Yu Gwansun

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Urvashi Vaid (1958 - 2022) Humanities

LGBTQ+ Activist

Urvashi Vaid was an LGBTQ+ activist who fought for many issues throughout her life and pushed for reforms. She was born in India before moving to the United States, where she became interested in politics after attending an anti-war protest. Later on, she got a law degree and she began her activism in earnest. She worked at the newspaper Gay Community News and created the Boston Lesbian/Gay Political Alliance. Vaid fought for better care of prisoners with HIV/AIDS through class action lawsuits. After becoming the media director and then executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, she left in 1992 to write Virtual Equality, which was published in 1995 to critical acclaim and won the Stonewall Book Award the following year. She died on May 14, 2022 at the age of 63 and is survived by her partner Kate Clinton who continues to advocate for their beliefs through political humor. Her life was defined by her fight for equality, which she advocated for consistently.

“We call for the end of bigotry as we know it. The end of racism as we know it. The end of child abuse in the family as we know it. The end of sexism as we know it. The end of homophobia as we know it. We stand for freedom as we have yet to know it. And we will not be denied.” - Urvashi Vaid

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Anna Pavlovna Filosofova (1837 - 1912) Humanities

Women’s Rights Advocate and Russian Philanthropist

Despite being raised in a wealthy household and living an extravagant lifestyle, Anna Filosofova made it her life’s mission to improve how Russian women were treated at the time. Since they had limited opportunities for health care, occupations, and education, Filosofova wanted all women to live the life they deserved.

Throughout her life, Filosofova stood out as a bold woman whose actions toward “improving the situation of women in Russia” seemed to be misunderstood by the Russian authorities (Eidelman, 2007). Until her death, she continued advocating for women’s rights in Russia, yet the authorities always seemed to view her actions under suspicion. Nevertheless, Filosofova accomplished many feats, including founding the Society for Inexpensive Apartments for Working Women and the Society for Providing the Means for Women's Higher Education as well as providing jobs to many Russian women. Although she was heavily misunderstood throughout her life, Filosofova’s actions remain the blueprint for many pre-revolutionary feminist efforts.

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Junko Tabei (1939 - 2016) Humanities

Japanese Mountaineer, Author, Teacher, Environmentalist, and Founder of the First All-Women’s Climbing Club in Japan

Junko Tabei became the first woman to climb Mount Everest during her 1975 trek up the range, solidifying her position as a mountain pioneer. Additionally, she became the first woman to climb all of the “seven summits” - the tallest peaks on each continent. Despite all the criticism she received while pursuing her career, she continued following her passion by founding the first women’s climbing club in Japan, Joshi-Tohan. She led the group to climb Annapurna III in Nepal, followed by an attempt to climb Mount Everest. Throughout her life, she also published seven books, studied sustainability for mountains as her postgraduate in university, and further campaigned for preservation of the environment. Amazingly, Junko climbed 160 mountains by the age of sixty nine.

“Technique and ability alone do not get you to the top; it is the willpower that is most important.” - Junko Tabei

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Daisy Bates (1914 - 1999) Humanities

Civil Rights Activist, NAACP President, and Congressional Gold Medalist

Daisy Bates was an incredibly important civil rights leader. She helped manage the Little Rock Nine integration crisis and led the Arkansas National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). During the Little Rock Nine integration, she accompanied Black students to an all-white high school every day despite receiving countless death threats, bomb threats, and incidents of violence. Bates also published a newspaper that recounted incidents of police brutality against Black citizens and harassment toward Black veterans.

Bates won numerous awards, including the American Book Award, the Congressional Gold Medal, the Woman of the Year award by the National Council of Negro Women, and the Spingarn Medal, the NAACP’s highest award.

“No man or woman who tries to pursue an ideal in his or her own way is without enemies” - Daisy Bates

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Mary Ware Dennett (1872 - 1947) Humanities

Advocate for Social Reform, Women’s Rights, Sexual Education and Freedom, and Pacifism

Mary Ware Dennett was an American Women’s Rights activist, who fought for sex education, the right to contraception, and homeopathy through pacifist and diplomatic means. She co-founded the National Birth Control League in 1915, the Voluntary Parenthood League, and was an avid member of the National American Women's Suffrage Association.

Dennett wrote many books in her time, including a famous pamphlet, "The Sex Side of Life," which led to the federal court case United States vs. Dennett, which triggered national consideration about the distribution and discussion of sex-related materials. Her work changed the face of America and society.

"If a few federal officials want to use their power to penalize me for my work for the young people of this country, they must bear the shame of the jail sentence. It is the government which is disgraced, not I." - Mary Ware Dennett

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Katya Echazarreta (1996 - Present) STEM

First Mexico-born Woman to go to Space, Mexican Electrical Engineer

Katya Echazarreta is an electrical engineer at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and was the first Mexican-born woman to travel to space. Out of nearly 7,000 applications from over 100 countries, Echazarreta was chosen as the sixth passenger on the New Shepard, owned by Blue Origin.

At the age of seven, Echazarreta and her family migrated to the United States and began their new lives in San Diego, California. After graduating high school, Echazarreta went to San Diego City College, a community college, where she studied electrical engineering. In her junior year, she transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she continued her education. While attending, she completed an internship at NASA. Upon graduating and earning her Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, she began working full-time at NASA. There, she has worked over five missions.

Today, she continues to work full-time as an electrical engineer at NASA and part-time as a student pursuing her Master’s at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Echazarreta also has a social media presence, most notably on her YouTube channel and Instagram account "KatVoltage," where she shares her experiences working at NASA.

“If there’s something that you truly, truly want to do, it’s very important not to let those voices around you tell you that you’re not good enough.” - Katya Echazarreta

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Yayoi Kusama (1929 - Present) Arts

Artist

Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese artist, known for her extensive use of polka dots and infinity installations in her self-described “obsessive” style of art. Kusama’s art can be found in many museums worldwide, including the LA County Museum of Art, the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. In 2006, she received the Japan Art Association’s Praemium Imperiale prize for painting. This prize is awarded annually by the imperial family of Japan and the Japan Art Association for outstanding contributions to the development, promotion and progress of the arts.

“My life is a dot lost among thousands of other dots.” - Yayoi Kusama.

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Fanny Hensel (1805 - 1847) Arts

Composer, Performer, and Pianist

Fanny Hensel was a talented musician and notable composer of the 19th century Romantic Era. She was skilled at playing the piano from a young age, and this proficiency translated into artistry when she entered the field of composition. During her lifetime, she wrote nearly 500 compositions for various instrumentations, ranging from solo piano to string quartet to Lieder (vocalist with piano accompaniment). Four hundred sixty-seven of her works have been documented, though it is theorized that she may have written other pieces that have since been lost.

Some of her most significant works include Das Jahr, a musical interpretation of the calendar year and masterpiece for piano, “Schwanenlied” (“Swan Song”), an intricately beautiful Lied, and Overture in C Major, her only discovered orchestral work. Her overture has been performed by numerous prestigious symphonies around the world, such as Belfast’s Ulster Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Fanny Hensel’s compositions have also been featured by various musical institutions around the world for International Women’s Day.

“And so we try to ornament and prettify our lives–that is the advantage of artists, that they can strew such beautifications about, for those nearby to take an interest in.” - Fanny Hensel

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Murasaki Shikibu (c.978 - c.1014) Humanities

Japanese Writer, Poet, Author of the World’s First Novel (The Tale of Genji) and Tutor of Empress Shoshi

Murasaki Shikibu was an influential figure during the early 1000s. She not only broke multiple stereotypes for Japanese women at the time, but also wrote the first novel in history, The Tale of Genji. As a young girl, she learned fields of study that women typically did not learn, such as Chinese and Kana writing.

After her husband’s sudden death, she became a lady-in-waiting at the Imperial court, a place in which only high class society lived. Writing became her way to grieve, as she worked on The Tale of Genji, which was her most popular and prominent piece of writing. The Tale of Genji became a popular source of literature not only at this time, but also for today’s globe.

Murasaki Shikibu stepped up to be a voice for women and created a new genre in literature.

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Doria Shafik (1908 - 1975 Humanities

Leading Egyptian Feminist and Founder of the Bint al-Nil Union

Doria Shafik, spelled Durriyah Shafiq, was an emblematic figure of the women's liberation movement in the 1940s. Shafik knew that she was destined for more than what society offered women during her time—she earned a PhD in Paris and became a prolific feminist activist, philosopher, poet, author and editor. She is one of the most influential women in Arab history. Doria Shafik is the youngest Egyptian to have obtained the French Baccalaureate at only 16 years old.

She started several hunger strikes to demand respect for women’s rights, and to denounce the dictatorial regime of Gamal Abdal Nasser, which banned her from any type of press. As a result of her efforts, Egyptian women were granted the right to vote by the Egyptian constitution. Despite the importance of her contribution in Egyptian society evolution, the generations of patriarchal governments have continuously effaced her stories.

“The true meaning of the women's movement is the complete cooperation between men and women, not the continuous struggle between the two.” - Doria Shafik

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Ethel Lois Payne (1911 - 1991) Politics

African American Journalist, Political Correspondent and Civil Rights Activist

Ethel Lois Payne was a fearless woman, who served as “a voice for her people,” and remained firm to this role all throughout her life. Payne pursued a journalism career and was an advocate for underlying societal issues such as racial injustice and other civil rights dilemmas. Payne’s work and everlasting desire towards her craft established her as the “First Lady of the Black Press.”

Payne never hesitated to call out injustices, and despite criticism from other Black journalists, she continued with her reports and made history on multiple occasions, being the first African-American woman to focus on international news coverage. Payne’s commentaries and written pieces continue to inspire today’s generation of journalists, and her bold personality made her an “unsung heroine.”

“I stick to my firm, unshakeable belief that the Black press is an advocacy press, and that I, as a part of that press, can’t afford the luxury of being unbiased . . . when it come to issues that really affect my people, and I plead guilty, because I think that I am an instrument of change.” - Ethel Payne

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Keiana Cavé (1998 - Present) Business

Founder of Sublima, Entrepreneur, and Scientist

Keiana Cavé is the founder of Sublima, a pharmaceutical company aimed at creating the first non-hormonal birth control. Cavé began chemical research shortly after the BP oil spill in 2010, and she studied the oil on the ocean’s surface and its harmful effects. She then developed and patented a new way to detect toxins in the ocean after oil spills. After her newfound research, she founded a start-up, called Mare, that focused on neutralizing cancer-causing chemicals in the ocean. The company was later acquired for over $1 million dollars.

Her extensive research and developments have awarded her spots on Forbes 30 under 30 in 2017, on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Young Millionaires List of 2018, on Glamour Magazine’s 2018 College Women of the Year, and as a two-time Tedx Speaker.

Known as a “femtech” entrepreneur and a role model in STEM, Cavé is currently focused on revolutionizing the world of medicine and chemistry with her newest company Sublima.

“I want to continue exploring women's health and find solutions to the questions that I am curious about.” - Keiana Cavé

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Clara Shortridge Foltz (1849 - 1934) Humanities

American Lawyer

Foltz is renowned for her countless contributions to the women’s rights movement and legal system. She was the first female clerk for the State Assembly Judiciary Committee (1880), the first woman member of the State Board of Charities and Corrections, and the first female lawyer in California.

The Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center was named in her honor for her criminal justice advocacy.

"I am that formidable and terrifying object known as a woman — while he is only a poor, helpless, defenseless man, and he wants you to take pity on him and give him a verdict in this case." - Clara Shortridge Foltz

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Roberta “Bobbi” Gibb (1942 - Present) Sports

Runner, Mother, Artist, Scientific Researcher, Author, and Speaker

Bobbi Gibb is a groundbreaking athlete whose participation in the 1966 Boston Marathon defied society’s perception towards women and their capabilities, both physically and mentally. Her completion of 26.2 grueling miles not only symbolized a special personal accomplishment, but was also a great milestone for the running community, as she became the first woman in history to finish the Boston Marathon.

After her memorable race, Gibb continued to run, holding onto her winning spot as the fastest woman to finish for a total of three years, from 1966 to 1968. Her accomplishments on the roads are accompanied by an assortment of trades with her interests ranging from pursuing sculpting to studying neuroscience. She continues to motivate her audiences through her success in writing.

“Isn’t it amazing, the miracles around us, if only we take the time to notice them?” - Bobbi Gibb

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Angelina Grimke Weld (1805 - 1879) Humanities

Political Activist, Abolitionist, Feminist

Angelina Grimke Weld was born and raised on a plantation in South Carolina, and her first-hand exposure to slavery can explain her position as a fierce abolitionist. She wrote abolitionist literature such as American Slavery As It Is, Appeal to the Christian Women of the South, and On Slavery and Abolition.

Angelina Grimke Weld worked with her sister, Sarah Grimke, and the two were a very influential duo. One of the most unique things about the two was that they were both feminists and abolitionists. Unlike many others of their time, they acknowledged the significant intersectionality of race and gender. They also helped to introduce and integrate a new demographic, white women of the south, into the abolitionist movement.

“It matters not what we have been but this and always this: what we shall be.” - Angelina Grimke Weld

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Asieh Amini (1973 - Present) Humanities

Survivor

Asieh Amini is an Iranian poet and journalist who fights for women’s rights, more specifically against the stoning and executions of minors in Iran. Born on September 14, 1973, she has experienced the harsh reality of the life of women in Iran. After the Iranian Revolution, women were forced to cover up and wear a black hijab, upsetting many of them. Although she was forced to flee to Norway because of those who strongly opposed her views, her love for Iran has never stopped. Amini also created the Stop Stoning Forever Campaign to help her country, and others, to progress. Moreover, in 2009, she won the Human Rights Watch's Hellmann/Hammett award, which is a grant for victims of political persecution who face financial difficulty.

“To understand somebody else as a human being, I think, is about as close to real forgiveness as one can get.” - Asieh Amini

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Ida B. Wells (1862 - 1931) Humanities

African American Civil Rights and Anti-Lynching Activist, Feminist, Investigative Journalist, Schoolteacher

Ida B. Wells was born enslaved in 1862 in Mississippi. She grew to be known as one of the fiercest critics of lynching in her editorials. In addition, she co-founded the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and was the first president of the Negro Fellowship League. In 2020, Columbia University in New York City awarded her a Pulitzer Prize, a prestigious honor, for accomplishments in newspaper, magazine, online journalism, literature, and musical composition.

“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” - Ida B. Wells

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Juliette Gordon Low (1860 - 1927) Humanities

Founder of the Girl Scouts of America

Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts of America, the largest and most successful female organization in the world. Low started the first U.S. Girl Scout troop in her hometown, Savannah, Georgia in 1912. Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, she worked tirelessly to promote and support the Girl Scouts organization. For this work, she received several awards including a Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Silver Fish award. Low is known for her determination and overall commitment to the Girl Scouts.

“Right is right, even if no one else does it.” - Juliette Gordon Low

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Yeonmi Park (1993 - Present) Humanities

North Korean Defector and Activist

Yeonmi Park was born in Hyesan, North Korea and escaped the country when she was just thirteen years old. After living miserably in China, surviving under the radar for two years, she fled to South Korea in 2009, and finally moved to the United States in 2014.

Since 2014, Yeonmi has advocated for North Korean citizens’ rights and the removal of North Korea’s brutal government. She has made very impactful speeches at the Oslo Freedom Forum and the One Young World Summit in 2014. She has also been named one of BBC’s “Top Global 100 Women.” Additionally, despite the fact that she received little education during her time in North Korea, she has quickly excelled in her academic career by majoring in criminal justice at Dongguk University from 2012 to 2015 and attending Columbia University from 2016 to 2018. She continues to advocate for North Koreans as a member of the board of directors at the Human Rights Foundation, where the mission is to preserve human rights and freedom for people worldwide.

"I inhaled books like other people breathe oxygen. I didn't just read for knowledge or pleasure, I read to live.” - Yeonmi Park, In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom

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Artemisia Gentileschi (1593 - 1653) Arts

Italian Baroque Painter

In addition to her womanhood, Artemisia Gentileschi’s artistic expertise pushed barriers for canonical status in art and forever altered who could be deemed “a great artist.” As one of the few women of her time to achieve a successful career as an artist, Gentileschi resisted representations of women that catered to their (women’s) subjection by, instead, asserting their (women’s) multidimensionality.

Despite achieving success and notoriety in her lifetime, Gentileschi’s artwork lost much of its relevance within the historical canon of western art, until it was given new life by feminist art historians. The impetus behind much of Gentileschi’s contemporary relevance is the amplified conversation of women’s oppression and sexual abuse of women, which are two themes found in Gentileschi’s life story and artwork. Her artwork remains a stimulus for conversations of women’s status in the world of art, as well as in the world at large.

"My illustrious lordship, I'll show you what a woman can do" - Artemisia Gentileschi

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Rosa Parks (1913 - 2005) Humanities

Activist, Martin Luther King Jr. Award Recipient, and Member of Michigan’s Women Hall of Fame

Rosa Parks was an American civil rights activist, known for refusing to give up her seat to a white man, as a Black woman, in Alabama in 1955; this protest brought forth the widespread boycott against the Montgomery Bus system. Park’s actions invigorated the civil rights movement in the United States. She became the face of dignity, strength, and the fight against racial segregation.

She has been recognized for her talents with multiple awards, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Spingarn Medal (the highest given honor), induction into Michigan’s Hall of fame, and the Martin Luther King Jr. award.

“It takes more than one person to bring about peace - it takes all of us.” - Rosa Parks

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Rachel Louise Carson (1907 - 1964) STEM

Marine Biologist, Writer, and Conservationist

Rachel Carson made influential contributions to environmental science and is recognized as the mother of modern environmentalism. Her groundbreaking book Silent Spring (1962) informed the public about the impacts of pesticide use and advanced the global environmental movement. For her work, she won numerous awards, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Guggenheim Fellowship for Natural Sciences.

“But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war against himself” - Rachel Carson

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Maria Anna Mozart (1751 - 1829) Arts

Classical Era Musician and Composer

Maria Anna Mozart, older sister to Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart, was a prodigious musician. From a young age, she could play many instruments, such as the harpsichord and violin. Surrounded by a musical family, she went on a tour of Europe, where she and her brother Wolfgang performed for English audiences. She gained popularity for her natural talents and abilities, which shocked many people.

Despite her fame, Maria Anna’s musical tours ended when she was eighteen, due to European expectations for women and reputation ideals. She was forced to settle down and marry, but continued independently pursuing her passion for music. She took on many students and even composed music. Though her compositions are lost, there is evidence that they were reputable, according to praise found in letters from Wolfgang. Even though societal norms held her back from her passions, she continued to make music throughout her life. Maria Anna’s unknown legacy begs to question how much music we have lost to societal gender norms.

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Maria Angelita Ressa (1963 - Present) Humanities

Filipino-American Journalist, Author, & First Filipino Recipient of The Nobel Peace Prize

Maria Ressa is a Filipino-American journalist and author, and the first Filipino recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. She is widely known for exposing government corruption and human rights violations in the Philippines through Rappler, a Manila-based digital news website, which she founded.

Maria Ressa is a fearless defender of freedom of expression. As an investigative journalist, she has methodically uncovered the authoritarian and abusive nature of President Duterte’s administration within the larger Filipino government. Ressa is committed to exposing Duterte’s controversial and murderous "War on Drugs.”

Due to the defiant nature of her reports, Ressa has received backlash from Duterte’s administration and his avid supporters.

Among a plethora of other achievements, Maria Ressa was conferred as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and the BBC’s 100 Women in 2019, and was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2021.

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Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899) Arts

Renowned French Painter, LGBTQ Icon, and Member of the Legion of Honor

Rosa Bonheur was a French artist, born in 1822. As a painter and sculptor renowned for accuracy and detail in her works, Bonheur was the first female recipient of France’s highest honor: the Grand Cross.

The Horse Fair (1853), her masterpiece and most famous work, was acquired by Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1887. He later donated it to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it can be found today. Beyond her artistic abilities, Bonheur was known for her trailblazing style of dress and romantic partners. She painted animals and farm or fair scenes, typically in dirty areas where lots of physical activity was required. In order for Bonheur to move freely without the burden of petticoats, the government allowed her to dress like a man, with a smock and trousers (otherwise forbidden to women). The juxtaposition of her femininity and her masculine style of dress has been cited as helping to shape the androgynous style of dress of the early 20th century. She also had two long-term female companions; in fact, she forced a change in the Napoleonic Code to legally transfer her estate to her romantic partner and fellow painter Anna Klumpke. Even after her death in 1899, she continued to serve as a role model for future female artists, LGBTQ+ luminaries, and feminists.

“Why shouldn’t I be proud to be a woman? My father, that enthusiastic apostle of humanity, told me again and again that it was woman’s mission to improve the human race…To his doctrines I owe my great and glorious ambition for the sex to which I proudly belong, whose independence I’ll defend till my dying day. Besides, I’m convinced the future is ours.” - Rosa Bonheur

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Emma Revie (1976 - Present) Business

CEO of Anti-Poverty Food Bank Trussell Trust & Housing Association Youth Charity Ambition

As the CEO of several charitable organizations, Emma Revie has reached over half a million young children, in addition to hundreds of thousands of families across the UK, through her food pantries, housing associations, and community youth clubs. Running the largest food bank in the UK may prove to be a challenge to people such as Revie, but her compassionate and practical approach to the network aims to keep families afloat. In a post-COVID society where the demand for food and services has only increased, Revie has played a heavy hand in aiding families across the UK. While she loves her work in the Trussell Trust, she acknowledges and strongly advocates for a future where food banks are no longer needed, and people like her or her volunteers can build a hunger free future - “a future where people don’t have to come to food banks.”

“My hope is topped up to the top about people’s willingness to help their neighbors, to see that what they think is right is done, and to step forward.” - Emma Revie

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Nadia Murad (1993 - Present) Humanities

Human Rights Activist, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and Founder of Nadia’s Initiative

Nadia Murad is a survivor of the Yazidi genocide perpetrated by the Islamic State in Iraq (ISIS) in 2014. After escaping to Germany, she became an activist for her community and survivors of gender-based violence. She won several awards for her efforts and became the first Iraqi to receive a Nobel Prize. Nadia Murad also founded Nadia’s Initiative, an organisation advocating for survivors of sexual violence and committed to rebuilding communities during crises. Moreover, she published a New York Times bestselling memoir, The Last Girl. She has been continuously fighting for justice for the Yazidis and speaking against the use of rape as a weapon of war

“I want to be the last girl in the world with a story like mine.” - Nadia Murad

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Cecilia Payne (1900 - 1979) STEM

American Astronomer, Astrophysicist, and Recipient of the Rittenhouse Medal

Cecilia Payne made vital contributions to astronomy in the twentieth century. She studied and taught at Harvard University, where she advanced our knowledge of the composition of stars. Payne also categorized the stars by their temperatures. For her work, she won several awards, such as the Rittenhouse Medal and the Henry Norris Russell Lectureship.

“There is nothing personal in the thunderclap of understanding. The lighting that releases it comes from outside oneself.” - Cecilia Payne

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Reshma Saujani (1975 - Present) Humanities

Lawyer, Politician, and Founder of Nonprofit Organization Girls Who Code

Reshma Saujani is the founder of Girls Who Code and promotes the importance of women in the technology industry (i.e. 300,000 women in technology). She started her career as an activist, and is well known today for being the first Indian American to run for Congress. Her main goal as the CEO of Girls Who Code is to motivate young women’s minds today, and to bridge the gender gap in STEM.

Throughout her career, Saujani has earned many prestigious awards, including the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education. Saujani has made strides as a lawyer, politician, and founder, and hopes to empower diversity in the tech industry.

“Coding is the language of the future, and every girl should learn it.” - Reshma Saujani

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Mabel Addis Mergardt (1912-2004) STEM

First Female Video Game Designer, Co-Creator of the First Educational Video Game, and Teacher

Mabel Addis Mergardt was an extremely influential game designer and teacher. In 1962, Mergardt worked with the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and IBM to create the first educational video game. She worked on the game for five years with William McKay, an IBM programmer, overseeing its storyline and progression.

The result of their efforts was the Sumerian Game, a text-based video game. The Sumerian Game made strides not only as the first educational video game but also as one of the first narrative-based video games. The Sumerian Game showed that a well-designed video game could be fun for people of all ages and inspired multiple other text-based video games, each influential in their own right, such as the Oregon Trail in 1971 and Hammurabi in 1978.

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Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales (1961-1997) Humanities

Member of the British Royal Family, Activist, and Educator

Lady Diana Frances Spencer, famously known as “The People’s Princess,” served as a member of the British Royal Family and is remembered for her charitable work on behalf of the British commonwealth. Her generosity, sympathy, and liberality gave strength to those who needed it most, fueling progressive change against long standing royal traditions. Princess Diana was a pioneer for humanitarian efforts, proving to be more than a high profile royal, and dedicated to destigmatizing the emerging AIDS/HIV virus in the 1980s, by interacting with ill patients, funding and working for homeless shelters, helping to ban landmines, visiting hospitals to raise awareness, and working alongside deaf or impoverished children. By breaking the expectations and constraints of royal culture, “The People’s Princess” was able to cement her compassion into the hearts of a global network of admirers.

On June 14th, 1999, Time Magazine listed Princess Diana in its “Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century,” under the category “hero and icon.”

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” - Princess Diana

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Jane Cooke (1919 - 2013) STEM

Cancer Researcher and Professor

As one of the first researchers of drugs’ roles in clinical oncology, Jane Cooke laid the foundation for cancer research as we know it today. She also served as a role model of hard work, as the first black female dean at a nationally ranked medical institution, while also conducting immense research, and even publishing 135 papers during her career.

Jane also took time out of her busy schedule to assist the future generation of scientists, whether that be by teaching at universities or co-founding institutions, such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (which provides funds for post-fellowship doctors to conduct research).

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Sucheta Kriplani (1908 - 1974) Politics

Indian Freedom Fighter and Politician

Sucheta is India’s first woman Chief Minister. She served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. She was not just a politician, but also a freedom fighter who fought for India's independence. She belonged to the Indian National Congress (INC) party.

She is also the founder of the All India Mahila Congress, also known as Mahila Congress. One of her most notable accomplishments was the successful management of the state employees' 62-day strike.

“Thousands of women have participated in the various struggles of the Congress, but women had not been properly organised so far, and there was no woman’s organisation, parallel to, or as part of, the Congress’s organisation.” - Sucheta Kriplani

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Ada Lovelace (1815 - 1852) STEM

English Mathematician, The First Computer Programmer

Celebrated as the world’s first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace’s creation of an algorithm to compute Bernoulli numbers provided the foundation for the first modern computers. Ada’s artistic passion and technological skills allowed her to envision a machine that was capable of more than simple calculations. She imagined a world in which machines could not only execute complex mathematical operations, but also have the potential to compose music, create paintings, and manipulate sound. Alongside Charles Babbage, she developed the concept of the Analytical Engine: a multipurpose machine that was reprogrammable and able to perform a variety of mathematical operations.

“Mathematical science shows what is. It is the language of unseen relations between things. But to use and apply that language, we must be able fully to appreciate, to feel to seize the unseen, the unconscious. - Ada Lovelace

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Maria Goeppert Mayer (1906 - 1972) Humanities

German Theoretical Physicist, Nobel Prize Laureate

Doctor Maria Goeppert Mayer was the second woman to receive a Nobel Prize in physics for her ground-breaking model of nucleon structure within atoms. Mayer overcame the gender barriers that restricted all women during her time period and proved that her contributions were just as valid as those of her male colleagues.

“Winning the prize wasn’t halfway as exciting as doing the work itself.” - Maria Goeppert Mayer

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Anna Chandy (1905 - 1996) Politics

First Female Judge in India

Anna Chandy was one of the women who ignited the fire of the feminist movement, and carried the blaze throughout her life.

She was the first female high court judge of India, as well as of the whole of the (then) British commonwealth. She founded a magazine called ‘Shrimati,’ in 1930 to spread ideas of women’s freedom, rights, and equality. Throughout her life Anna Chandy stood as a beacon of hope for women around the world by raising her voice against gender discrimination. She inspired millions to stand up for what is right and left a lasting legacy as a trailblazer.

“Many of our sister-Malayalees have property rights, voting rights, employment and honours, financial independence. But how many have control over their own bodies? How many women have been condemned to depths of feelings of inferiority because of the foolish idea that women’s body is an instrument for the pleasure of men?“ - Anna Chandy

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Mary Harris Smith (1844 - 1934) Business

First Female Accountant turned Entrepreneur

Mary Harris was the first female chartered accountant in the world and was a female pioneer within the field of accounting. She was also one of the most significant British suffragettes during the 19th century. She believed that women should have equal status as men in every field of work and abided by this belief her whole life. She was the first female fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the third individual to be commemorated by a blue plaque in London.

“Require of me what you would require of a man and I will fulfill it.” —Mary Harris Smith, 1895 “The Women’s Signal” Magazine.

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Jacinda Ardern (1980 - Present) Politics

Prime Minister of New Zealand and Leader of the Laborer Party

Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern currently serves as the head of New Zealand's Labor Party since August 2017, becoming the Prime Minister of New Zealand in October of that same year. At the age of 41, Ardern’s accomplishments are lengthy, yet remarkable; in addition to being the youngest head of state, she has garnered national acclaim for her COVID efforts in New Zealand, been the first Prime Minister to march in a Pride event, been the second female leader in history to have a baby in office, and been recognized for her efforts in creating a free education system.

She continues to serve as the Prime Minister with surging approval ratings, as she showcases an exemplary courage in leadership. She continues to uphold her party’s policies, striving for reductions in the country’s carbon footprint, eradicating child poverty, increasing mental health support, and is an active advocate for pride.

Forbes ranked Prime Minister Ardern 32nd in its 2020 issue of, “World’s Most Powerful Women In Politics,” for her continued leadership of “introducing over 100 measures to block the spread of Covid-19 back in January.”

"To me, leadership is not about necessarily being the loudest in the room, but instead being the bridge, or the thing that is missing in the discussion and trying to build a consensus from there.” - Jacinda Ardern

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Dorothy Hodgkin (1910 - 1994) STEM

English Chemist and Crystallographer

Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin was an English chemist who used x-ray crystallography to discover the 3-dimensional structures of penicillin, vitamin B₁₂, and insulin. At a time when crystallography was one of the few fields in chemistry that welcomed women, Hodgkin managed to thrive and make a name for herself through continuous hard work and the formation of a reputation in the international scientific community that reflected her brilliance and skill.

Throughout her career, Hodgkin was a member of several prestigious scientific societies, such as the Royal Netherlands Academy of Science and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She also won numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize, the Copley Medal, and the Order of Merit. She was one of the first women to win these awards and receive recognition by the scientific community for her work.

An interesting fact about Dorothy Hodgkin is that while she described herself as being “captured for life by chemistry and by crystals,” she maintained strong interests in archaeology, participating in an excavation of Jerash before college. She also loved poetry and was known to memorize lines from Tennyson and Browning.

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Harriet Tubman (1820 - 1913) Humanities

Abolitionist, Conductor of the Underground Railroad Network and the “Moses of Her People.”

Harriet Tubman was a prominent figure of the abolitionist movement. Born into slavery, she dedicated her entire life saving other enslaved people. At the age of 12, she helped a fugitive enslaved person flee, resulting in a lifelong head injury. Later, she embarked on perilous journeys and led dozens of enslaved people to freedom along the Underground Railroad Network. During the Civil War, she helped free 700 enslaved people by spying in territories of Confederate states. Through her achievements, Harriet became known as the “Moses of Her People”.

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman

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Marie Curie (1867 - 1934) STEM

Polish-French physicist

Marie Curie is a pioneering scientist best known for her work on radioactivity, a term which she and her husband coined during the 20th century. Curie made history on several occasions as the first woman to ever win a Nobel Prize and the first person to win two Nobel Prizes. Additionally, she was the first woman to get a Ph.D. from a French University - the University of Paris. Her main discoveries were the ability to isolate the radioactive elements which came from pitchblende.

After her husband's death, she replaced him as a professor at Sorbonne University (metonymically known as the University of Paris), where she became the first female professor, once again making history as she became the first woman to teach at the University.

“A scientist in his laboratory is not a mere technician: he is also a child confronting natural phenomena that impress him as though they were fairy tales.” - Marie Curie

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Empress Theodora (497/500 C.E. - 548 C.E.) Politics

Empress of the Byzantine Empire

Theodora was the Empress of the Byzantine Empire and ruled alongside Emperor Justinian I. Although not official, she was widely regarded as his co-ruler with an equal political and intellectual partnership. She is known as one of the most influential women in history. Coming from a lowly social status as a prostitute, she enacted real change once given political power and high social status as a result of her marriage. During their reign, she strove to further the rights of women, and protect Monophysites from religious persecution.

Despite her accomplishments, Theodora’s history is surrounded by intrigue about possible political scandals. However, many of these are a result of the most prominent source of her history being from Byzantine historian Procopius’ Secret History, who openly disliked her and included speculation and few facts.

“I do not care whether or not it is proper for a woman to give brave counsel to frightened men; but in moments of extreme danger, conscience is the only guide.” - Empress Theodora

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Kadambini Ganguly (1861 - 1923) Humanities

Symbol of Bengali Women’s Liberation

Kadambini Ganguly was the first female Indian and South Asian surgeon trained in Western medicine and one of the first female graduates of an Indian graduate school. She was the first female practitioner of Western medicine within South Asia and one of the first six women to participate in the National Congress of India. She also helped organize the women’s conference in India after the partition of India. She was the first woman to be admitted to Calcutta Medical College and paved the way for women in South Asia in the field of medicine. Her lectures made Calcutta Medical College open its doors to women, and she was the first female speaker at the National Congress of India.

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Elsa Schiaparelli (1890 - 1973) Arts

Experimental and Groundbreaking Fashion Designer

Existing in the same stratosphere as the legendary Coco Chanel, Elsa Shiaparelli was a lesser-known but equally influential and creative presence in the fashion and art community. She encapsulated Surrealism through bold patterns, prints, and avant-garde clothing features. A woman of a broad social culture and wild imagination, Elsa Schiaparelli paved the way for generations of eccentric and ultramodern artists.

Schiaparelli has been credited as a major influence on the beginning of other fashion empires, including the renowned Yves Saint Laurent. Many of Schiaparelli’s clothing pieces are displayed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Collection today, after being showcased at The Brooklyn Museum.

“In difficult times, fashion is always outrageous.” - Elsa Schiaparelli

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Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson (1990 - Present) Arts

English Actress and Activist

Emma Watson is best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films. She is not only an amazing actor, but also a social advocate and Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations.

Watson launched the “He For She” campaign in 2014 to include people of all gender identities in the conversation of gender equality and educate men in the topic of gender equality.

Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, has stated that Emma Watson is her inspiration.

“Feminism is not a stick with which to beat other women with. It’s about freedom. It’s about liberation. It’s about equality.” – Emma Watson

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Amrita Sher-Gil (1913 - 1941) Arts

Indian-Hungarian Painter

Amrita Sher-Gil was a Hungarian-Indian painter, known for being "one of the greatest avant-garde women artists of the early 20th century" and a "pioneer" in modern Indian art. She dealt with the questions of gender, identity, and sexuality, and incorporated feminist feelings and engagements through her art. She began professionally learning art and painting at the young age of 8 and traveled all across Europe as a young woman. The fusion of Western and Indian artistic styles can be seen through her work.

She first gained recognition at the age of 19 for her oil painting titled Young Girls in 1932.

“Although I studied, I have never been taught painting because I possess in my psychological makeup a peculiarity that resents any outside interference.” -Amrita Sher-Gil

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Maria Lacerda de Moura (1887 - 1945) Humanities

Brazilian Individualist Feminist

Maria Lacerda de Moura was a Brazilian individualist feminist. She was known for being a rebel and was the first Brazilian feminist to express her thoughts in newspaper, review, and book form.

She was one of the first Brazilian feminists and is considered a precursor of the anarcho-feminism movement in the country. She was a teacher, poet, intellectual, and activist. She was also vegetarian and known for being extremely firm in her anti-capitalist and anti-clerical positions.

She wrote more than 20 books in her lifetime and was considered a thinker and an intellectual pioneer by the antifacist movement during her time.

"In times like today, no one is born with closed eyes," she wrote in The Woman is a Degenerate.

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Grace Hopper (1906 - 1992) STEM

Computer Scientist, US Navy Admiral, and Recipient of the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom

Grace Hopper was one of the very few first women to receive her Ph.D. in mathematics. She was known for designing Mark I, II, and III, which started the evolution of electronic computers. Finally, she was known for being one of the longest-serving soldiers in the Navy, retiring at 79 years of age.

Grace Hopper continues to influence the lives of many to this day, as there is a celebration/conference dedicated to her in her name, where women all around the world come together to inform others on their experiences in the tech field.

“The most dangerous phrase in the language is, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’” -Grace Hopper

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Dewi Sartika (1884 - 1947) Humanities

Indonesian Women’s Rights Advocate

Dewi Sartika was a pioneer for women’s education in Indonesia. As a child, Sartika demonstrated a passion for education, yet noticed that girls were scarcely enrolled in school for proper education. In 1904, she victoriously built a school exclusively for teenage girls known originally as Sekolah Istri at the age of 20 years old. The school flourished across the region and inspired women to pursue their dreams, just as Sartika did. After her immense work fighting and advocating for the emancipation of women in 1966, Dewi Sartika was considered a national hero.

“Hanya dengan pendidikan kita akan tumbuh menjadi suatu bangsa.” -Dewi Sartika

“Only with education can we grow into one nation.” -Dewi Sartika

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Susi Pudjiastuti (1965 - Present) Politics

Former Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and Entrepreneur

As one of the women who received the opportunity to be an Indonesian Minister, Susi Pudjiastuti is praised for her work as Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries from 2014 to 2019. Additionally, she earned the title of an entrepreneur through her ownership of PT ASI Pudjiastuti Marine Product and Susi Air. This incredible woman is renowned for having a highly impactful, inspirational, and independent spirit.

“Dream as high as possible. There is a cost to make that dream come true. The cost to achieve that dream is through hard work, passion, and commitment.” -Susi Pudjiastuti

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Devi Ahilyabai Holkar (1725 - 1795) Politics

Prominent Ruler of Malwa Kingdom and Politician

Ahilyabai Holkar was the hereditary noble sardar of the Maratha Empire in India. Holkar was born in the village of Chondi in Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. She moved the seat of her fiefdom to Maheshwar south of Indore on the Narmada River.

John Keay, the British historian, gave her the title of ‘The Philosopher Queen.’ He said in her praise: ‘Ahilyabai Holkar, the philosopher-queen of Malwa, had evidently been an acute observer of the wider political scene.’ The Queen of Malwa was not only a brave queen and skilled ruler but also a learned politician.

A year after her father died, she took over the affairs of Holkar fief. She tried to protect her land from plundering invaders and personally led armies into battle. Holkar was a great pioneer and builder of Hindu temples. She built hundreds of temples and Dharmashalas throughout India.

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Alexandra Asamasoebrata (1988 - Present) Sports

Indonesia’s First Female Race Car Driver

Alexandra Asmasoebrata is widely known as Indonesia’s first female race car driver. When she was just 12 years old, Asmasoebrata began her career as a Go Kart 60 cc racer, setting desires to become a professional racer. This desire became true and led her to great achievements throughout her entire career, while representing Indonesia. In light of her success, she was awarded an award from MURI (Museum Rekor Indonesia) as Indonesia’s first woman race car driver, corresponding to Kartini Day.

“Always have the courage to try and don’t be afraid of failure. Try, and you’ll know.” -Alexandra Asmasoebrata

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Valentina Tereshkova (1937 - Present) STEM

Russian Astronaut, Engineer, and Politician

Valentina Tereshkova was the first and youngest woman to go to space, with a solo mission on June 16th, 1963, in the Vostok 6. Tereshkova reported no interest in becoming a cosmonaut prior to her mission, but she was chosen anyway for the Russian space program because of her history as a skydiver. She was one of five out of four hundred female candidates to be chosen to go to space. Tereshkova only went on one spaceflight in her lifetime. However, her spaceflight amassed more space flight hours than the combined hours of American astronauts who had flown before her, and she is the only woman to do a solo space flight. After her cosmonaut career, Tereshkova became a well-known representative of the Soviet Union and became a member of the World Peace Council in 1966.

Her most impressive award for her flight was the Hero of the Soviet Union medal. Besides being an accomplished astronaut, she has been recognized for her work as an engineer and politician. She currently serves on the Russian State Duma as a deputy chairperson of the Committee on the Federal Structure and Local Government.

“If women can be railroad workers in Russia, why can’t they fly in space?” -Valentina Tereshkova

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Dr. Yvonne Sylvain (1907 - 1989) Humanities

First Female Haitian Doctor, Social Advocate, and Writer

YDr. Yvonne Sylvain is a distinguished figure in the Haitian community. In the mid-20th century, she was the first female doctor in Haiti and the first woman to be accepted into medical school at the University of Haiti. After graduating, she worked as a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at Port-au-Prince General Hospital. Sylvain used her influence to advocate for the inequalities in Haitian society and raise awareness of public health issues.

Sylvaine was also highly active in the Women's Suffrage movement, Ligue Féminine D'action Sociale. She even published several articles on public health in the Ligue's news outlet, La Voix des Femmes. Although she is mostly known for her work in the medical field, Sylvain was also very passionate about art and culture.

Fun Fact: Her sister, Suzanne Comhaire-Sylvain, is Haiti’s first female anthropologist.

“We must not let these people die for lack of treatment” -Yvonne Sylvain

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Mabel Ping-Hua Lee (1896 - 1966) Humanities

Activist, Feminist, and First Chinese Woman to receive a Ph.D. in the U.S.

Mabel Ping-Hua Lee was a significant figure in contributing to women’s rights to vote. At a young age, Lee was involved in activism where she, on horseback, led a women’s suffrage march of 10,000 people. In 1917, Lee led another march, but this time the participants were mostly Chinese women advocating for the right to vote and gender equality. Lee dedicated her life to fighting for women’s suffrage and equality, writing essays, publishing a book, and making speeches.

Lee, in fact, did not directly benefit from her activism, but her determination and effort made sure other women did. Lee was a Chinese immigrant, and at that time, the Chinese Exclusion Act did not allow Chinese immigrants to become U.S. citizens, prohibiting them from being able to vote. However, this did not deter Lee as she continued to educate herself and her community, becoming the first-ever Chinese woman to earn a Ph.D. in the United States.

“For no nation can ever make real and lasting progress in civilization unless its women are following close to its men if not actually abreast with them.” -Mabel Ping-Hua Lee

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Alice Therese Emma Schalek (1874 - 1956) Humanities

Austrian Journalist, Photographer, Author, Globetrotter and War Correspondent

Alice Schalek was Austria’s first female war correspondent and the only woman in the Austro-Hungarian Empire to be accredited to the Kriegspressequartier (War Press Office) during World War I. Her articles and public lectures on life on the front lines and her travels around the world were both popular and controversial. Schalek gained both acclaim and criticism through her unique style and personal involvement with her work. Schalek observed some of the bloodiest and most futile battles in what was, at the time, by far the most horrendous war the world had ever known. Even though she had no tradition of war reporting to fall back on and struggled to make sense of the genocidal madness she saw, she fought for her place in the male-dominated domain of journalism and photography.

“It’s strange that fear rises when the [artillery] barrage lets up. To be afraid, you have to have time. When your thoughts are fully occupied fear finds no place to lodge. But when a moment of quiet comes and you don’t know what will happen next, then you often lose your inner composure. Then you start wishing for your own death, just so that the strain on the nerves will end.” -Alice Schalek

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Yumi Ishikawa (1987 - Present) Humanities

Japanese Actress, Writer, and Feminist Activist

Actress, model, writer, and part-time funeral parlor worker, Yumi Ishikawa pioneered the #KuToo movement, which was the movement against the discriminatory high heel policy in Japan. It is part of the larger movement about gender equality in the workplace. In many countries around the world, women are required to wear high heels to work. This takes a toll on their physical health, as it is sometimes extremely painful to wear high heels for 5-8 hours straight. After she saw how much other women were also suffering, she collected 150,000 signatures in a petition to let women choose their own footwear in the office and presented it to the Japanese government. Even though she was ultimately unsuccessful, Yumi raised awareness for this issue and effectively shed light on gender discrimination in the corporate world.

She was included in the BBC’s 100 Women list in 2019 for her efforts and continues to fight against gender inequality in Japan.

“I was unashamed in my fight.” -Yumi Ishikawa, referring to the #KuToo movement

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Chien-Shiung Wu (1912 - 1997) STEM

Nuclear Physicist

Chien-Shiung Wu was a nuclear physicist and professor who provided the first evidence that disproved the Law of Conservation of Parity under the Wu experiment. However, she was excluded from the Nobel Prize award despite providing crucial evidence for disproving this law.

Wu was a key contributor to the Manhattan Project, helping develop the first atomic bomb. Her book, “Beta Decay,” became the standard reference for nuclear physicists. Chien-Shiung Wu became the first female instructor at Princeton, the first tenured female professor in Columbia University’s physics department, and the first female to win several science awards in her field. Wu spent her later years devoted to programs in the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, and the United States to encourage more women to pursue science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics.

"I wonder whether the tiny atoms and nuclei, or the mathematical symbols, or the DNA molecules have any preference for either masculine or feminine treatment.” -Chien-Shiung Wu

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Ana Betancourt (1832 - 1901) Politics

Cuban Political Figure and Revolutionary

One of the first known feminists in Cuba, Ana Betancourt became an important female figure in the fight for independence in her country. Her work as a Mambisa, or female rebel, against the Spanish colonists proved women’s contributions during the war. To recognize the importance of her impact, Cuba later established the Ana Betancourt Medal to be given to women who demonstrate anti-imperialist fidelity and radical energy as well as internationalist merit.

“Citizens: here everything was enslaving: the cradle, the color and the sex. You want to destroy the slavery of the cradle, fighting until death. You have destroyed the slavery of color, emancipating the slave. The moment has arrived to liberate the woman!” -Ana Betancourt

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Anasuya Sarabhai (1885 - 1972) Humanities

Leader of the Indian Labour Movement, First Female Trade Union Leader in India, and Social Advocate

Anasuya Sarabhai was the first female trade union leader in India as well as the founder of Ahmedabad Textile, the oldest union of Indian textile workers. Although she grew up in a fairly affluent household, she encountered many difficulties in her life. Both of her parents died when she was just nine years old, which forced her into an unhappy arranged marriage by her uncle at the age of 13. As a result, she was also barred from going to school. Despite these hardships, Sarabhai traveled to England on her own to pursue an education. There, she found her calling to help others and returned to India to work with disempowered communities.

Anasuya Sarabhai deserves to be recognized for pioneering the labour movement in India and helping lead the feminist movement there. Unfortunately, she is not widely known or talked about, especially in many western countries.

“These words filled me with horror. This was the kind of slavery mill workers faced! What could I do to change this situation? Then I found out that even children worked double shifts. That troubled me to no end. I decided to do something to stop this” -Anasuya Sarabhai

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Stacey Abrams (1973 - Present) Humanities

Author, Activist, Lawyer, Congresswoman, and American Politician

Although Stacey Abrams is no novice in the political arena, her activism during the 2020 Presidential Election established her as a household name. Abrams is the first woman to pilot any party in the Georgia General Assembly and the first African American person to be the House Minority Leader in the Georgia House of Representatives.

One of Abrams’s most prestigious awards is the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award, which recognizes an elected authority under the age of 40 whose service displays the significance of elective public service as a method to combat public challenges.

In her book, Our Time Is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America, Abrams recalls, “because I learned long ago that winning doesn’t always mean you get the prize. Sometimes you get progress, and that counts.”

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Beverley Bass (1952 - Present) STEM

Captain and Co-Founder of the International Society of Women Airline Pilots

Beverley Bass is the first female captain for the American Airlines and the third female to be hired as a pilot for American Airlines. She co-founded the International Society of Women Airline Pilots and is a starring character in the musical “Come From Away.” Her perseverance has helped her become a pioneer in aviation and a champion in hard work.

“If they respected me as a pilot, and they respected my abilities, then I was no different than a guy.” -Beverley Bass

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Harriet Chalmers Adams (1875 - 1937) STEM

American Geographer

Harriet Chalmers was one of the most celebrated American explorers from 1904 until her death in 1937. She was an expert on Latin America. and her knowledge was valued by both government and business sectors, as well as in academic circles. Adams was one of the first American women elected to membership status in the Royal Geographic Society of London (1913). She was a prolific writer, contributing twenty-one articles to the National Geographic Magazine. Although she enjoyed widespread fame during her lifetime, she is virtually unknown in the history of geography. Adams, and many female contemporaries, are missing from geographical history and the history of exploration.

In the early 20th century, Adams figured out what millions of people on social media and crowdsourcing sites still contemplate today: How do you make a living from your adventures? She logged over 100,000 miles—the equivalent of traveling four times around the circumference of the world—all before trans-Atlantic commercial airlines existed. And she was paid for it.

“I’ve never found my sex a hinderment; never faced a difficulty, which a woman, as well as a man, could not surmount; never felt a fear of danger; never lacked courage to protect myself. I’ve been in tight places and have seen harrowing things,” -Harriet Chalmers Adams

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Comandista Elisa (1955 - Present) Humanities

Mexican Activist and Former Member of the Zapatista Army

Subcomandante Elisa, born as María Gloria Benavides Guevara, is a Mexican activist and former member of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation, or the Zapatistas. As a subcomandante, or sub-commander, she served an important leadership role translating for Catholic peasants and fighting for social change against Mexico’s repressive standards for womxn and indigenous groups. Despite enduring multiple house raids, a wrongful arrest, and state-sponsored torture, she continued to lead the Zapatistas towards a more egalitarian future. She is currently a professor at the Autonomous University of Social Movements, an alternative education program centered around Mexican social movements.

"In the Zapatista army, men and women get along. There is democracy, there is justice, there is everything there...[W]e live together with men and do the same work.... That is what we are looking for right now. Because as a peasant woman the government does not recognize us. The woman is always down, and the man is always the boss, but right now we see that what the government says is not true. Women can also do the jobs, they can also take charge, they can also lead the same as men, that's why we are fighting so that women also have that opportunity to do those jobs." -Comandista Elisa

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Mai Bhago Ji (1666 - 1708) Politics

Female Sikh Warrior

Mai Bhago Ji was the first known Sikh woman in history to fight in a war, becoming a trailblazer for many other warriors, female and male, and for Sikh women.

On top of being the only woman in the Sikh forces during the war between Mughals and Sikhs, she was the only Sikh soldier who remained alive. Afterwards, she became a leader within the Sikh community as she was given the honor to become a bodyguard for the tenth guru of Sikhism.

Ji’s legacy continues to live on. Today, there are schools, colleges, various professional teams, and even an armed force named after her.

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Wilma Mankiller (1945 - 2010) Humanities

Cherokee Advocate and First Female Cherokee Chief

Wilma Mankiller was a Cherokee Nation activist and the first female Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Her work as Chief helped the Cherokee nation implement better housing and more job opportunities.

“The happiest people I've ever met, regardless of their profession, their social standing, or their economic status, are people that are fully engaged in the world around them. The most fulfilled people are the ones who get up every morning and stand for something larger than themselves. They are the people who care about others, who will extend a helping hand to someone in need or will speak up about an injustice when they see it.” -Wilma Mankiller

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Frances Oldham Kelsey (1914 - 2015) STEM

American Pharmacologist and Physician

Frances Oldham Kelsey was a Canadian-born American pharmacologist and physician. Kelsey was credited as the woman who prevented thousands of babies in the United States from being born with severe birth defects and abnormalities. She also strengthened laws and regulations regarding drug development and held an essential role in maintaining drug safety in the United States. During her lifetime and career as a female in the field of science, she broke gender stereotypes and showed that a woman can succeed in male dominated fields.

"Good scientists are almost invariably good writers, and that poor writing is often a sign of poor science." -Frances Oldham Kelsey

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Denise Soesilo (1987 - Present) Sports

Former Olympian, Drone Expert, and Co-Founder of Outsight

Denise Soesilo is a German expert in Unmanned Aerial Systems and avid environmental activist. Soesilo is a former German National Hockey team member and Olympian.

Soesilo played on the Women’s Hockey Team at Yale University, eventually receiving her degree in Environmental Studies with a focus on industrial ecology. After graduation, she received a Masters Degree in Environmental Management with a focus on forest management, agriculture, and plant physiology from Yale University.

Soesilo is a co-founder of Outsight, an organization that focuses on using technology such as drones to provide global humanitarian and environmental assistance.

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Dr. Irene Ayako Uchida (1917 - 2013) STEM

Geneticist and Pioneer of Canadian Cytogenetics

Dr. Irene Uchida was a pioneering Japanese Canadian geneticist of the 20th century, overcoming anti-Japanese racism to advance her career. She most notably discovered a link between levels of radiation exposure in mothers and rates of Down syndrome in their children. She also developed the first diagnostic blood test in Canada to karyotype infants’ chromosomes, thus founding Canada’s first cytogenetics program. Throughout her career, Uchida published nearly 100 medical papers.

Dr. Uchida was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1993, the second highest honour for merit in Canada. She was also awarded honorary Doctorates of Science from McMaster University and the University of Western Ontario.

“Science is a rewarding and challenging career. Young people going into science must keep an open mind to all ideas in an effort to find every possible way to help people.” -Dr. Irene Uchida

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Sri Mulyani (1962 - Present) Politics

Indonesian Minister of Finance and Former Chief Operating Officer of World Bank

Sri Mulyani Indrawati currently serves as Indonesia’s Minister of Finance, after her role as COO in the World Bank. She received immense credit for improving Indonesia’s economy, but has also used her platform to promote gender equality. Acknowledging her spectacular work, Forbes ranked Sri Mulyani as 23rd in a list of the most influential women of the world, while Globe Asia Magazine presented her with the title of the most powerful woman in Indonesia.

“Women are emerging as a major force for change. Countries that have invested in girls' education and removed legal barriers that prevent women from achieving their potential are now seeing the benefits.” -Sri Mulyani Indrawati

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Franziska Tiburtius (1843 - 1927) STEM

Physician and Education Advocate

Franziska Tiburtius was a German physician and an activist for educational equity. After studying at the University of Zurich in Switzerland, she attempted to become a doctor, but the government denied her of a medical license because she was a woman. However, Tiburtius persevered and created the Berlin Clinic of Women Doctors. Despite facing extreme discimination, she practiced medicine for most of her life and created the Surgery Clinic for Women Doctors, which focused its care on women without health insurance.

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Lin Lanying (1918 - 2003) STEM

Chinese Electrical Engineer, Materials Scientist, Physicist, and “Mother of Aerospace Materials and Semiconductor Materials”

Lin Lanying was a researcher for the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), then for the Institute of Semiconductors CAS. She produced China’s first monocrystalline silicon and the furnace made to extract the silicon, as well as China’s first monocrystalline gallium arsenide. She started a new research field of micro-gravitational semiconductor materials and captivated the world’s attention with her research on space growth of gallium arsenide crystals and its properties. Under her leadership, high purity vapor and liquid phase epitaxy were produced and reached an advanced level according to international standards. She was elected Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and became the vice president of the China Association for Science and Technology. Her research and work would lay the foundation for the development of microelectronics and optoelectronics for years to come.

“Can someone give me another ten years? In ten years, I can definitely finish what I am doing and I can die with no regrets!” -Lin Lanying

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Juana “La Avanzadora” Ramirez (1790 - 1856) Politics

Venezuelan Revolutionary

Ramirez was born into slavery and is remembered as a soldier and leader in the Venezuelan War of Independence. As a revolutionary, she led a fully female group against Spanish soldiers who aimed to conquer the state as a colony. Ramirez is considered a notable Venezuelan native and worked for independence in Guarico, a Northern region of Venezuela. In the early 2010s, Juana Ramirez became the first black woman to have their final resting place be at the National Pantheon of Venezuela and have a ceremony of remembrance at the National Heroes Mausoleum.

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Leila Ahmed (1940 - Present) Humanities

Scholar, Professor, and Author

Dedicated to exploring the experiences of Muslim women, Leila Ahmed has published a myriad of books and articles delving into intersectionality, in regards to feminism and religion. Ahmed encourages the demolition of linear judgement; her work is a testament to the power of multidimensional philosophy.

“Generations of astute, thoughtful women, listening to the Koran understood perfectly well its essential themes and its faith. And looking around them, they understood perfectly well, too, what a travesty men had made of it.” -Leila Ahmed

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Na Hye-seok (1896 - 1948) Arts

Feminist Writer, Painter, and Korean Independence Activist

Na Hye-seok was the first Korean woman to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Western painting. She became a prominent oil painter in Korea and has produced more than three hundred paintings. She wrote many feminist essays and novels and launched the first-ever feminist magazine for women by women in Korea. In addition, she was actively involved in the Korean independence movement against the Japanese colonial rule.

“First of all I am a human being. Then I am a woman. This means that I am a human being before being a woman. Moreover, I belong to the universal human race before being a woman. I belong to the universal human race before being a Korean woman.” -Na Hye-Seok in her short story Kyong Hui

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Joan Clarke (1917 - 1996) Politics

English Cryptanalyst, Code-Breaker and Numismatis

Joan Clarke was an important individual during World War II, as she played an integral part in code-breaking Nazi Germany’s secret communications. Her mathematical abilities won her scholarships, degrees, and she was noticed by one of the top four mathematicians at Bletchley Park.

Clarke was recruited to work at Bletchley Park in 1940, serving as one of two female codebreakers. She was initially placed in a group of women to do clerical work, but once her code-breaking abilities were discovered, she became a staple of the team that broke the German Enigma. After the war, Clarke worked for the Government Communications Headquarters, researched coinage, and helped historians study the war-time code-breaking achievements of Bletchley Park. Due to the secrecy in the cryptanalytic field, the full extent of her achievements is unknown.

Because of her code-breaking achievements during the war, Joan Clarke was appointed a Member of the British Empire and because of her numismatic achievements, Clarke was awarded the Sanford Saltus Medal.

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Melchora Aquino (1812 - 1917) Politics

Filipina Revolutionary and National Hero

Melchora Aquino is known by many names. Mother of the Balintawak, Grand Woman of the Revolution and Mother of the Philippine Revolution are some of her titles, but by far, her most popular moniker is “Tandang Sora.” Tandang Sora is an unsung hero of the Philippine revolution, one long forgotten in history which occurred in the late 1890s.

Though Tandang Sora never received awards or achievements for her part in the war during the time she was alive, she is honored posthumously as a national hero.

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Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (1952 - Present) Politics

First Latina elected to US Congress and First Republican to Publicly Support Marriage Equality Act

In 1989, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was the first Hispanic woman to be elected to Congress. She was a member of Congress for almost three decades and represents a congressional district in South Florida. Ros-Lehtinen is from Havana, Cuba and has strongly voiced her opposition towards the Cuban government as she fights for the people’s freedom, democracy, and human rights. She made clear her opposition to dictatorships in Cuba, to the point where Fidel Castro gave her the nickname, “la Loba Feroz,” which translates to the “Ferocious She Wolf.”

Ros-Lehtinen is a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community, which is apparent in her constant support for her transgender son, Rodrigo. In 2012, she was the first Republican to support marriage equality. She believes that it is important to accept your children for who they are and show unconditional love and support. Ros-Lehtinen has been a strong voice and congresswoman on Capitol Hill and has shown time and again that her work is not about politics or partisanship, but about people.

In 2018, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen decided to not seek re-election for Congress. Ros-Lehtinen was loved by her constituents, but retiring was a personal decision. While she is grateful to the United States and her constituents for giving her the opportunity to live a career of purpose and love, there are new adventures that await her in her personal life.

“The issue of marriage equality, that was something the whole country had evolved on. Now it’s so accepted within our society, and I think it makes us a better county. If more members of our party listened to their hearts and acted on that, I think we would be better off.” -Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

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Jocelyn Bell Burnell (1943 - Present) STEM

Astrophysicist, Advocate, and the First Person to Discover Pulsars

Joceyln Bell Burnell was only a graduate student at Cambridge University when she discovered pulsars, which are spinning neutron stars that release radio waves. Her scientific findings revolutionized the field of astrophysics in the 20th century and provided further evidence for the theory of relativity and detecting gravitational waves. She is credited as one of the world’s greatest living scientists despite the sexism that casted doubt on her abilities to be a scientific pioneer. Burnell revolutionized the field of astrophysics and shifted her focus between teaching, researching, and increasing the number of women in STEM fields after her discovery.

Burnell is credited with “one of the most significant scientific achievements of the 20th century.”

“When I started secondary school, it was assumed that the girls would do domestic science and the boys would do science, and I wasn't too happy with that.” -Jocelyn Bell Burnell

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Sudha Murthy (1950 - Present) STEM

Chairperson (Infosys Foundation), Author, Computer Scientist and Engineer, and Social Worker

Sudha Murthy was the first woman to attend an engineering college and graduate school in India. She is also an Indian social worker and author who balances her professional career as a computer scientist and engineering teacher. She is the chairperson of Infosys Foundation, a non-profit established by her husband’s company Infosys Technologies, that supports programs in education and development, and has also authored many short stories and novels.

She was awarded the Padma Shri Award—the fourth-highest civilian award in the Republic of India—in 2006 for her social work, as well as the R.K. Narayan Award for Literature in 2006 and the Attimabbe Award from the Government of Karnataka for excellence in Kannada literature in 2011. Despite these achievements, she never let fame and money get to her head and said, “[m]oney is one thing which rarely unites and mostly divides people.”

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Anna Komnene (1083 - 1153 C.E.) Humanities

Byzantine Princess, Physician, and the First Female Historian

Anna Komnene was a Byzantine princess, physician, and is widely regarded as the first female historian. She is most notable for her several volume-long work, Alexiad, which discusses her father Alexios I Komnenos’ reign.

Komnene’s work is one of the only remaining accurate sources describing the events of the First Crusade and the reign of her father, making her account invaluable to the current information database about that time, despite some bias in favor of Komnene’s father and some chronological mistakes.

“Time in its irresistible and ceaseless flow carries along on its flood all created things and drowns them in the depths of obscurity. . . . But the tale of history forms a very strong bulwark against the stream of time, and checks in some measure its irresistible flow, so that, of all things done in it, as many as history has taken over it secures and binds together, and does not allow them to slip away into the abyss of oblivion.” - Anna Komnene

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Dr. Kamala Sohonie (1912 - 1998) STEM

Biochemist and the First Indian Woman to Earn a PhD in a Scientific Discipline

Dr. Kamala Sohonie paved the way for women studying science in India and across the world. She was the first woman to work as a researcher at the Indian Institute of Science and the first Indian woman to complete a PhD in a scientific discipline.

Her research into the nutrition of common food groups improved the health of malnourished people in India, particularly pregnant women and children.

“The bias against women was so bad at that time. What can one expect if even a Nobel Laureate behaves in such a way?” -Dr Kamala Sohonie, discussing the way she was treated by Professor C. V. Raman whilst working at the Indian Institute of Science.

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Trưng Trằc and Trưng Nhi (12 C.E. - 43 C.E.) Politics

Vietnamese Military Leaders and First Female Vietnamese Monarchs

Trưng Trằc and Trưng Nhi were sisters known as the heroines and leaders of the first Vietnamese independence movement from the Han Dynasty of China. When the Chinese government killed Trưng Trằc’s husband, Thi Sách, for starting a rebellion, the sisters decided to continue and take over the rebellion against the tyrant rule in Vietnam. Skilled in military techniques and fighting styles, they led an army of 80,000, mostly consisting of women, against the Han Dynasty and established an independent state for 3 years under Trưng Trằc’s rule.

The Vietnamese people hailed them as “the queens of the Vietnamese nation” and called Trằc as Trưng Vương or “She-king Trưng.”

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Maryam Mirzakhani (1977 - 2014) STEM

Fields Medal Winner, Mathematician, Professor

Maryam Mirzakhani was an Iranian mathematician who became the first woman and first Iranian to be awarded the high honor of a Fields Medal, the equivalent of a Nobel Prize in the field of mathematics. As a paragon of intellectualism, raw talent, and humility, she is an icon to many aspiring mathematicians as well as a pioneer in the fields of hyperbolic geometry, dynamics, and more.

She was a professor of mathematics at both Princeton and Stanford University. She conducted research on Teichmüller theory, hyperbolic theory, and rational billboards. Her famous career in academia has made invaluable contributions to the field of mathematics and society at large.

“I don’t believe that everyone should become a mathematician, but I do believe that many students don’t give mathematics a real chance.” -Maryam Mirzakhani

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Chai Ling (1966 - Present) Humanities

Student Leader at the Tiananmen Square Protests, Founder of All Girls Allowed, and Founder of Jenzabar, Inc.

Chai Ling is a former student leader of the Tiananmen Square protests, the founder of All Girls Allowed, and the founder of Jenzabar, Inc., an organization that revolutionized higher education by creating a student-focused, cloud-based learning and management system. She has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Fun Fact: She was named Glamour Woman of the Year in 1990.

“I believe greater things will come, and China will be set free.” -Chai Ling

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Rosario Castellanos (1925 - 1974) Humanities

Mexican Author, Poet, and Diplomat

Rosario Castellanos is said to be one of Mexico’s most important female writers of the twentieth century. After writing her most well known work in 1950 called Sobre cultura femenina (“On Feminine Culture”), she helped modern Mexican writers become more aware about women's issues and feminism.

Castellanos's poetry expressed powerful and authentic themes of social justice and the creation of nature. Most notably, Castellanos's novel Oficio de tinieblas ("The Book of Lamenations") is regarded as one of the most important pieces of literature for the Mexican feminist movement.

"We have to laugh. Because laughter, we already know, is the first evidence of freedom." -Rosario Castellanos

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Guo Jianmei (1960 - Present) Humanities

Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Women’s Rights Non-Profit Director

Throughout her career, Guo Jianmei has aided thousands of women in times of crisis and allowed them to receive justice. She founded multiple nonprofits for women’s rights and is one of the 1000 women who have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Additionally, she received the Simone De Beauvoir Prize in 2010, the International Women of Courage Award in 2011, and the Right Livelihood Award in 2019.

As China’s first-ever full-time public interest lawyer in legal aid, Guo has introduced pro-bono legal services for disadvantaged individuals in China. She and her team have offered legal counseling at no cost to over 120,000 Chinese women and have fought over 4000 lawsuits to advocate for women’s rights and gender equality since 1995.

Her own motivation to become a public interest lawyer comes from the fact that “so many conditions are not ripe, not to mention back then China did not even have many lawyers. To commit to this kind of work—you must be crazy!” -Guo Jianmei

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Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815 – 1902) Humanities

American Suffragist, Social Activist, and Leading Figure of the Early Women's Rights Movement

lizabeth Stanton is one of the most significant suffragettes of the American Suffrage Movement, organizing the Seneca Falls Convention in July 1848. Written by Stanton, The Declaration of Sentiments called upon women to take action and advocate for gender equality. The Declaration was signed by one hundred people at the convention. She also co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association and The Loyal League with Susan B. Anthony.

Stanton published and edited a newspaper promoting women's rights, called the Revolution. She wrote many books, including The Woman's Bible, Solitude of Self, Eighty Years and More: Reminiscences 1815-1897, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony: Correspondence, Writings and Speeches.

She spoke of women's rights before the U.S. Congress, giving a famous speech called The Solitude of Self. Her bravery has positively impacted the life of every woman in the United States.

"Whatever the theories may be of woman's dependence on man, in the supreme moments of her life, he cannot bear her burdens. In the tragedies and triumphs of human experience, each mortal stands alone." -Elizabeth Cady Stanton

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Ruby Hirose (1904 - 1960) STEM

Japanese American Biochemist

Ruby Hirose was a biochemist who pioneered the development of a vaccine to treat polio/infantile paralysis. She contributed to research on pollen extractions in the mid-1900s.

As the daughter of Japanese immigrants, Hirose faced discrimination throughout her life in America. Hirose’s family was sent to Japanese internment camps during World War II, but she was able to avoid being sent to these camps due to being in a different location than her family.

She became one of the ten women that the American Chemical Society invited to a convention of 300 members. Despite undergoing hardships throughout her life, Hirose developed important research regarding polio and furthered developments within medicine.

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Rajeshwari Chatterjee (1922 - 2010) Humanities

Scientist, Professor, and Feminist

Recognized as the first female faculty member of India’s prestigious Institute of Science, Rajeshwari Chatterjee opened the first microwave engineering lab in India and extensively contributed to the fields of science and engineering through research and teaching. She was an award-winning scientist that gave back to her community and empowered women to pursue their dreams and careers.

“I strongly feel that as scientists and engineers, lucky enough to have reached where we are, we should do whatever is possible to help others, especially other women, who are less privileged than us to study, work, and come up in any field that they wish to pursue.” -Rajeshwari Chatterjee

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Voltairine de Cleyre (1866 - 1912) Humanities

Anarchist Poet, Author, and Lecturer

Often acclaimed as one of the greatest female anarchists in America, Voltairine de Cleyre was a resolute pacifist and feminist, which influenced a majority of her work.

She taught English to immigrants in Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago, wrote for various magazines and papers, composed poetry, gave lectures, and advocated for pacifism and feminism her whole life.

“Think that your soul is strong and will hold its way; and slowly, through bitter struggle perhaps the strength will grow.” -Voltairine de Cleyre (1910)

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Theresa Kachindamoto (1959 - Present) Humanities

Activist, Leader, and Malawi Chief

After being selected to be chief of the Dezda district in central Malawi, Theresa Kachindamoto extended her local jurisdiction to lead efforts towards banning child marriage in both her locality and Malawi as a nation. In addition to having annulled over 2,549 child marriages by November of 2019, Kachindamoto outlawed sexual initiation camps in which young girls were subject to sexual abuse.

Theresa Kachindamoto worked to dissolve a culture consumed by the objectification of women and girls. She is a strong advocate for female representation in Malawian parliament and works to make education more accessible to all of Malawi’s youth, boys and girls alike.

“When girls are educated, everything is possible” -Theresa Kachindamoto

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Dolores Cacuango (1881 - 1971) Humanities

Activist and Founder of the Federación Ecuatoriana de Indios (FEI)

Cacuango was born into an unjust system for women and indigenous people, and she spent her life fighting for the rights of mistreated communities in Ecuador.

Cacunago played a key role in the historic workers’ strike at the Pesillo hacienda in Cayambe, in which workers stood up against the selling of their community’s land to wealthy landowners. She also personally led an assault on a government military base during the May 1944 Revolution in Ecuador.

Cacuango is known for her powerful speeches in Kichwa and Spanish and her activism for fair education and respect for women. She founded the Indigenous Federation of Ecuador (FEI) and established the first bilingual Indian schools.

“Somos como la paja del páramo que se arranca y vuelve a crecer y de paja de páramo sembraremos el mundo” [We are like the straw from the fells of the Andes, while you pull it out, it grows again. And with the straw from the fells we shall cover the world] -Dolores Cacuango

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Angela Davis (1944 - Present) Humanities

African American Activist, Philosopher, and Educator

Angela Davis is a prominent scholar and activist who has dedicated her life to serving underrepresented Americans. She is a staunch advocate for issues such as racial equality, prison reform, and gender equality. She became the most famed American political prisoner in 1971, when she was incarcerated for her alleged involvement with a prison escape attempt. Americans across the country protested her captivity before she was eventually acquitted on all charges. Since then, she has gone on to publish several books, including Women, Race, and Class and Violence Against Women and the Ongoing Challenge to Racism.

Davis is the infamous Angela behind the song “Angela” written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The song includes lyrics such as “they gave you everything but equality” to honor her struggle for equal rights of all citizens.

“It is in collectivities that we find reservoirs of hope and optimism.” -Angela Davis, Freedom is a Constant Struggle

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Encarnacion Alzona (1895 - 2001) Humanities

Filipina Historian, Scholar, and Suffragette

Encarnacion Alzona was the first Filipina woman to receive a doctorate, which she earned at Columbia University. Educated in the United States under the pensionado program, she returned home after earning multiple degrees to teach history at the University of the Philippines.

Alzona was critical of Western involvement in the Philippines. During American occupation, Alzona was vocal about injustices inflicted upon Filipinos by American officials, especially pertaining to women’s suffrage. Her feminist writings played a huge part in securing the vote for Filipina women in 1937.

In 1985, Alzona was named a National Scientist of the Philippines by President Marcos, the highest honor given to Filipino scientists. She co-founded the Philippine Historical Association in 1955, an organization that continues to shed light on forgotten Filipino history to this day.

"...the separation of Spain and the Philippines in 1898 was only political. The spiritual ties established between them...cannot be erased by a mere political event." -Encarnacion Alzona

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Amy Jean Klobuchar (1960 - Present) Politics

First Female Minnesota Senator and Attorney

Amy Klobuchar is an American Senator and attorney from Minnesota. She attended Yale University and went to law school at the University of Chicago. Her work is powered by the love she has for her state.

Klobuchar is the first woman to represent Minnesota in the senate. As a Senator, Klobuchar established herself as a bipartisan coordinator and liberal. In the 2020 election, Klobuchar ran for president in which she advocated for investments in infrastructure and a public option for healthcare.

“Courage means standing next to someone you don’t always agree with for the betterment of the country.” -Amy Klobuchar

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Olympe de Gouges (1783 - 1793) Humanities

French Feminist and Writer

Marie-Olympe de Gouges was a French writer active during the time of the French Revolution. She challenged conventional views on female inferiority, arguing instead that the oppression of women by men was the same as tyranny.

Olympe de Gouges's most famous work, The Rights of Women and the Female Citizen, gained her notoriety as a controversial figure. Inspired by Enlightenment thought, de Gouges participated in political and social causes, including the right to divorce, maternity hospitals, and the rights of orphaned children and unmarried mothers.

“Women, wake up; the tocsin of reason sounds throughout the universe; recognize your rights.” -Olympe de Gouges

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Sojourner Truth (1797 - 1883) Humanities

American Abolitionist and Women's Rights Activist

Sojourner Truth was a women’s rights activist and abolitionist who was born into slavery. After she escaped the shackles of slavery, she freed her children and helped many others gain freedom. She was also the first black woman to win a court case against a white man. Additionally, she was a strong advocate for intersectional feminism, shown in her now famous speech “Ain’t I A Woman.” She is an inspiration to many people for the struggles she overcame and her unrelenting desire to help others.

“I feel safe in the midst of my enemies, for the truth is all powerful and will prevail.” -Sojourner Truth

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Isadora Duncan (1877 - 1927) Arts

The “Mother of Modern Dance”

Isadora Duncan was one of the first dancers to successfully oppose ballet techniques and traditions in the West, thus credited with creating Modern Dance. She was an activist for free-love and feminism.

“From all parts of her body shall shine radiant intelligence, bringing to the world the message of the thoughts and aspirations of thousands of women. She shall dance the freedom of woman,” Duncan said in a lecture, which has since been considered the manifesto of modern dance and women’s liberation.

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Bertha Parker Pallan (1907 - 1978) Humanities

First Female Native American Archaeologist

Bertha “Birdie” Parker Pallan is known as the first female Native American archaeologist. From discovering her own findings in a pueblo site to finding evidence of the first human occupation in North America, Bertha gained recognition for her important role in these discoveries. She also documented the culture and lives of Californian Native American tribes through her position at the Southwest Museum’s journal, Masterkey.

Additionally, Bertha was able to consult with Hollywood films about the representation of Indigenous actors and culture, since she was an actor before pursuing archaeology.

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Mae Jemison (1956 - Present) STEM

First African American Female Astronaut and Professor

Mae Jemison is a highly accomplished African-American professor and astronaut. She attended Stanford University and Cornell University, where she studied chemical engineering and received her doctorate respectively.

She then became the first African-American woman to enter space as a NASA astronaut. In space, Mae conducted experiments on two bone cells, learning about what factors cause bone loss. After retiring from NASA, she became a professor at Dartmouth College. Today, she continues to advance her and others’ knowledge of medicine through her works with the World Sickle Cell Foundation and Center for Prevention of Childhood Malnutrition.

“Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations...If you adopt their attitudes, then the possibility won't exist because you'll have already shut it out ... You can hear other people's wisdom, but you've got to re-evaluate the world for yourself.” - Mae Jemison

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Li Maizi (1989 - Present) Humanities

Chinese Feminist and LGBTQ+ Activist

As a member of the Feminist Five, a group of young Chinese feminists, Li Maizi is an inspiring young woman and LGBTQ+ activist. Her performative protests against misogyny and bigotry transformed modern Chinese feminism. One of her performances was the “Blood Brides” performance, which gained international recognition and support.

Fun Fact: In 2015, she appeared on 100 Women(BBC), a series by BBC highlighting important 21st century women.

“Everything we did was for gender equality in China, it’s not for anything else.” -Li Maizi

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Margaret Hamilton (1936 - Present) STEM

American Computer Scientist

Margaret Hamilton is an American computer scientist, software engineer, and business owner who created the software that successfully sent humans to the moon. As a pioneer in the field of computer science, she is credited in coining the term “software engineering,” Hamilton has received numerous awards along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. Hamilton’s work remains influential still to this day as she is an example of female success in STEM in a time where women were not seen as capable of doing well in fields dominated by men.

“Don’t let fear get in the way and don’t be afraid to say ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I don’t understand’—no question is a dumb question.” -Margaret Hamilton.

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Nancy Wake (1912 - 2011) Politics

Servicewoman, WWII Resistance Agent, and Spy

Nancy Wake was one of the allied forces’ most celebrated women over the course of World War II. As a journalist who became a French resistance agent, Wake dedicated herself to helping Jews and Allied soldiers escape France. After helping hundreds escape during the years of 1940 to 1943, her activities finally appeared on the radar of the Nazi German secret police, known as the Gestapo. She became Gestapo’s #1 Most Wanted Person and was forced to flee France for her safety.

After escaping the Gestapo, Nancy Wake reached England and was trained in the British Special Operations Executive (SOE), an English governmental intelligence unit that worked closely with French resistance. She was vital in the famous D-Day battle, not only leading some attacks, but also establishing supply and ammunition drops in preparation for D-Day.

Her contributions to the allied forces were recognized, as she received 12 different medals from 5 different countries and became one of the most decorated women of the Second World War.

“Freedom is the only thing worth living for. While I was doing that work, I used to think it didn't matter if I died, because without freedom there was no point in living.” -Nancy Wake

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Dolores Huerta (1930 - Present) Humanities

Civil Rights Activist and American Labor Leader

As the co-founder of the United Farm Workers Organization and the person who coined the Spanish phrase “Sí se puede” (Yes we can), Dolores Huerta is an extraordinary woman who advocated for labor worker’s rights and raised awareness as a woman in politics throughout her entire life. For her dedication and commitment to the Mexican labor movement in gaining fairer wages, she earned a variety of awards such as the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights (1998), Presidential Medal of Freedom (2012), Puffin/Nation Prize for Creative Citizenship (2002), and Community of Christ International Peace Award (2007). She continues to spearhead civil rights movements through her organization called the Dolores Huerta Foundation.

“Because we do need women in civic life. We do need women to run for office, to be in political office. We need a feminist to be at the table when decisions are being made so that the right decisions will be made… Because when we did this strike, and especially when all of the people went on the march to Sacramento, the women had to take over the picket lines.” -Dolores Huerta, Civil Rights Activist

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Mariam-uz-Zamani (1542 - 1623) Politics

Queen of the Mughal Empire

Mariam-uz-Zamani was the wife of Akbar and was known as Jodha. As a Hindu person married to a Muslim ruler, she encouraged Akbar’s religious tolerance and inclusive practices. She was also one of the most significant and influential figures during the reign of her son, Jahangir. She is most known for embodying the Mughal Dynasty’s multi-ethnic empire.

Even as a woman of high status, she experienced many obstacles and hate for being the Hindu Queen of a Muslim-dominated empire, but remained strong by advising both her husband and her son during their reigns.

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Christine Jorgensen (1926 - 1989) Humanities

Actress, Businesswoman, and Transgender Activist

Christine Jorgensen was the first American transgender woman to have her story told and popularized throughout the United States. She became a role model for transgender individuals and used her large platform to advocate for the community by writing books, giving lectures, and publishing articles in famous newspapers. She was unafraid to defy norms in order to be her true self and was one of the greatest pioneers for gender reassignment.

Jorgensen also ran a successful nightclub and acted in many theatrical productions. She spread awareness about transsexual people by giving speeches at her nightclub and after the curtain calls at the plays she acted in.

“I gave the sexual revolution a good swift kick in the pants!”-Christine Jorgensen

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Madeleine Albright (1937 - Present) Politics

First Female Secretary of State of the United States of America

Madeleine Albright is a highly influential figure who served the United States government. She is best known for her service to the United States of America in her position as ambassador to the United Nations as well as the Secretary of State.

Albright is now a celebrated author of several memoirs and was granted the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.

“There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women.” -Madeleine Albright

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Rosalind Franklin (1920 - 1958) STEM

Chemist and X-Ray Crystallographer

Rosalind Elsie Franklin was an English chemist who earned her Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Cambridge University. She applied her knowledge of physical chemistry and crystallography to research deciphering the structure of DNA. DNA was known to be a biological molecule at the time, but very little was known about its structure or function.

Franklin began working as a research associate at King’s College in London in 1951, where she applied her expertise in X-ray crystallography to DNA fibres. Around 1953, she and her graduate student, Raymond Gosling, took a photograph that would irrevocably change the course of history, science, and medicine. Named “Photo 51,” the image clearly showed the helical structure of DNA.

Most notable for her revolutionary photograph, Rosalind Franklin also made important contributions to the fields of coal research and virology. Her data allowed for James Watson and Francis Crick to better understand the structure of DNA molecules, and in fact, she came to the same conclusions as they did. Her colleague, Maurice Wilkins, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with Watson and Crick, however, she had passed away at the time and was never recognized for her work.

Franklin once said “science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated,” and she lived by that—she worked every day until her death.

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Jin Xing (1967 - Present) Arts

Dancer, Former Army Colonel, Talk Show Host, Transgender Celebrity

Jin Xing is an internationally acclaimed dancer and talk show host. As a budding young artist, she enrolled in China’s state dance troupe and mastered a variety of dance styles. She has toured all over the world as a trainee, dancer, and choreographer. Jin also established China's very first private contemporary performing arts theatre, which has won many accolades for combining Eastern and Western styles. Jin is also a prominent public figure— she hosts her own talk show which accumulates more than 100 million views each week.

When she was 28, Jin underwent gender reassignment surgery, transitioning from male to female. She is the only transgender Chinese celebrity, and has recently begun setting her eye on politics to advocate for LGBTQ rights and against misinformation.

Her story is one of self-expression, which she has explored through gender and movements.

“For this world, one Jin Xing is enough. I don’t want my students to copy my movements or techniques. I want them to learn from the mindset I hold toward dancing...I must thank contemporary dance for allowing me to release my inner self and express myself”. -Jin Xing

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Jahanara Imam (1929 - 1994) Humanities

Political Activist and Writer

Jahanara Imam was a Bangladeshi political activist and writer. She was called “Mother of Martyrs” (Shaheed Janani) for bringing justice to the people in the wake of the liberation war of Bangladesh and for raising efforts to bring war criminals to trial. Her book Ekattorer Dingulee (1986) is one of the most important and remarkable accounts of the liberation war of 1971.

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Eileen Chang (1920 - 1995) Humanities

Novelist, Playwright, and Creative Writer

In the early stages of her career, Eileen Chang gained prominence as a writer in Shanghai, China, which was then occupied by Japan. Chang fled the country after her husband, Hu Lancheng, was discovered to be a Japanese spy during the Communist takeover. Later on, her works were rediscovered and she began to write books again while also delving into writing screenplays for Hong Kong films.

Chang became known as one of the most influential Chinese novelists of the twentieth century. Her stories explored themes of love and family in the context of Communist China. Her most important contribution involved an alternative wartime story that came from first-hand accounts of Chinese salvation and revolution. Her many plays, novels, and short stories have allowed many to gain insight into the grand changes China found itself involved in, and her literary fictions have portrayed history in a more modern context.

“Books are the best friends. The only drawback is it will deepen myopia, however, still worthwhile.” -Eileen Chang

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Boudica (30 - 61 AD) Politics

Queen of the Iceni

Boudica was the Queen of the Celtic Iceni tribe who spearheaded a rebellion against oppressive Roman rule in ancient Britain. Although the revolt failed, her forces managed to defeat 70,000 Romans and their supporters. She trained as a warrior and fought in several battles, which was especially rare for a woman at the time. Boudica is renowned as a hero and symbol of courage and justice.

“Nothing is safe from Roman pride and arrogance. They will deface the sacred and will deflower our virgins. Win the battle or perish, that is what I, a woman, will do.” -Boudica to Tacitus (Roman historian)

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Lucy Hobbs Taylor (1833 - 1910) STEM

American Dentist and Advocate for Women

Dr. Lucy Hobbs Taylor was the first woman in America to graduate from dental school and receive a doctorate in dentistry. She was turned away numerous times solely due to the fact that she was a woman, but she never let herself be discouraged. Instead, she actively pursued every opportunity she could. She was an inspiration and advocate for women in dentistry. She was also a devoted supporter of women’s rights and the women’s suffrage movement.

“People were amazed when they learned that a young girl had so far forgotten her womanhood as to want to study dentistry.” -Dr. Lucy Hobbs Taylor

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Dr. Sivaramakrishna Iyer Padmavati (1917 - 2000) STEM

Cardiology Pioneer

Referred to as the “Goddess of Cardiology,” Dr. Sivaramakrishna Iyer Padmavati is a pioneer in cardiology who transformed the field at a time when there were very few cardiologists, much less women. She has lived and studied in Myanmar, England, Switzerland, America, and India. She expanded the knowledge of cardiovascular diseases and preventive measures in India and has left a lasting legacy as India’s first and oldest female cardiologist, one that enabled many others to follow her path and pursue cardiology. In recognition of her achievements, she was awarded the two highest honors given to a citizen in India: the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan.

Dr. Padmavati and her fellow researchers were responsible for the discovery of the extent of the harmful health effects that cooking smoke had on the lungs of many Indian citizens in rural areas.

“I pursued cardiology because there were very few courses available to women when I went to college, unlike today” -Dr. Sivaramakrishna Iyer Padmavati

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Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904 - 1986) Arts

Dancer, Choreographer, Animal Rights Activist, Theosophist

Rukmini Devi Arundale was one of the most prominent figures in Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form, and has made numerous contributions to the art. She transformed what it meant to be a dancer in the eyes of the public and founded Kalakshetra, a style and academy of dance. She fought for the revitalization of the arts as well as other issues, such as animal welfare.

She was the first Indian woman to be nominated into the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament, and was also awarded the Padma Bhushan, a renowned award given to civilians for their contributions in India. As a member of Parliament in India, she brought light to important topics and passed legislation regarding these issues, including vegetarianism. Rukmini was also included in a Google doodle for International Women’s Day in 2017, which highlighted 13 women; she was the only Indian woman included.

Rukmini brought Bharatanatyam into the public eye and helped it become one of the most respected art forms worldwide.

“We dance with our bodies, but we finally forget them and transform them.” -Rukmini Devi Arundale

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Lin Qiaozhi (1901 - 1983) STEM

OB-GYN, Researcher, “The Mother of a Thousand Babies,” and “Angel of Life”

As a Chinese obstetrician and gynecologist at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Lin Qiaozhi conducted research on numerous neonatal diseases and disorders. Lin became the first woman in China to be appointed director of a hospital department of obstetrics and gynecology. Lin delivered over 50,000 babies in her medical career. She never got married and never had children of her own, but tagged every newborn as “Lin Qiaozhi’s Baby” on their name tags.

Dr. Lin became well-known and loved by Chinese people, from Premier Zhou Enlai to the local people. In fact, she was called a “living Buddha” by numerous patients, many of whom named their babies for her. After an illness left her bedridden, Lin wanted to create a research center. This proposal was later approved and a research institute was established within the Chinese Academy of Medical Science.

"I'd rather stay single to study all my life!” -Lin Qiaozhi

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Abby Stein (1991 - Present) Humanities

Transgender Activist

Abby Stein was the first openly transgender person to ever leave the Hasidic Jewish community. Despite being disowned by her religious community, Stein used her experiences in order to educate others about the LGBTQ+ community and help them discover their own identities. To this day, she speaks to countless groups that typically do not accept the LGBTQ community in order to create a more loving and accepting environment for all.

“Some religions might have at least a facade of a very anti-LGBT or very non-progressive culture so to speak...that you can’t be religious [as an LGBT person]...I’m telling you from personal experience that, yes, you can.” - Abby Stein

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Jade Snow Wong (1922 - 2006) Arts

Ceramics Artist and Writer

Jade Snow Wong was the author of The Fifth Chinese Daughter, an autobiography that describes her struggles to balance her traditional Chinese values and her upbringing in the United States. She was also known by the names Constance and Connie Ong. She lived her entire life in San Francisco, California, but this did not stop people across the globe from empathizing with her experiences growing up as an Asian American girl.

She was also a talented ceramicist who began selling her ceramics in Chinatown after she persuaded a merchant to allow her work to be showcased in front of his store window.

Her career as a writer and pottery creator quickly took off and gained popularity. She worked with many organizations and her ceramics were later exhibited at different museums around the nation.

“The peace and stability of a nation depend upon the proper relationships established in the home.” -Jade Snow Wong, The Fifth Chinese Daughter, 1950

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Anna May Wong (1905 - 1961) Arts

Chinese American Actress

Anna May Wong/Wong Liu Tsong is one of the first global Chinese-American movie stars and an important icon in cinema. She started her career in the 1920s, a time period where roles depicting Chinese/East Asians were fulfilled by actors/actresses with Chinese drag and yellow face attire. Known for her artistic range and style, Wong was involved in 60 films over the course of her life in both the United States and Europe. She also directed her own documentary called “My China Film” in 1936 about her experiences in mainland China during her first and only trip there. In the first television series to star an Asian American actress, Wong played lead actress in “The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong.”

“I was so tired of the parts I had to play. Why is it that the screen Chinese is always the villain? And so crude a villain--murderous, treacherous, a snake in the grass.” -Anna May Wong

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Helen Zia (1952 - Present) Humanities

Asian American Activist, LGBTQ+ Advocate, and Feminist Author

Helen Zia is an award-winning journalist and author known for her outspoken criticism of political and social issues such as discrimination against minorities, lack of opportunities for women, hate crimes, domestic violence, and homophobia. In 1997, she testified before the US Commission on Civil Rights to relay how the media negatively impacted minority groups. Thirteen years later, in 2010, she testified as a witness before the US Supreme Court in Hollingsworth v. Perry, the case that legalized same-sex marriage in California.

Zia served as a Torchbearer stationed in San Francisco for the 2008 Beijing Olympics despite the backlash she faced.

“It is more important than ever to stand tall, and link arms, and to raise our voices and especially point to the needs of our marginalized communities: of color, of women, queer communities, immigrants.” -Helen Zia

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Hedy Lamarr (1914 - 2000) STEM

Austrian-American Actress and Inventor

During the 1940s, Hedy helped support the Allied powers through her fame and innovations. Her invention of frequency hopping helped to develop weapon systems, Bluetooth, and Wifi.

Renowned as the Mother of Bluetooth and Wifi, she was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame in 2014.

“Hope and curiosity about the future seemed better than guarantees. The unknown was always so attractive to me and still is.” - Hedy Lamarr

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Sobekneferu (Unknown -1802 B.C.) Politics

Pharaoh of Egypt and Last Ruler of the Twelfth Dynasty of Egypt

Sobekneferu was the first female pharaoh of Egypt for which there is definitive proof of her rule. She came to power when Amenemhet IV died without a male heir, making her next in the line of succession. Sobekneferu reigned for close to three years and eleven months and commissioned beautiful complexes in Hawara, Heracleopolis Magna, and Crocodilopolis. Her death marked the end of both the Twelfth Dynasty of Egypt and Golden Age of the Middle Kingdom.

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Marion Bills (1890 - 1970)STEM

Industrial and Organizational Psychologist

Marion Bills was one of the first women pioneers in psychology. She was known for her work in industrial/organizational psychology during the first half of the 20th century. Upon receiving her PhD in experimental psychology, she taught at universities such as University of Kansas and Miami University.

Bills conducted extensive research in personnel psychology and published her works in prestigious scientific and nonacademic journals. She was awarded and recognized by several professional societies. She served as a board committee member at American Association of Applied Psychology and the first female president at APA’s division 14. Despite the societal norms of marriage and women becoming housewives during her time, Marion Bills was never married and devoted her time to research.

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Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi (1865 - 1887) STEM

First Female Indian Physician

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi was the first female Indian physician. She immigrated to the United States to study Western medicine and graduated with a degree. She was contacted directly by Queen Victoria, the empress of India at the time, who wrote her a congratulatory message for setting an example for millions of women in India to pursue a higher education. She received a grand welcome when she returned to India, and the editor of the newspaper Kesari praised her as “one of the greatest women of our modern era.” In 1997, the International Astronomical Union named one of the craters on Venus after her - “Joshee.”

“Be grateful for challenges because... Had there been no difficulties and no thorns in the way, then [each woman and] man would have been in his primitive state and no progress made in civilisation and mental culture.” -Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi

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Clara Barton (1821 - 1912) STEM

Founder of the Red Cross, Nurse, Teacher, Patent Clerk, Women’s Rights Activist, Founder of National First Aid Association

In the Civil War, Clara Barton passed through battle lines and distributed supplies, looked for missing people, and helped wounded soldiers. After the Civil War, Barton traveled to Europe where she was introduced to the Red Cross, and founded the United States branch of the organization, where she served as president for 23 years.

Barton changed how women were able to help in the medical field and was recognized for her efforts by President Abraham Lincoln. She fought hard for women’s suffrage and believed that “the right to her own property, her own children, her own home, her just individual claim before the law, to her freedom of action, to her personal liberty” was important for all women. She delivered speeches educating others on women’s rights and worked alongside female activists.

“You glorify the women who made their way to the front to reach you in your misery, and nurse you back to life. You called us angels. Who opened the way for women to go and make it possible? … For every woman’s hand that ever cooled your fevered brows, staunched your bleeding wounds, gave food to your famished bodies, or water to your parching lips, and called back life to your perishing bodies, you should bless God for Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frances D. Gage and their followers.” - Clara Barton, 1882

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Gladys West (1930 - Present) STEM

Mathematician, Programmer, and GPS Development Pioneer

Gladys West is an American mathematician who performed calculations for U.S. military satellites and programmed a computer to model Earth’s shape with unprecedented precision. Her work for the American government throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s laid the foundation for what eventually became modern Global Positioning System (GPS) technology that is used around the world.

Born in 1930 in rural Virginia, Gladys West worked hard to pursue an education to leave the sharecropping community where she was born. She earned a scholarship to attend Virginia State University and later worked at the Naval Proving Ground in Dahlgren, Virginia, becoming the second Afrian American woman to ever work there. In 2018 at the age of 87, West was inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame for her contributions to the invention of GPS.

“When you’re working every day, you’re not thinking, ‘What impact is this going to have on the world?’ You’re thinking, ‘I’ve got to get this right.’” -Gladys West

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He-Yin Zhen (1884 - ca.1920) Humanities

Feminist Theorist and Journalist

Founder of the Women's Rights Recovery Association and the feminist journal, Tianyi, He-Yin Zhen was a pioneer in radical feminism. She introduced and spread revolutionary feminist ideas, paving the way for Chinese radicals following her. The Women’s Rights Recovery Association and Tianyi were both successful attempts at creating solidarity between Chinese women.

He-Yin Zhen was exiled to Japan, but her work still influenced many Chinese citizens.

“The goal of equality cannot be achieved except through women’s liberation.” -He-Yin Zhen

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Jane Addams (1860 - 1935) Humanities

Activist, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Reformer, and Social Worker

Jane Addams was a driving force for the social movements throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

With the help of her friend, Ellen Gates Starr, Addams founded the Hull House─the first settlement house in the United States, in Chicago, Illinois. The purpose of the house was for educated women to share their various areas of knowledge and skills, which varied from educational subjects like art and literature to household skills, such as cooking and cleaning.

In 1931, Addams was the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and is one of history’s quintessential female leaders.

“Nothing could be worse than the fear that one had given up too soon, and left one unexpended effort that might have saved the world.” -Jane Addams

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Begum Rokeya (1880 - 1932) Humanities

Writer, Educator, & Political Activist

As a pioneer for the women’s rights movement in Southern Asia, Begum Rokeya published Sultana’s Dream, a look into a utopian society of female-driven life. Rokeya founded the Sakhawat School which offered literacy and educational opportunities to generations to come. In 1916, she created the Bengali Muslim Women’s Association, serving as a platform for increased female visibility and social progessivism.

“A lion is stronger than a man, but it does not enable him to dominate the human race. You have neglected the duty you owe to yourselves and you have lost your natural rights by shutting your eyes to your own interests.” -- Begum Rokeya, Sultana’s Dream

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Indira Goswami (1942 - 2011) Humanities

Writer, Professor, and Peace Mediator

Indira Goswami, better known by her pen name Mamoni Raisom Goswami, was a celebrated Indian writer who overcame great challenges to write extensively about underprivileged communities, such as the atrocities inflicted on Indian widows. Goswami was the recipient of several awards throughout her lifetime, including the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983, the Jnanpith (the highest literary award in India) in 2000, and the Principle Prince Claus Laureate from the Netherlands in 2008 are just three of the many.

In addition to being a prolific writer, Goswami helped mediate peace talks between the state government and the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), the Assamese rebel organization that seeked to establish Assam as an independent state. Her efforts helped initiate the People’s Consultative Group, a peace committee dedicated to sustaining peace talks between the government and ULFA.

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Ismat Chughtai (1915 - 1991) Arts

Feminist Novelist and Screenwriter

Ismat Chughtai was a revolutionary feminist, novelist and screenwriter during the late 20th century. She used writing as an outlet to express her thoughts on femininity and women's rights.

Chughtai was severely criticized for her outlook on the roles of women, but never backed down even after she was arraigned for writing a (now critically-acclaimed) novel which touched on unconventional topics.

She wrote numerous novels which grew to be bestsellers not only in India, but in the United States as well. She co-directed her own movie based off a book she had written, which was voted one of the best films of 1948.

Chughtai was a firm believer that women should voice their opinions, and established herself as a voice for young Indian and Muslim women in the late 1900s.

"I do not think men and women are two different kinds of beings. Even as a child, I always insisted on doing everything that my brothers did." - Ismat Chughtai

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Anita Hill (1956 - Present) Humanities

American Lawyer, Professor, and Activist

Anita Hill is a prominent American lawyer, professor, and activist who revolutionized women’s rights in the workplace. In 1991, Hill accused Clarence Thomas, a U.S. Supreme Court nominee, of repeated sexual harassment during their time working together in the U.S. Department of Education and the Equal Opportunity Commission. As a result, Hill encouraged citizens throughout the United States to hold men accountable and to resolve hostile work environments.

Following the trial, she continued to advocate for civil rights and women’s rights, wrote Speaking Truth to Power, and co-edited Race, Gender, and Power in America: The Legacy of the Hill-Thomas Hearings. Currently, Hill continues to promote awareness of sexual harassment to create equity in the workplace and in society.

“But I think it would be irresponsible for me not to say what I really believe in my heart to be true - that there are some serious inequities that we face as women and that we can work to address these inequities.” - Anita Hill

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Chieko Asakawa (1958 - Present) STEM

Japanese Computer Scientist, Inventor for Accessibility Technology, and IBM Fellow

Dr. Chieko Asakawa is an innovative computer scientist whose work drastically changed the way people with limitations view the outside world. Dr. Asakawa paved the way for accessibility technology despite having had lost her sight at the age of 14. She pioneered paths for individuals with limitations to navigate their lives, such as the first Homepage Reader and digital Braille editor. She continues her research to this day.

“Make the impossible possible - by never giving up.” - Dr. Chieko Asakawa.

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Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte (1865 - 1915) STEM

Physician and Equity Activist

Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte was the first female Native American to obtain a medical degree. As a young girl, she witnessed a white doctor refusing to treat a sick person due to their Native American ethnicity. This issue motivated her to become the remarkable doctor she was. Dr. Picotte spread her influence upon her tribe on the Omaha Reservation by being the only physician for 1,350 miles and never turning down anyone regardless of their ethnicity, gender, or age.

Towards the end of her life, in 1913, Dr. Picotte fulfilled her dream of opening her own hospital in the reservation town of Walthill, Nebraska.

“It was only an Indian and it did not matter. The doctor preferred hunting for prairie chickens rather than visiting poor, suffering humanity.” -Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte

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Grazia Maria Cosima Damiana Deledda (1871 - 1936) Humanities

Nobel Prize Winner in Literature

In 1926, Grazia Deledda became the first and only woman to this date from Italy to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. She is most notably known for her novels Elias Portolu, La Madre, Cosima, and Fior di Sardegna.

Growing up in the small town of Sardinia, Italy, Deledda attended basic elementary school while learning that she loved to write, and convinced her parents to continue her studies. Her books and collections of poems—some written under pseudonyms—mix elements of the real world with themes of tradition, moral dilemmas, and, of course, bits of feminism.

"I write novels and short stories: this is my specialty. I find it right and good that women think, study, and work. " -Grazia Maria Cosima Damiana Deledda

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Sara Josephine Baker (1873 - 1945) STEM

Physician, Feminist, and Public Health Reformist

Sara Josephine Baker was the first woman to ever hold an executive health position in the United States. Despite facing prejudice from being a female physician within a male-dominated field, Baker persevered and became extremely successful in improving sanitation and public health in New York City. In addition, she revolutionized infant care, drastically reducing infant mortality.

“Sick people need immediate help, understanding, and humanity almost as much as they need highly standardized and efficient practice.” -Sara Josephine Baker

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Nadia Anjuman (1980 - 2005) Humanities

Feminist Poet

Author of the book Gul-e-dodi, Nadia Anjuman’s poetry spoke to the unheard women of Afghanistan for many years. The reason for her tragic death is the same reason why she started writing poetry: repression against women.

Her work still has a great impact on society today by inspiring Afghan women to speak up for themselves and their rights.

“I have loved poetry, and the chains with which six years of captivity under Taliban rule bound my feet led me to haltingly enter the arena of poetry with the foot of my pen. The encouragement of like-minded friends gave me the confidence to pursue this path, but even now when I take the first step, the tip of my pen trembles, as do I, because I do not feel safe from stumbling on this path, when the way ahead is difficult, and my steps unsteady.” -Nadia Anjuman

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Henrietta Lacks (1920 - 1951) STEM

Tobacco Farmer and Medical Pioneer

Henrietta Lacks was an African-American woman diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer in 1951. She was treated at Johns Hopkins University, where a few cells from her cervix were sampled and given to doctors without her consent. Doctors used Lack's cells in his cancer research in which they discovered that her cells were immortal, meaning they could be kept alive and grow indefinitely.

For the past 70 years, Lacks’s cells have been used to make huge advancements in science and medicine. However, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding her cells due to lack of consent and awareness leading to debates over what rights individuals have in regards to their genetic material and tissue.

“Henrietta’s were different: they reproduced an entire generation every twenty-four hours, and they never stopped. They became the first immortal human cells ever grown in a laboratory.” - Rebecca Skloot, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

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Vera Rubin (1928 - 2016) STEM

Astronomer and Advocate

Vera Rubin was an American astronomer who studied the orbital speeds of galaxies and discovered the presence of dark matter in the universe. She was also an advocate and inspiration for women in science.

Vera was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1981 and was awarded the National Medal of Science in 1993 by President Bill Clinton.

“There is no problem in science that can be solved by a man that cannot be solved by a woman.” -Bright Galaxies, Dark Matters by Vera Rubin

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Grace Lee Boggs (1915 - 2015) Humanities

Philosopher, Author, Social Activist, and Feminist

Grace Lee Boggs founded several political organizations, held lectures to demand for human rights, organized marches against racism, and wrote about her vision for an American cultural revolution. She is most known for advocating for African-American, women’s, and children’s social rights.

Her Chinese name is 玉平 (Yu Ping), which translates to “Jade Peace.”

“You cannot change any society unless you take responsibility for it, unless you see yourself as belonging to it and responsible for changing it.” -Grace Lee Boggs

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Faith Ringgold (1930 - Present) Arts

Artist, Civil Rights Activist, and Author

Faith Ringgold is an artist and writer, known for her unique forms of art such as soft sculpture, masks and story quilts. She used her talents to express the nuances of black culture and history in her art due to her passion for civil rights and activism. Author of multiple wonderful children’s books, Ringgold has combined her love for art and storytelling to pass along important life lessons to children.

Ringgold has almost 75 awards including an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts and the NAACP Image Award.

“You can't sit around and wait for somebody to say who you are.” -Faith Ringgold

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Jeannette Rankin (1880 - 1973) Politics

American Congresswoman, Pacifist, and Suffragette

Jeannette Rankin was the first woman elected into Congress in 1916 as a Representative from Montana, and she was reelected in 1940 as a Representative for a different district in Montana. She joined the National American Woman Suffrage Association as a lobbyist and helped gain the vote for women in Montana in 1914, she established the Georgia Peace Society and was the main speaker and lobbyist for the National Council for the Prevention of War between 1929 and 1939. She devoted her life’s work to pacifism and social advocacy.

“We’re half the people; we should be half the Congress,” Rankin remarked, calling for more equal representation of men and women in Congress.

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Zhang Haidi (1955 - Present) Humanities

Writer, Translator, Motivational Speaker, and Disabled Rights Activist

Zhang Haidi is the Chairwoman of China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF). With a strong mission to promote the wellbeing of persons with disabilities in China, Zhang advocates for the establishment of better workplace opportunities for persons with disabilities in China.

A paraplegic since early childhood, she has been called the Helen Keller and Pavel Korchagin of China.

"Don't sell yourself short, and try your best to build a happy family life," is her advice to other disabled individuals.

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Lakshmibai (1835 - 1858) Politics

Queen of Jhansi and Rebel Leader

Lakshmibai, Queen of Jhansi, is an Indian legend who defied the British forces that occupied her land. When the British East India Company refused to accept her adopted son as legitimate and moved their forces into her lands, she joined a group of resistance fighters and helped amass an army to fight against the British in the famous Revolt of 1857. Due to her brave actions, she is sometimes referred to as the “Joan of Arc of India”.

The Indian National Army created an all-women regiment in 1943, bearing her name, in order to acknowledge her great bravery and service to India. Even now, the term “Jhansi Ki Rani” is used to describe brave women in India.

“I will not give my Jhansi at any cost.” - Rani (Queen) Lakshmibai

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Mary Quant (1934 - Present) Arts

Feminist Fashion Designer

Mary Quant is an English designer born in England in the 1930s. She has been an icon in the fashion world, but not many people know of her lasting impacts on the clothing industry. She is the pioneer behind the miniskirt and hotpants of the 1960s which are still largely seen on people today.

Quant used the freedoms of the Swinging Sixties to put together clothing that women proudly wore. She designed clothing items that became staples of fashion and changed the closets of women in England and all over the world. She made a large impact on fashion history and has gone down as an influential designer of the 1960s and beyond.

“Fashion is not frivolous. It is a part of being alive today.”- Mary Quant

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Wu Yi (1938 - Present) Politics

Chinese Politician, Former Vice Premier of the Chinese State Council, and The “Iron Lady”

Wu Yi was a prominent figure in the first decade of the 21st century. Petroleum engineer turned politician, Wu Yi rose through the ranks of China’s Communist Party and was the Vice Premier of the State Council from 2003-2008. She oversaw trade negotiations and hammered out several agreements herself.

During the SARs outbreak, Wu Yi stepped up as Minister of Health and implemented sweeping social distancing procedures, publicized hospital records, and enforced World Health Organization recommendations to stop the spread of the epidemic. Having saved thousands of lives, she was hailed as the “Goddess of Transparency” and offers an important model for dealing with the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Forbes magazine ranked her second in The Most Powerful Women in the world in 2004, 2005, and 2007 and third in 2006.

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Shirin Ebadi (1947 - Present) Humanities

Lawyer and Human Rights Activist

Shirin Ebadi was the first Iranian woman to ever serve as a judge in the Iranian justice system. However, after the Iranian Revolution in 1979, she was immediately dismissed from her position, given that the new Islamic government forbade women from serving as judges.

Justifiably upset, she went on to advocate for women and human rights. Ebadi is most well known for her work as a human rights activist and establishing the Defender of Human Rights Center, an NGO based in Iran, and winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003.

“Women are the victims of this patriarchal culture, but they are also its carriers. Let us keep in mind that every oppressive man was raised in the confines of his mother's home.” -Shirin Ebadi

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Qiu Jin (1875 - 1907) Humanities

Qing Dynasty Revolutionary, Poet, and Feminist Journalist

Qiu Jin is considered the “Joan of Arc” of China. In a male-dominated society, Qiu Jin defied traditional Confucian gender norms and pursued her ambitions. She became a revolutionary martyr for women’s liberation: she spoke out against arranged marriages, foot binding, and urged women to get an education. She also founded a school and started China’s first feminist magazine.

“Feet bound so tiny, hair combed so shiny; tied, edged, and decorated with flowers and bouquets. We spend our lives only knowing how to rely on men- for everything we wear and eat we rely on men.”-Qiu Jin

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Benazir Bhutto (1953 - 2007) Politics

Feminist, Politician, and Visionary

Benazir Bhutto was the first woman to be elected Prime Minister of Pakistan but also the first female to be elected head of state of any Muslim country. She was highly educated and attended both Harvard University and Oxford University. She became chairperson of the Pakistan People’s Party and fought for social justice.

Bhutto was exiled from Pakistan but still was able to direct her party and ensured their success in elections.

“Clearly it's not easy for women in modern society, no matter where they live. We still have to go the extra mile to prove that we are equal to men. we have to work longer hours and make more sacrifices. And we must emotionally protect ourselves from unfair, often vicious attacks made on us via the male members of our family.” -Benazir Bhutto

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Matile Hidalgo de Procel (1889 - 1974) Humanities

Physician, Poet, and Women’s Suffrage Advocate

Matilde Hidalgo de Procel was the first woman in Ecuador to gain a medical bachelors and doctorate degree at a university, the first woman to vote in Ecuador, and the first woman elected into the government of Ecuador as Vice President of the Municipal Council.

Matilde was awarded with a National Merit Award by Presidential Decree in 1956, and even became a founding member of the Medical Federation of Ecuador

“The woman is a mystical temple where hope is locked, that the homeland in the distance has managed to see. But, in order to wisely fulfill her divine mission, she must wander through the blue immensity…” “El Deber de la Mujer” (The Duty of Women) by Matilde Hidalgo de Procel

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Sedigheh Dolatabadi (1882 - 1961) Humanities

Feminist Journalist and Philanthropist

Founder of the magazine, Zaban e Zanan, Sedigheh Dolatabadi fought for women's rights in Iran her whole life. Through journalism, Dolatabadi founded the first women's magazine (for women by women) in Iran as well as became the first Iranian woman to speak at an international conference. Through philanthropy, Dolatabadi founded the first all-girls school in Iran and founded another school for underprivileged girls.

After her death, Dolatabadi's tomb was desecrated by Islamic vigilantes who fought against her progressive beliefs.

"I will never forgive women who visit my grave veiled" -Sedigheh Dolatabadi

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