A Century of Women
Step Into Time: A Century of Women features 100 iconic women—influential, radical, and game-changing women who have shaped our world. Read more here about those who are highlighted at the event, and join us in toasting their lasting impact.
Jane Addams (1860-1935) was a social reformer and advocate best known for her work on the Hull House in Chicago, Illinois. Inspired by settlement houses she saw while traveling in Europe, Addams returned to Chicago where she founded Hull House as a center for university women to provide social and educational opportunities to one another and to the largely immigrant working class in the immediate area. Hull House developed into an intellectual hub and inspired the founding of many other similar social settlements in the United States. Addams received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931.
Madeleine Albright (1937-2022) is best known for being the first female Secretary of State, from 1997-2021, and for serving as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Albright advocated military intervention, democracy, and broad reaching human rights. While in her role as Secretary of State, she was instrumental in intervening in the ethnic cleanings of Albanians in Kosovo, and also directly negotiated unsuccessfully with North Korea’s Kim Jong Il to end North Korea’s nuclear program. After leaving government service, Albright established her own political consulting firm, The Albright Group, and continued to write and comment on foreign affairs until her death.
Christiane Amanpour (b.1958) is one of the most prominent war correspondents and journalists of the 20th and 21st century. As a reporter for CNN, Amanpour covered the pro-democracy movement in Frankfort, Germany at the end of the 80s, the Persian Gulf War, and the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the early 90s. Amanpour subsequently has anchored a number her own news and interview shows, most recently the foreign affairs interview program Amanpour and The Amanpour Hour. Her journalism has been honored with several awards and recognitions, including the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award (2002).
Maya Angelou (1928-2014) born Marguerite Annie Johnson. Perhaps best known as a poet and memoirist with a soft sonorous reading voice, Angelou had a varied career as a dancer, singer, actor and producer as well as being involved in the civil rights movement. She performed with dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey and toured Europe in a production of Porgy and Bess. She was nominated for a Tony award for her role in the 1973 production of Look Away. She was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for her book Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Diiie. She won three Grammy Awards for her spoken word albums. She was friends with both Malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr. Her autobiographical book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was the first nonfiction bestseller by a Black woman and remains required reading in many schools in spite of attempted book bans.
Corazon Aquino (1933-2009) was the first female president of the Philippines (1986-1992), and is credited with restoring democracy to the country after the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. Aquino did not set out on a path into politics, but married Benigno Simeon Aquino Jr., a young politician who was jailed by Marcos’ administration, exiled to the United States, and subsequently assassinated upon his return to the Philippines. Upon her husband’s death, Aquino became the opposition candidate for president. As president, she worked to establish a new constitution for the country and to break up the monopolies that dominated Marcos’ administration. After her tenure, she remained active in politics in the Philippines.
Joan Baez (b.1941) is a singer-songwriter and political activist who helped bring folk music into the mainstream. An appearance at the 1959 Newport Folk Festival introduced Baez as an otherworldly talent and earned her a record deal. A leading figure in the folk music revival of the early 1960s, Baez helped pave the way for artists such as Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. She has long used her platform as an artist to raise awareness for political and social causes including civil rights and nonviolence. Her cover of “We Shall Overcome,” performed at the 1963 March on Washington, has become one of the most famous interpretations of the song.
Josephine Baker (1906-1975) was an American-born French entertainer, civil rights activist, and World War II spy. Rising to fame in the 1920s for her electrifying performances in Paris, especially her iconic banana skirt dance, she became one of the most celebrated performers in Europe. Beyond the stage, Baker used her influence to fight racism and segregation, refusing to perform for segregated audiences. During WWII, she aided the French Resistance by smuggling messages in her sheet music. In 2021, she became the first Black woman inducted into France’s Panthéon for her extraordinary contributions.
Lucille Ball (1911-1989) was an award-winning American actress, comedian, producer, and studio executive. She’s best known for her starring roles in the iconic television shows I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show, and Here’s Lucy. She was a stand out with her red hair, distinctive laugh and impeccable comedic timing. She won five Emmy Awards and the Cecil B. Demille Award. In 1962, she became the first woman to run a major television studio, Desilu Productions, which produced many popular television series, including Mission: Impossible and Star Trek. In 2020, Time recognized her as one of the 20th century’s most influential women for her work.
Halle Berry (b.1966) is a groundbreaking actress who charted the unlikely path from beauty pageant contestant and model to Oscar winner. After being named runner up in the 1986 Miss USA pageant, she set her sights on Hollywood. Her breakthrough came in 1992, as she starred opposite Eddie Murphy in Boomerang. In 2002, Berry became the first and only African-American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Monster’s Ball. She has also appeared in numerous Hollywood blockbusters, portraying Storm in the X-Men series and Bond girl Jinx in Die Another Day.
Beyoncé (b.1981) Beyoncé Giselle Knowles rose to fame as a member of the one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, Destiny’s Child. Starting her solo career in 2003. She is known for her vocal versatility and ability to shift styles. All eight of her solo albums have debuted at number 1 on the billboard charts. She is one of the best selling artists of all time with 200 million records. She holds the most Grammy Award nominations and wins of all time. She is credited with pioneering the visual album with the release of Lemonade which explored political and biographical issues. She founded Parkwood Entertainment and has a variety of endorsements, and business collaborations in fashion and cosmetics. She is involved with numerous charitable ventures including the Black-owned small business impact fund with the NAACP which gave out grants to struggling businesses and the National Alliance in Mental Health.
Simone Biles (b.1997) is an American artistic gymnast. Her 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals make her the most decorated gymnast in history. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time and one of the greatest Olympians of all time. She is known for the difficulty scores on the vault and floor routine and her strength on all apparatuses. She has been credited with starting a conversation about mental health and sports when she spoke about putting mental health first and withdrew from competitions in the 2020 Olympics when she had the “twisties” a condition that affects spatial awareness. She also testified in the Larry Nassar sexual assault case and has been an outspoken critic of USA Gymnastics for enabling Nassar’s crimes. She was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award along with her fellow gymnasts who testified. She is also the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Ruby Bridges (b.1954) is a civil rights activist and public speaker who inadvertently became one of the most iconic symbols of the Civil Rights Movement when at age 6 she became the first Black student to integrate a public school in the American South. The indelible image of the young Bridges being escorted to and from William Frantz Elementary School by U.S. federal marshals represents a critical step in the fight for civil rights protections. Bridges carried her activism into adulthood with the establishment of the Ruby Bridges Foundation, focused on equality in education initiatives, as well as her continued public speaking appearances.
Cher (b.1946) born Cheryl Sarkisian is an Armenian-American singer and actress known for her rich contralto voice. She is often called “the Goddess of Pop.” She first gained fame as part of a duo with then husband Sonny Bono. In the 1970s their television show The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour drew 30 million audience members every week. She divorced and embarked on her solo music career and acting. She received Academy Award nominations for the films Moonstruck and Silkwood and won for her role in Mask. She has sold over 100 million albums and received a Grammy Award, an Emmy, three Golden Globes and Kennedy Center Honors. She is known for her support of LGBTQ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness in part through her public support of he transgender son Chaz Bono. She received the GLAAD Vanguard Award in 1998 for her advocacy. She is involved in many other charitable endeavors through the Cher Charitable Foundation.
Cecilia Chiang (1920-2020) was a chef and restaurateur who introduced authentic regional Chinese cuisine to the United States. After fleeing the Japanese occupation of China during World War II as a college student, Chiang eventually settled with her family in San Francisco. At the time, access to Chinese food was largely limited to highly Americanized Cantonese cuisine. Her restaurant, The Mandarin, revolutionized Chinese cooking in the US with now-iconic dishes such as potstickers, kung pao chicken and Sichuan eggplant. In 2013, Chiang was recognized with a lifetime achievement award from the James Beard Foundation for her contributions to Chinese cuisine in the United States.
Julia Child (1912-2004) is arguably the first celebrity chef. She introduced French cooking to American audiences with her books and television show The French Chef, and subsequent cooking shows In the 1950s, she studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris with her friend, chef Simone Beck, and later took private lessons with other master chefs. Child’s cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, was a huge success and paved the way for her television career. Prior to her career as a chef she worked for the OSS during the Second World War as a research assistant in the secret intelligence division. After the war she went to Paris when her husband Paul Child was assigned there with the Foreign Service. For her cookbooks and television show, she won an Emmy, a Peabody Award, and a National Book Award.
Alice Childress (1916-1994) was a writer and actress who took inspiration for her plays and novels from her experiences of Black Americans. Childress was born in Harlem, where she also began her professional acting career with the storied American Negro Theatre. Throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, she wrote a number of plays, including Trouble in Mind (1955) and Wedding Band (1966). Trouble in Mind was intended to have a Broadway production in 1957, but when Childress refused to modify her piece to soothe while audiences, the production was cancelled. It is now considered a classic, and finally received its Broadway premiere in 2021. Childress continued to write plays, novels, and columns until her death.
Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005) was the first Black woman to be elected to the United States Congress in 1968. Chisholm represented New York’s 12th congressional district, a district centered in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn for seven terms from 1969 to 1983. With a Master’s degree in early childhood education ultimately becoming a consultant for New York City’s Bureau of Child Welfare. From there she moved into often mostly white Brooklyn Democratic political organizations and the League of Women voters. In congress she worked to expand access to food stamps, helped create WIC to expand access to early childhood education and a minimum wage for domestic workers. In 1972, she ran an unsuccessful campaign for president facing both racism and sexism. In retirement, she founded the National Congress of Black Women and African-American Women for Reproductive Freedom.
Agatha Christie (1890-1976) is the queen of the detective mystery novel and the author of one of the most famous plays, The Mousetrap. During her career she wrote over 60 detective novels, many starring one of her two most famous creations: Mr. Hercule Poirot or Miss Jane Marple. Christie’s work has sold over 100 million copies and been translated into over 100 languages. Many of her books have gone on to be adapted for the screen, and her whodunit play The Mousetrap continues to run in London’s West End to this day.
Caitlin Clark (b.2002) is a professional basketball player for the WNBA’s Indiana Fever. She gained widespread acclaim as a member of the Iowa Hawkeyes, leading the team to two NCAA National Championship games on her way to becoming NCAA Division I’s all-time leading scorer. Her audacious three-point shooting and playmaking have earned her legions of fans, helping to popularize women’s basketball around the country. Since getting selected first overall in the 2024 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, Clark has continued to set records and sell out arenas.
Hillary Clinton (b.1947) is a politician and lawyer who served as the First Lady of the United States, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State. Clinton began her career focused on family law, working for the Children’s Defense Fund. She continued in private practice while her husband served as the governor of Arkansas, and was an active advisor during her husband’s two term presidency. Clinton went on to become the first First Lady to win elected office as a U.S. Senator from New York. She served as Secretary of State under President Barack Obama from 2009-2013, and is widely credited with improving U.S. foreign relationships during her tenure. She unsuccessfully ran for president in both 2008 and in 2016, but remains an active presence in politics.
Misty Copeland (b.1982) is an esteemed ballerina with American Ballet Theatre (ABT). In 2015, she became the first African American female principal dancer with the company. Though she began her ballet training at the late age of 13, Copeland’s natural aptitude and deep commitment to dance allowed her to quickly gain recognition and accolades. As a soloist for ABT, she danced a number of iconic roles including the title role in The Firebird (2012) and the dual lead role, Odette/Odile, in Swan Lake (2014). Beyond her exceptional work onstage, Copeland is a fierce advocate of diversifying dance and creating opportunities for training for dancers from different backgrounds.
Laverne Cox (b.1972) is a trailblazing actress, producer, and transgender advocate. Cox’s breakthrough came in 2013 with her role as Sophia Burset in the acclaimed Netflix series Orange is the New Black. Cox’s performance on the show earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination, making Cox the first openly transgender person to be nominated for an acting Emmy. As one of the most prominent transgender advocates in the country, Cox continues to use her platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights, challenge stereotypes, and fight discrimination.
Marie Curie (1867-1934) was a Polish and naturalized French chemist and physicist who with her husband Pierre Curie discovered radioactivity for which they won the Nobel Prize Physics 1903. Marie Curie won a second Nobel Prize in Chemistry on her own for discovering and isolating radium and polonium. In 1906 she became the first woman to become a Professor at the University of Paris. The position had been offered to her husband Pierre, but when he was tragically run over by a horse drawn carriage the university made the unprecedented step of offering her the position. She founded the Curie Institute in Paris in 1920, and the Curie Institute in Warsaw in 1932; both remain major medical research centers. During World War I, she developed mobile radiography units to provide X-ray services to field hospitals.
Bette Davis (1908-1989) was a dynamic actress best known for her roles in Dangerous, Jezebel, and All About Eve. Davis was admired for her willingness to play raw, unsympathetic characters. She began her career on stage before making numerous films with Universal Studios and Warner Bros. She won two Academy Awards, and found a career revival in the 1962 film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
Princess Diana (1961-1997) was the first wife of Prince Charles and the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry. Known for her compassion and charitable work, she became a global icon, particularly for her advocacy on issues like AIDS, homelessness, and landmine removal. Diana’s marriage to Prince Charles captured the world’s attention, and her later divorce in 1996 only increased her media presence. Tragically, she died in a car crash in Paris in 1997. Diana’s legacy lives on through her charitable efforts and her lasting influence on the British royal family.
Tammy Duckworth (b.1968) is a current U.S. Senator representing Illinois, after previously serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. Duckworth is a National Guard Vet who was awarded the Purple Heart for service in Iraq. As a representative and politician, she has advocated for the rights of veterans and disabled people. Duckworth has also prioritized mother’s rights, as she was the first active senator to give birth when she welcomed her 3rd child to her family in 2018.
Ava DuVernay (b.1972) is a director, writer, and producer who explores the Black American experience through film. Her most notable works include Selma (2014), depicting the historic Civil Rights march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and 13th (2016), a documentary film exploring the prison-industrial complex and the connections to mass incarceration of Black men. DuVernay is the first African American woman to be nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Director, and the first African American woman to direct a film nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.
Amelia Earhart (1897-1937) was a celebrated American aviator and advocate for women’s rights and equality. She was the sixteenth woman to obtain her pilot’s license. She worked a variety of jobs to pay for her flight lessons with Neta Snook and to purchase a second hand Kinner Airster biplane. In 1932, she became the first woman to pilot solo across the Atlantic Ocean, earning her the nickname “Lady Lindy”. She also achieved the first solo flight from Honolulu to Oakland, California. Earhart was a vocal supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment and encouraged women to pursue careers and challenge social norms, particularly in aviation. Her plane was lost in 1937 during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe in her plane. She was declared dead in 1939. She was posthumously inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and National Women’s Hall of Fame.
Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) was the longest-reigning monarch in British history, serving as queen from 1952 until her passing. She ascended the throne at age 25 after the death of her father, King George VI. Throughout her reign, Elizabeth II played a pivotal role in modernizing the British monarchy, maintaining stability, and overseeing significant political and societal changes. She was a symbol of continuity, dedicated to public service and diplomacy. Her reign spanned numerous historical events, making her one of the most influential leaders of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996) was a legendary jazz vocalist and musician whose performing career spanned over 6 decades. Fitzgerald was known for her impeccable phrasing and interpretation of songs, as well as her signature jazz “scat” and her unique ability to impersonate the sound of a horn while singing. She performed as a solo act and in collaboration with other musical luminaries like Louis Armstrong. Fitzgerald recorded nearly 200 albums, and her versions of classic songbook standards and jazz tunes remain beloved today.
Anne Frank (1929-1945) was a diarist who chronicled her life as a Jewish teenager hiding from Nazi persecution during World War II. Between 1942 and 1944, Frank kept a diary of her everyday life from the secret annex where she and her family lived. Frank was ultimately captured and transported to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where she died in 1945 at the age of 15. Published posthumously by her father Otto, Frank’s diary stands as one of the most personal and poignant accounts of the Holocaust, cementing Frank’s legacy as a symbol of courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable cruelty.
Aretha Franklin (1942-2018) was known as “the Queen of Soul” and twice named the greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. In 1987 she was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was discovered singing Gospel music in her minister father’s choir. She’d come to define the golden age of Soul in the 1960s and her vocal flexibility and inspired interpretations have had deep influence in pop and R&B music as well. Known for her incomparable renditions of “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”. She won 18 Grammys as well as the Living Legend and Lifetime Achievement awards. She was also a supporter of the civil rights and women’s rights movements with her voice and with funding.
Rosalind Franklin (1920-1968) was a pioneering British scientist whose work was critical in the discover of the molecular structure of DNA. Franklin worked as a member of the Biophysical Laboratory in King’s College, London where her work applying x-ray diffraction methods to DNA led to the discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA in 1953, though James Watson and Francis Crick were granted the Nobel Prize for this discovery. Franklin also contributed extensive work on the structures of viruses, paving the way for future research in virology.
Betty Friedan (1921-2006) is the author of The Feminine Mystique (1963), one of the most famous works exploring the limitations of modern women in traditional home-centric roles. After completing her Psychology degree at Smith College, Friedan married and lived as a housewife for a decade. After reuniting with her school friends and hearing multiple stories of dissatisfaction from these women in traditional housewife roles, Friedan undertook extensive research, including interviews, and supplemented her findings with her own personal stories. The book was a massive success and spawned numerous controversies; Friedan subsequently organized the National Organization for Women (NOW) to advocate for women’s civil rights, and remained active in advocating for women’s rights for the rest of her life.
Indira Gandhi (1917-1984) was the first female prime minister of India, serving in her fourth term (1966-1977, 1980-1984) when she was assassinated. Gandhi came from a political family who was deeply involved in the Indian National Congress, a party focused on Indian independence from Britain. After rising through the party and in Indian parliament, she was suddenly thrust into the role of prime minister at the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966. Her tenure was not without controversy; during a period of 21 months beginning in 1975, Gandhi utilized a state of emergency to silent dissenters and carry out a program of forced sterilization. She was ultimately assassinated by her own bodyguards, motivated by the tensions between Gandhi’s governments and Sikh separatists.
Judy Garland (1922-1969) was a movie star and performer who created one of the most enduring cinematic characters, Dorothy Gale, in The Wizard of Oz. She made her first film appears with MGM in 1936. Her performance of the now iconic song Somewhere Over the Rainbow cemented the film as a classic. Garland also sang in the movie-musical Meet Me In St. Louis (1944) and in her later film, A Star is Born (1954). Beyond her numerous films, she recorded dozens of songs, and also embarked on a series of cabaret performances across the world from 1960 to 1961.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020) was a lawyer and American Associate Justice of the Supreme Court serving from 1993 until her death in 2020. She was the first Jewish woman and second woman to serve on the court. She graduated from Cornell University and Columbia Law School. Advocated for gender equality and women’s rights as an attorney with the ACLU. She was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton. She had a noted friendship with Justice Antonin Scalia in spite of the polar political stances. In 2002 she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. In her 80s a Tumblr account created by law student Shana Knizhnik in praise of her liberal decisions and dissents. The account was called Notorious RBG in reference to the rap artist Notorious B.I.G. Her image would become a rallying point for liberal women, a celebrity she slowly embraced.
Whoopi Goldberg (b.1955) is an actress and comedian best known for her wide ranging talent. Goldberg made her Hollywood debut in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Alice Walker’s beloved novel The Color Purple (1985). She won an Academy Award for Performance by a Support Actress in Ghost (1990). Goldberg has continued to appear in film, television, and theatre. She is the first African American woman to win all four major American awards (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).
Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965 ) was an American playwright and writer. She was the first African American female author to have a play performed on Broadway. Her best-known work, the play A Raisin in the Sun, highlights the lives of black Americans in Chicago living under racial segregation. She won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award making her the first Black person and fifth woman to win. She was also nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play. She was also involved in the Civil Rights Movement writing for the Pan African newspaper Freedom and a critic of white liberals who objected to civil disobedience as a means of protest. Her writing about her lesbianism was blocked by her ex-husband Robert Nemiroff when he donated her papers and was only released by his granddaughter in 2013.
Kamala Harris (b.1964) is a lawyer and politician, most known for serving as the Vice President of the United States alongside President Joseph Biden (2021-2025), the first woman, Black American, and the first Asian American to hold the position. Harris served as the attorney General of California (2010-2015) before winning election to the U.S. Senate in 2016, where she was the first Indian American to serve. Harris entered the 2020 race as a candidate for the presidency, where she faced criticism of her background as a prosecutor. After leaving the race she remained highly visible, and advocated for social-justice reform during the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. Biden selected Harris as his running mate, and as Vice President she made signature issues out of women’s rights. She assumed the mantle of the democratic nominee for President in the 2024 election after Biden’s withdrawal from the race, ultimately losing the election to Donald Trump.
Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993) is one of the most well-known faces of 1950s and 1960s Hollywood. Hepburn grew up in the Netherlands before being discovered by French novelist Colette to play the title role in the stage adaptation of her novel Gigi. After her Broadway success, Hepburn went on to star in Roman Holiday (1953), for which she earned the Academy Award for Best Actress. Hepburn continued primarily in film for the next two decades, making iconic movies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), Charade (1964) and My Fair Lady (1964). Beyond her acting career, Hepburn also served as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, devoting herself to humanitarian work.
Billie Holiday (1915-1959) was one of the most iconic singers in American history. With a unique vocal style that drew inspiration from the jazz instrumentalists around her, Holiday rose to fame in the 1930s. One of the most powerful voices of her era, Holiday broke barriers as a black woman in the segregated music industry. Her most famous performances include Jazz standards such as “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” as well as her haunting rendition of “Strange Fruit,” a protest song about lynching. She was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame for her indelible contributions to jazz and popular music.
Whitney Houston (1963-2012) was commonly referred to as “America’s Sweetheart” and “the Voice” because of her four octave vocal range. She was one of the most awarded and successful performers of all time. She sold over 220 million albums worldwide. Her 1985 album Whitney Houston remains the bestselling solo debut album in history. She was also an actress and producer with success in films such as The Bodyguard, Waiting to Exhale, The Preacher’s Wife and Cinderella with hit songs and record sales for the accompanying soundtracks. She was active with a number of charities including her own foundation for children to combat child abuse, support sick children and children’s education. Notably she was an early supporter of HIV/AIDS research both raising money combating the stigma against individuals with HIV/AIDs.
Ketanji Brown Jackson (b.1970) is the first African American woman to serve as a Chief Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Jackson was appointed to the Court in 2022, after a storied career working for both private law firms and as a public defender in Washington, D,C, Brown also worked for the United States Sentencing Commission, which studies and establishing sentencing guidelines for the federal judiciary. Prior to her appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court, she also served as a federal district court judge in Washington, D.C. and as a judge for the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Mae C. Jemison (b.1956) is the first African American woman to travel into space. Jemison trained to be a doctor and spent time as a medical officer with the Peace Corps in West Africa. She then applied to become an astronaut with NASA, and in September 1992 was a member of the shuttle Endeavour crew on a week-long mission orbiting Earth. Jemison subsequently founded the Jemison Group to develop technology with an eye towards socio-cultural issues.
Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992) was a gay liberation activist and self-identified drag queen. Known as an outspoken advocate for gay rights, Johnson was one of the prominent figures in the Stonewall uprising of 1969. Johnson was a member of the Gay Liberation Front and Act Up. Known as “the mayor of Christopher Street” for being a welcoming member of the community. Marsha appeared on stage with the drag troupe Hot Peaches and modeled for Andy Warhol. While accounts vary about the protests at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, the bar had been raided by the police multiple times and on June 28, 1969 in the early morning hours the patrons began to protest. Some accounts say Johnson threw either a brick or a shot glass yelling “I got my civil rights.” The protests would launch the Gay Rights Movement.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee (b.1962) is a four-time Olympian and one of the most celebrated track and field athletes of all time. While still a student-athlete at UCLA, Joyner-Kersee competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where she earned a silver medal in the heptathlon. At the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Joyner-Kersee vaulted herself to superstardom, winning gold medals in both the heptathlon and long jump. She would go on to repeat as gold medalist in the heptathlon in 1992 and earn bronze medals in long jump in both the Barcelona and Atlanta games. Her world record for heptathlon, set over 30 years ago at the Seoul games, still stands today.
Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón is a Mexican painter known for her vibrant self-portraits and depictions of pain, passion, and Mexican culture. Her work, influenced by European movements like Surrealism and Symbolism, but also Mexican folk art and her identity as a mestiza of Purépecha descent. She often explored themes of identity, sexuality, and the human body. She openly had relationships with both men and women. She is particularly known for her self-portraits. Of Kahlo’s 143 paintings; 55 are self-portraits. Because of a bus accident at age 18 she would experience chronic pain for the rest of her life. She was politically active and joined the Mexican Communist Party in 1927. Her first solo show was in 1953 and her work was not fully appreciated until Art Historians and activists began championing it in the 1970s. She is now one of the most well-known painters in the world.
Helen Keller (1880-1968) was a prominent author and educator who rose to renown as an exceptionally gifted blind and deaf student, and who continued her fierce advocacy for disabled communities into her professional career as a writer. As a child, Keller worked closely with teacher Anne Sullivan to develop her skills in reading and writing sentences, eventually learning to read braille, lip-read, and speak, an immense achievement for a blind and deaf child. Keller became a prolific writer and advocate, writing several books and cofounding the American Civil Liberties Union in 1920.
Chaka Khan (b.1953) born Yvette Marie Stevens, is known as ”the Queen of Funk” but can sing any genre of music. She was born and raised in the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago. She performed first with the funk band Rufus with hits like “Tell Me Something Good,” and then had a successful career as a solo artist and in collaborations with Prince and Steve Winwood. She was ranked at No. 17 in VH1’s original list of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll. Her debut solo album featured the hit anthem, “I’m Every Woman.” She is the winner of 10 Grammys and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.
Billie Jean King (b.1943) is an American former world No. 1 tennis player. Widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, King won 39 Grand Slam titles: 12 in singles, 16 in women’s doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles. She famously defeated sexist tennis player Bobby Riggs in a match that was dubbed “The Battle of the Sexes” in 1973. It drew national attention to women’s tennis and the equal rights for women. Though married, King came out in 1971 when the secretary with whom she was having an affair demanded palimony, threatening to publish private letters. She would later divorce her husband though the two remain close friends. In 2018 she married her former doubles partner Ilana Kloss. She has had a successful career in sports broadcasting.
Coretta Scott King (1927-2005) was an author, activist and civil rights leader who was married to Martin Luther King Jr. She and King were both involved in the Civil Rights Movement when she was in graduate school, but she took over a leading role after King was assassinated. She founded the King Center and lobbied for King’s birthday to become a national holiday. She succeeded in 1983 when Ronald Regan signed legislation establishing the holiday. She was also involved in the women’s movement and later LGBTQ rights and the anti apartheid movement. She was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and has been called the “first lady of the Civil Rights Movement.” She criticized the Civil Rights Movement for not adequately acknowledging the role of women.
Umm Kulthum (1904-1975) was an iconic Egyptian singer, songwriter, and actress, often referred to as the “Star of the East.” Renowned for her powerful voice and emotional depth, she became a symbol of Arab music and culture. Her career spanned decades, and her influence on Arabic music remains unparalleled. In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine ranked her number 61 out of the top 200 singers of all time. Many Americans may be familiar with her from the Tony Award winning The Band’s Visit, in which her legacy plays a crucial role, as her music profoundly impacts the characters, embodying themes of longing and connection.
Edna Lewis (1916-2006) was an acclaimed American chef, renowned for her deep connection to Southern cuisine. Born in Freetown, Virginia, Lewis was a culinary pioneer, bringing the flavors of the South to a wider audience. She gained fame for her work at Café Nicholson, a Manhattan restaurant where she served as chef in the 1940s and ’50s. Lewis is celebrated for her books, including The Taste of Country Cooking, which highlighted seasonal, farm-to-table cooking. Her work influenced generations of chefs, and she remains a key figure in the evolution of American culinary traditions.
Queen Lili’uokalani (1938-1917) was the last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, reigning from 1891 until the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. She was a skilled musician, composer, and advocate for Hawaiian culture. Lili’uokalani worked tirelessly to preserve her nation’s sovereignty and championed reforms for her people. Following the illegal overthrow, she was imprisoned in her own palace but later became a symbol of Hawaiian resistance and resilience. Her legacy lives on through her music, notably the iconic song “Aloha ’Oe,” and her advocacy for the rights of Native Hawaiians.
Wangarĩ Maathai (1940-2011) was a Kenyan environmentalist, political activist, and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, focusing on environmental conservation and women’s empowerment through tree planting. Maathai’s work was pivotal in raising global awareness about sustainable development, human rights, and environmental justice. As a member of Kenya’s Parliament and a former Assistant Minister for Environment, she was a strong advocate for democracy and peace. Maathai’s legacy continues to inspire environmental and social activism worldwide.
Madonna (b.1958) Madonna Louise Ciccone is known as the queen of pop. She is a singer, songwriter, producer and actor. Famous for her ability to reinvent herself and for her willingness to generate controversy with religious, sexual or political themes in her work. Her success aligned with the success of music videos and she used the form to create evocative and often controversial videos. These expanded the reach of her music and showed the role a celebrity artist could influence larger cultural debates around gender, sexuality and patriarchy. In 2003, MTV named her the Greatest Music Video Star Ever. She has been credited as a model for other female pop stars both musically and as entrepreneurs. She has seven Grammys, two Golden Globes, and 20 MTV Music Awards. She has starred in the films A League of Their Own and Evita. She founded the Maverick Record label in 1992.
Hattie McDaniel (1939-1993) was an actor and singer known for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind. She won an Academy Award for her role. She was the first Black person to receive an Oscar. Her story was featured on TimeLine Theatre’s stage in the 2023 premiere of Boulevard of Bold Dreams. She experienced racism and segregation throughout her career including not being able to attend the premiere of Gone with the Wind and having segregated seating for the Academy Awards. She was later critiqued by some members of the Civil Rights movement for playing a stereotypical character. She helped organize and fight covenants designed to restrict Black people from owning homes in her California neighborhood.
Angela Merkel (b.1954) is a German politician who served as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021, making her one of the longest-serving leaders in modern German history. A trained physicist, she became the first female Chancellor of Germany and was known for her pragmatic, cautious leadership style. Merkel played a pivotal role in shaping European Union policy, particularly during crises like the 2008 financial meltdown and the refugee crisis of 2015. She was a key figure in global diplomacy, advocating for multilateralism, climate action, and European unity. Merkel remains a highly respected figure in international politics.
Nicki Minaj (b.1982) born Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty is a Trinidadian rapper and singer. Her flow, versatility, and clever lyrics have led to her being given the title “the Queen of Rap.” Vibe and Billboard magazines named her the greatest female rapper of all time and in 2016 Time named her to its list of 100 most influential people. She is the woman with the second most top ten songs after Aretha Franklin. Outside of her music career, she created her own music label and has acted in films and voice animated characters in films as well as modeling for various fashion houses and creating a cosmetic line.
Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) was an iconic American actress, singer, and model, renowned for her beauty, talent, and complex persona. Rising to fame in the 1950s, she became one of Hollywood’s most beloved and enduring stars, known for roles in films like Some Like It Hot and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Monroe challenged societal norms, using her platform to break boundaries for women in entertainment. Beyond her career, she symbolized vulnerability and strength, leaving a lasting legacy in pop culture. Her influence continues to shape the entertainment industry and the way women are portrayed in media.
Rita Moreno (b.1931) is a Puerto Rican born American actress, singer and dancer. She is one of the few actors who has won the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony (EGOT). Her Academy Award for Supporting Actress for West Side Story made her the first Hispanic woman to win an Oscar. She reprised her role for the film version and received an Oscar. She was a cast member on the beloved children’s program the Electric Company between 1971-1977 earning an Emmy. She has also received a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, the Peabody Award, a National Medal of Arts. She has been an activist for women’s rights and civil rights attending the March on Washington in 1963.
Toni Morrison (1931-2019) was an influential American novelist, essayist, editor, and professor, renowned for her powerful works exploring African American identity, history, and culture. Her novels, such as Beloved, Song of Solomon, and The Bluest Eye, are celebrated for their lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance. Morrison’s writing often delves into themes of race, memory, and the impact of slavery. In 1993, she became the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her profound legacy continues to shape literature, offering a voice to marginalized communities and challenging societal norms.
Sandra Day O’Connor (1930-2023) was a pioneering figure in American law, best known as the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, O’Connor served for 24 years, retiring in 2006. Her judicial philosophy was often characterized by pragmatism and moderation, with a focus on case-by-case analysis rather than rigid ideologies. O’Connor played a key role in numerous landmark decisions, particularly in cases involving women’s rights, federalism, and the death penalty. Beyond the Court, she was an advocate for civics education and civic engagement.
Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) is an American modernist painter. Often called the mother of American Modernism she is known for her landscapes. Her paintings of natural forms including flowers and landscapes, particularly New Mexico where she lived for the later half of his life. She began her studies in 1905 at the Art institute of Chicago where she held an exhibit of her work in 1917. As O’Keeffe developed her career as an artist and a modernist, she was interested in women’s suffrage and women’s rights. She joined the National Women’s Party and spoke on their behalf. In 2014, O’Keeffe’s 1932 painting “Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1” sold for $44,405,000—at the time, by far the largest price paid for any painting by a female artist.
Michelle Obama (b.1964) is an American attorney and author who served as the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017, being married to Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Obama is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. She worked at the law firm Sidley Austin in Chicago and then the University of Chicago. As the first Black woman to be First Lady she was subjected to an unusual level of scrutiny and racism, As First Lady she focused on projects related to education, healthy eating and exercise. She wrote three books and received two Grammys for her audiobooks. Her memoir, Becoming, was a New York Times bestseller. In 2021 she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (b.1989) often referred to as “AOC”, is a progressive politician and member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York’s 14th district since 2019. Born in the Bronx, AOC rose to prominence as a democratic socialist, advocating for policies such as Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and affordable housing. She is the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, known for her outspoken advocacy on issues of economic justice, racial equality, and environmental sustainability. AOC continues to inspire young people across the U.S. with her bold, grassroots-driven approach to politics.
Rosa Parks (1913-2005) was a pioneering civil rights activist known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. On December 1, 1955, Parks famously refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, sparking a movement against racial segregation. Her brave act of defiance became a symbol of the struggle for racial equality. Parks’ courage and dedication to justice made her an iconic figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, earning her numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Suzan-Lori Parks (b.1963) is an acclaimed American playwright, novelist, and screenwriter, best known for her groundbreaking work in contemporary theatre. She made history as the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for her play Topdog/Underdog in 2002. Parks’ works often explore themes of identity, race, and history, blending elements of surrealism and symbolism. A versatile artist, she has also written novels, screenplays, and essays. Parks is celebrated for her innovative storytelling and her ability to challenge traditional narratives, making her a leading figure in American theater.
Dolly Parton (b.1946) is singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is best known as a country singer with hits like “Jolene”, “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You” which also became a hit for Whitney Houston. She won 11 Grammys and 10 Country Music Awards and has sold over 100 million records worldwide. She starred in films like 9 to 5, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias. She also is part of a film production company and opened her theme park Dollywood. She has been active in philanthropy with her own foundation focussed on child literacy, though she has given to numerous disaster relief agencies and hospitals. During the COVID-19 outbreak she donated $1 million dollars to research and was the face of a pro-vaccination public service campaign.
Lena Richard (1892-1971) was a pioneering African American culinary artist, renowned for her contributions to Southern cuisine. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, she became one of the first African American women to host a cooking show on television, gaining national recognition. Known for her expertise in Creole and Cajun cooking, Richard was a prolific cookbook author and an influential figure in the culinary world. Throughout her career, she worked to preserve and promote the flavors of her heritage, leaving a lasting legacy in both Southern cuisine and American food culture.
Sally Ride (1951-2012) is a physicist and astronaut. She became the first American woman in space in 1983. Ride joined NASA in 1978 and flew on the Space Shuttle Challenger’s STS-7 mission. During her mission, she operated the robotic arm to help deploy satellites. In 1984, she flew on a second mission, STS-41G. Ride was passionate about science education and inspiring young women to pursue science through Sally Ride Science, a company she created with her business partner and domestic partner Tam O’Shaughnessy, a former professional tennis player who Ride had known since high school. They kept their relationship out of the public eye so as not to jeopardize funding for the books they wrote to encourage young women to pursue careers in science. After Ride’s death from pancreatic cancer, O’Shaughnessy accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama on Ride’s behalf.
Joan Rivers (1933-2014) was an iconic American comedian, actress, and television host, renowned for her sharp wit and fearless humor. A trailblazer for women in comedy, she broke barriers in a male-dominated industry, becoming the first woman to host a late-night talk show, The Late Show in 1986. Known for her quick, often controversial jokes, Rivers revolutionized the world of stand-up comedy and red-carpet interviewing. Her career spanned over five decades, earning her a legacy as one of the most influential and groundbreaking comedic figures in entertainment history.
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) was an American political figure, diplomat, and activist. She was the longest-serving First Lady of the United States, during her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms as president from 1933 to 1945. Through her travels, public engagement, and advocacy, she largely redefined the role. Frequently she broke with her husband’s policies and was considered more progressive by advocating for anti-lynching legislation and warned against prejudice against minorities after bombing of Pearl Harbor. After her husband’s death she continued her advocacy, she served as a United States Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly from 1945 to 1952, and she took a leading role in gaining international support for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Diana Ross (b.1944) is an American singer, actress, and music producer, celebrated for her powerful voice and groundbreaking contributions to pop and soul music. A former member of The Supremes, one of Motown’s most successful acts, she became a solo star with hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “I’m Coming Out.” Ross is known for her glamorous stage presence and influence on both music and fashion. With a career spanning over six decades, she remains one of the most enduring and influential figures in popular music history.
Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994) was an American sprinter and a trailblazer in the world of athletics. Overcoming childhood polio, she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games, achieving this feat at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Rudolph’s victories in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4×100 meter relay made her a global symbol of strength and resilience. Known as “the fastest woman in the world,” she broke barriers for women in sports and became a role model for future generations.
Nina Simone (1933-2003) was an American singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist known for her unique blend of jazz, blues, soul, and classical music. Often called the “High Priestess of Soul,” her powerful voice and emotive performances captivated audiences worldwide. Simone used her music to address social issues, particularly racial inequality, with iconic songs like “Mississippi Goddam” and “Feeling Good.” Her work in both music and activism left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, influencing generations of artists and activists alike.
Sonia Sotomayor (b.1954) is an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009. She made history as the first Latina and third woman to serve on the Court. Prior to her appointment, Sotomayor served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Raised in a Bronx housing project, her life story exemplifies resilience and determination. Known for her advocacy for civil rights and social justice, she has become an influential voice on issues of race, gender, and criminal justice reform.
Gloria Steinem (b.1934) is a pioneering American feminist, journalist, and social activist. Steinem gained prominence in the 1960s and 70s as a key figure in the women’s liberation movement. She co-founded Ms. Magazine, a landmark publication for feminist thought, and became an outspoken advocate for gender equality, reproductive rights, and social justice. Throughout her career, Steinem challenged societal norms, empowering women and advancing progressive causes. She remains an iconic voice in the ongoing fight for gender equality.
Meryl Streep (b.1949) born in Summit, New Jersey, is widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of her generation. With a career spanning over five decades, Streep has earned acclaim for her versatility and depth in both dramatic and comedic roles. She has received numerous awards, including three Academy Awards and 21 nominations, the most of any actor or actress in history. Streep’s notable films include Sophie’s Choice, The Devil Wears Prada, and Kramer vs. Kramer, solidifying her as a powerhouse in Hollywood.
Barbra Streisand (b.1942) was the first performer to win the EGOT—the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards. She is a singer, songwriter, actress, producer and director. Her breakout role in the 1964 musical Funny Girl introduced two of her signature songs “People” and “Don’t Rain on my Parade” and landed her on the cover of Time magazine. She would reprise the role in the 1968 film version and win the Oscar. She starred in the films Hello Dolly, What’s Up Doc and The Way We Were. She went on to produce, direct and star in Yentl for which she was the first woman to receive a Golden Globe for directing. She has ten Grammy Awards, nine Golden Globe Awards, five Emmys, four Peabody Awards and two Academy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Through her foundation she has worked on civil rights, women’s rights and the environment.
Donna Summer (1948-2012) is a singer songwriter known as “the Queen of Disco.” She is known for disco hits “I Feel Love,” “Love to Love you Baby” and “Last Dance” She had a song in the top 40 every year between 1974-1985. “I Feel Love” is also credited as the start of electronic dance music. In 2013, Summer was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In December 2016, Billboard ranked her sixth on its list of the “Greatest of All Time Top Dance Club Artists“.
Taylor Swift (b.1989) is a singer, songwriter, and the richest female musician in the world. She started as a teenager as a country music singer and successfully crossed over to pop with her album 1989. She holds the record for 7 albums to reach one-million in first week sales. She is known for her autobiographical songwriting and loyal fans who pack stadiums making the highest grossing touring artist and the Eras Tour film the highest grossing tour film, She won fourteen Grammy Awards and is the most awarded artist of the American Music Awards with 40 awards. She was Time’s person of the year in 2023. She has used her celebrity and social media to motivate her fans, getting 65,000 people to register in one day after her post. She describes herself as a pro-choice feminist and “childless cat lady” in a dig at then vice presidential nominee JD Vance.
Amy Tan (b.1952) is an acclaimed American author best known for her groundbreaking work exploring the complexities of Chinese-American identity. Tan gained international fame with her debut novel The Joy Luck Club (1989), which delves into the generational and cultural struggles of Chinese-American women. Her writing blends personal history with rich storytelling, highlighting themes of family, cultural conflict, and the immigrant experience. Tan’s works have earned numerous awards and have significantly influenced contemporary literature, providing vital representation for Asian-American voices in mainstream literary culture.
Mother Teresa (1910-1997), born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, was a Catholic nun and missionary renowned for her selfless work with the poor in Calcutta, India. In 1950, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, which grew into a global organization devoted to caring for the destitute, sick, and orphaned. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian efforts. However, her legacy is not without controversy. Critics have questioned her stance on suffering and the quality of care in her homes, as well as her connections to controversial political figures. Despite this, her compassion and dedication to the poor remain iconic.
Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013) was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, serving from 1979 to 1990. Known as the “Iron Lady” for her strong, uncompromising leadership, Thatcher implemented conservative economic policies, emphasizing free markets, privatization, and reducing the power of trade unions. Her tenure was marked by significant social and political change, including the Falklands War and the transformation of the British economy. While admired for her resolve, she was also a polarizing figure, with critics citing the social costs of her policies. Thatcher remains one of the most influential leaders in modern British history.
Greta Thunberg (b.2003) is a Swedish global climate activist renowned for her passionate advocacy for urgent action on climate change. She gained international attention in 2018 by starting the “Fridays for Future” school strike movement, inspiring millions of young people worldwide to demand climate action. Thunberg has addressed world leaders at forums like the UN Climate Change Conference and the United Nations, urging them to take bold, immediate steps to combat global warming. Known for her direct, no-nonsense style, Thunberg has become a symbol of youth-driven environmental activism and environmental justice.
Tina Turner (1939-2023) born Anna Mae Bullock was a singer, songwriter and actress, dubbed the Queen of Rock and Roll. She was known for her evocative raspy voice and dynamic stage presence and “the best legs in show business.” She rose to fame as part of a duo with then husband Ike Turner. She divorced in 1978 and spoke publicly about the domestic abuse she experienced in an interview with Time magazine in 1981 helping to destigmatize conversations about domestic abuse. She rebuilt her career as a solo artist. She was the first Black woman on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. received 12 Grammy awards and the 2005 Kennedy Center Honors. In 2021 she became a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee having previously been inducted with Ike Turner. This time, she was awarded for her solo career.
Cicely Tyson (1924-2021) was an acclaimed American actress and trailblazer known for portraying strong African-American women in film, television, and theater. With a career spanning over seven decades, she earned numerous awards, including an Emmy, a Tony, and an honorary Oscar. Tyson gained widespread recognition for her roles in Sounder, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, and Roots. Committed to portraying characters with dignity and depth, she broke barriers for Black actresses and left a lasting impact on American culture and the entertainment industry.
Alice Walker (b.1944) is an acclaimed American author, poet, and activist, best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Color Purple (1982). Born in Eatonton, Georgia, Walker’s work explores themes of race, gender, and identity, often focusing on the struggles and resilience of Black women. She has been a leading voice in both the civil rights and feminist movements, using her writing to challenge societal norms and amplify marginalized voices. Walker’s legacy extends beyond literature, as she continues to inspire generations with her commitment to justice, human rights, and artistic expression.
Vera Wang (b.1949) is a renowned American fashion designer, best known for her luxurious bridal collections. Born in New York City, Wang initially pursued a career in figure skating before transitioning to fashion. She gained widespread recognition after designing her own wedding gown in 1989, which led to the creation of her bridal brand. Over the years, Wang has expanded her influence to include ready-to-wear, accessories, and home products, becoming a global icon in the fashion industry. Her designs are known for their sophistication, modern elegance, and timeless beauty.
Ida B. Wells (1862-1931) was an American investigative journalist, sociologist, educator, and early leader in the civil rights movement. In the 1890s, Wells traveled in the south collecting interviews and reporting on lynching. When she published an editorial on lynching in Free Speech, another newspaper threatened her life and the offices of the Memphis. Free Speech were ransacked by a white mob and Wells and the co-owner of the paper had to flee Memphis. She was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She married fellow activist Attorney Ferdinand Lee Barnett and settled in Chicago but she continued to work in civil rights and suffragist groups as well as as a reporter for The Chicago Defender. In 2020, Wells was awarded a Pulitzer Prize citation for her courageous reporting on lynching.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer (1928-2024) colloquially called “Dr. Ruth”, was a German-born sex therapist, author, and media figure. A Holocaust survivor, Westheimer was sent to a Swiss orphanage at age 10 to escape the Nazis and later learned her parents perished in the Holocaust. She immigrated to New York City in 1956. She studied at the Sorbonne and the New School and Columbia University then trained as a sex therapist. In 1980, after speaking to a group of broadcasters about the need for sex education she was offered a radio show, Sexually Speaking. The show became syndicated and broke taboos by speaking frankly about sex. This led to a television show and she became a popular guest on late night talk shows. Her frank discussion of both pleasure in sex as well as birth control and sexually transmitted diseases helped change the conversation about sex and sexuality.
Venus (b.1980) and Serena (b.1981) Williams are legendary American tennis players who revolutionized the sport with their powerful playing style and fierce competitiveness. Raised in Compton, California, and coached by their father, Richard Williams, both sisters broke barriers in a predominantly white sport. Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, paved the way by becoming the first African American woman to reach world No. 1 in the Open Era. Serena, with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Beyond tennis, they’ve championed fashion, business, and social justice, becoming global icons and role models.
Oprah Winfrey (b.1954) is an American media mogul, actress, producer, and philanthropist. She’s best known for her award-winning talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, which ran from 1986–2011 and was the highest-rated program of its kind. In 2008 it was seen by 46 million Americans every week. She pioneered a more sedate and confessional interview style and she was comfortable sharing her own struggles. In 2011, she launched her own television network, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). Winfrey is also the founder of O, The Oprah Magazine and Harpo Films. Called the “Queen of All Media, in 2003 she became the first black female billionaire. She regularly makes lists of the most powerful or influential people. Dubbed “the Oprah Effect” her endorsement of a book makes it a bestseller, and her regular guests frequently became stars in their own right. She is a noted philanthropist and by 2012 had given away over $400 million to educational causes. She was awarded 19 daytime Emmys, two primetime Emmys, a Tony award and a Peabody Award.
Anna May Wong (1905-1961) Wong Liu Tsong, known professionally as Anna May Wong, was an American actress, considered the first Chinese American film star both in Hollywood and internationally. Her varied career spanned silent film, sound film, television, stage, and radio. She had key roles in The Thief of Bagdad, Daughter of the Dragon and Shanghai Express. She spoke out about the racism and stereotypical roles in Hollywood. She was disappointed when she was not cast in a film adaptation of Pearl S. Buck’s The Good Earth and the role was played by a white actress in yellowface. She was a style icon, and an early adopter of the flapper look. In 1934, the Mayfair Mannequin Society of New York voted her the “world’s best dressed woman.” In 1951, Wong made history with The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong, the first U.S. television show starring an Asian-American. She was recognized for raising money for Chinese refugees.
Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was an influential English writer, renowned for her modernist novels, essays, and works on feminist theory. Born in London, Woolf was part of the Bloomsbury Group, a collective of intellectuals and artists. Her most famous works include Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, and Orlando. Woolf is celebrated for her innovative narrative techniques, such as stream-of-consciousness writing. Struggling with mental illness throughout her life, she tragically died by suicide in 1941. Woolf’s work continues to shape literature, particularly in terms of gender, psychology, and the nature of time.
Kristi Yamaguchi (b.1971) is a retired American figure skater and Olympic gold medalist, widely celebrated for her athleticism and grace on the ice. Born in Hayward, California, Yamaguchi won the gold medal in women’s figure skating at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France. Throughout her career, she amassed numerous national and international titles, including two World Championships. Yamaguchi has also made a successful transition to professional skating, touring and appearing on television. Off the ice, she is a philanthropist, focusing on children’s literacy and health through her foundation, Always Dream.
Michelle Yeoh (b.1962) Yeoh Choo Kheng known professionally as Michelle Yeoh, is a Malaysian actress. She is the recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. She rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s after starring in Hong Kong action and martial arts films where she performed her own stunts. After moving to the United States, Yeoh gained international recognition for starring in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies and in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. In 2022 she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Everything Everywhere All at Once, becoming the first Asian person to win. She has done philanthropic work internationally in a variety of areas including disaster relief, HIV/AIDS, animal conservation and equal rights.
Malala Yousafzai (b.1997) is a Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who advocates for girls’ education. At age 17, she became the youngest Nobel laureate in history for her fight for every child’s right to education. Yousafzai’s activism began when she kept an anonymous blog for BBC Urdu about life under Taliban rule in Pakistan, speaking out against their regime. The Taliban threatened her life, and militants shot her in the head for attending school. She was 15 years old at the time. The attack garnered worldwide outrage. After she recovered from her injury she co-founded the Malala Foundation and co-authored the book I Am Malala. Still the subject of death threats, she continued her education in Birmingham England and Oxford. She used recognition to address the United Nations and meet with world leaders to advocate for women’s education, women’s rights and children’s rights.