Biographies

Abrams is now one of the most prominent African American female politicians in the United States.

Abigail Adams was an early advocate for women's rights.

A progressive social reformer and activist, Jane Addams was on the frontline of the settlement house movement and was the first American woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize.

Toshiko Akiyoshi changed the face of jazz music over her sixty-year career. As one of few women and Asian musicians in the jazz world, Akiyoshi infused Japanese culture, sounds, and instruments into her music.

Famed author Louisa May Alcott created colorful relatable characters in 19th century novels.

At the age of 16, Sonita Alizadeh found out she was to be sold into marriage. Propelled to do something by this experience and the experiences of other women around her, the young Afghani woman turned to rap music.

June Almeida serves as a role model for determination and innovation. As the person to identify the first human coronavirus, scientists, and people all over the world, are indebted to her work.

Journalist and poet Asieh Amini is a leading voice in the campaign to end stoning and juvenile executions in Iran.

Poet, dancer, singer, activist, and scholar, Maya Angelou is a world-famous author. She is best known for her unique and pioneering autobiographical writing style.

Susan B. Anthony was a champion of the temperance, abolition, and suffrage movements.

Corazon “Cory” Aquino went from a shy law school student, to the first female president of the Philippines.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg became the second woman, and first Jewish woman to serve on the Supreme Court.

World renowned performer, World War II spy, and activist are few of the titles used to describe Josephine Baker.

Lucille Ball was an American actress, pioneer in comedy, and businesswoman. 

Penelope Barker organized the Edenton Tea Party, the first recorded women’s political demonstration in America.

Clara Barton was an educator, humanitarian, and founder of the American Red Cross.

Charlotta Spears Bass was a journalist, activist, and politician who fought for the civil rights of African Americans in the early and mid-20th century. She was also the first Black woman to run for vice president of the United States (1952).

Bates' work with the NAACP transformed the Civil Rights Movement.

Catharine Esther Beecher was a nineteenth century teacher and writer who promoted equal access to education for women.

Dr. Regina Benjamin is a family physician who served as the 18th US Surgeon General during the Obama Administration, and was the youngest person and first African American admitted to the American Medical Association’s Board of Trustees.