Biographies generously sponsored by Susan D. Whiting.

Biographies

Women have always played an active role in history. Explore some of the historical pioneers and contemporary newsmakers that continue to impact the world. New biographies are added regularly, so check back to discover new stories!

Featured Biographies

Adelina Otero-Warren, the first Hispanic woman to run for U.S. Congress and the first female superintendent of public schools in Santa Fe, was a leader in New Mexico’s woman’s suffrage movement.

Adelina Otero-Warren

Ana Roqué de Duprey, a prolific educator, writer, and scientist, founded the first woman’s suffrage organization in Puerto Rico in 1917.

Ana Roqué de Duprey

According to Antonia Hernández, she “went to law school for one reason: to use the law as a vehicle for social change.” Decades later, she can claim numerous legal victories for the Latinx community in voting rights, employment, and education.

Antonia Hernández

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Abigail Smith Adams

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

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Jane Addams

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.

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Louisa May Alcott

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

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Maya Angelou

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.

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Susan B. Anthony

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

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Corazon Aquino

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

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Ruth Bader Ginsburg

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

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Josephine Baker

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

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Lucille Ball

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

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Penelope Barker

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

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Clara Barton

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

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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).

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Daisy Bates

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

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Catharine Beecher

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

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Mary McLeod Bethune

Mary McLeod Bethune was one of the most important black educators, civil and women’s rights leaders and government officials of the twentieth century.

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Amanda Blackhorse

Amanda Blackhorse has always seen Native American women fighting against injustice. Blackhorse, member of the Navajo, a social worker and mother of two, served as the named plaintiff in the 2006 lawsuit Blackhorse et al v. Pro-Football Inc.

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Elizabeth Blackwell

Elizabeth Blackwell was the first American woman to receive a medical degree.

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Amelia Bloomer

Amelia Bloomer was a suffragist, editor, social activist, and fashion advocate who worked to change women’s clothing.

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Nellie Bly

Nellie Bly was one of the most famous journalists in the United States.

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Frances P. Bolton

US Rep Frances Bolton pursued a life of philanthropy, politics, and social reform, and was a lifelong advocate of education, healthcare, and civil rights.