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

As a lawyer, a congresswoman, and a scholar, Barbara Jordan used her public speaking skills to fight for civil and human rights.

Barbara Jordan

Olympia Snowe was the first woman in American history to serve in both houses of State Legislature and both houses of Congress.

Olympia J. Snowe

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

Corazon Aquino

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is the senior US Representative from Florida, the first Latina elected to the US Congress, and the first Republican in congress to publicly support the passage of the marriage equality act.

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

In 1968 Shirley Chisholm became the first African American woman to serve in Congress.

Shirley Chisholm

Topics

Era

Location

Biography

Abigail Smith Adams

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

Biography

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.

Biography

Louisa May Alcott

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

Biography

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.

Biography

Susan B. Anthony

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

Biography

Corazon Aquino

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

Biography

Josephine Baker

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

Biography

Lucille Ball

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

Biography

Penelope Barker

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

Biography

Clara Barton

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

Biography

Daisy Bates

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

Biography

Catharine Beecher

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

Biography

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.

Biography

Elizabeth Blackwell

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

Biography

Amelia Bloomer

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

Biography

Nellie Bly

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

Biography

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.

Biography

Isabella "Belle" Boyd

Isabella “Belle” Boyd was was one of the most famous female Confederate spies, hailed by some as the “Cleopatra of Secession.”

Biography

Ruby Bridges

Ruby Bridges was only six years old when she became the first African American to attend her elementary school.

Biography

Pearl S. Buck

Pearl S. Buck produced works of fiction and non-fiction throughout her lifetime, many of which focused on her experiences in China.