Abstract painter, sculptor, and minimalist Carmen Herrera influenced a generation of artists.

Chilean author and educator Gabriela Mistral became the first Latin American author to receive the Nobel Prize in literature.

Mexican-American journalist, activist, and suffragist, Jovita Idar often faced dangerous situations, however she bravely fought the injustices in her time.

Rita Moreno became the first Latina woman to earn an “E.G.O.T.:” an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.

Patsy Mink was the first woman of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first Asian-American woman to serve in Congress.

Toni Morrison is one of the most celebrated authors in the world.

Appearing in over sixty movies throughout her career, Anna May Wong was the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood.

Janet Mock became the first transgender woman of color to write and direct an episode of television.

Poet, activist, and musician Joy Harjo became the first Native American United States Poet Laureate in history.

Mary Musgrove become a negotiator between English and Native American communities and played an important role in the development of Colonial Georgia.

Internationally recognized writer Sandra Cisneros is best known for "The House on Mango Street," which has sold over six million copies.

Joyce Chen introduced Chinese food to the American public.

Sarah Grimké and her sister fought for abolition and women's rights.

Florence Kelley dedicated her life to social reform. She worked to end many social problems, including labor and racial discrimination.

Hedy Lamarr was an Austrian-American actress and inventor who pioneered the technology that would one day form the basis for today’s WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth communication systems

Ethel Payne is known as the First Lady of the Black Press, because of her fearlessness as a journalist and a Civil Rights activist.

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.

Sacagawea is best known for joining Louis and Clark on their expedition westward from the Mississippi to the Pacific Coast.

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.