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

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

Toni Morrison

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.

Patsy Mink

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

Corazon Aquino

Fearless Wall Street broker Muriel Siebert was known as The First Woman of Finance.

Muriel Siebert

Known as the “Godmother of Title IX,” Bernice Sandler fought for women’s rights in education.

Bernice Sandler

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Charity Adams Earley

Educator, soldier, and psychologist, Charity Adams Earley led the first African American women’s unit of the army on a tour of duty overseas during WWII.

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Mary Baker Eddy

Mary Baker Eddy founded a popular religious movement during the 19th century, Christian Science.

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Elizabeth Freeman

Elizabeth Freeman became the first African American woman to successfully file a lawsuit for freedom in the state of Massachusetts.

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Betty Friedan

Journalist, activist, and co-founder of the National Organization for Women, Betty Friedan was one of the early leaders of the women’s rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

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Grace Frysinger

Teacher, lecturer, and author, Grace Frysinger supported rural communities throughout her career.

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Sarah Moore Grimké

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

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Angelina Grimké Weld

Although raised on a slave-owning plantation, Angelina Grimké Weld became an ardent abolitionist.

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Sarah Josepha Hale

Sarah Josepha Hale is best known for creating the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” Her influence can also be seen in historic sites and a national holiday still widely celebrated today.

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Florence Hall

Florence Hall headed the Women's Land Army during World War II.

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Fannie Lou Hamer

Fannie Lou Hamer was one of the most important, passionate, and powerful voices of the civil and voting rights movements .

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Joy Harjo

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

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Nancy Hart

Nancy Hart made it her mission to rid the Georgia territory of British Loyalists.

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A symbolic figure in the American Revolutionary War, the woman known as “Molly Pitcher” reportedly brought water to the troops at the Battle of Monmouth and worked the cannon after her husband was wounded.

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