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

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

Sandra Cisneros

104 year-old Abstract painter, sculptor, and minimalist Carmen Herrera continues to influence a generation of artists.

Carmen Herrera

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

Jovita Idár

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

Gabriela Mistral

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

Rita Moreno

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Ruby Hurley

Civil rights pioneer and campaigner, Ruby Hurley is most known for her work with the NAACP in the 1950s and 1960s.

Biography

Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Hurston was a world-renowned writer and anthropologist.

Biography

Anne Hutchinson

Considered one of the earliest American feminists, Anne Hutchinson was a spiritual leader in colonial Massachusetts who challenged male authority.

Biography

Jovita Idár

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

Biography

Mae Jemison

Astronaut Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel in space.

Biography

Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson

Claudia Johnson, known as “Lady Brid Johnson” was an environmentalist, businesswoman, political activist, and First Lady.

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Mary Harris Jones

Female labor activist “Mother Jones” was a self-proclaimed “hell-raiser”.

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Helen Keller

Undeterred by deafness and blindness, Helen Keller rose to become a major 20th century humanitarian, educator and writer.

Biography

Florence Kelley

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

Biography

Coretta Scott King

Although best known for being the wife of famed civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Coretta Scott King created her own legacy.

Biography

Beverly LaHaye

Beverly LaHaye has been an influential voice in American conservative politics for decades and founded the Concerned Women for America.

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Hedy Lamarr

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

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Edna Lewis

Chef and cookbook author Edna Lewis taught the American public to appreciate southern meals in a new way.

Biography

Leona Woods Libby

Physicist Leona Woods Marshall Libby was one of the women who helped to create the atomic weapon.

Biography

Juliette Gordon Low

Known as the founder of the Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low created the largest and most successful organisation for girls in the world.

Biography

Autherine Lucy

Autherine Lucy was the first African American student to attend the University of Alabama

Biography

Sybil Ludington

Sybil Ludington was just 16 years old when she made a night-time ride rallying Patriot soldiers.

Biography

Dolley Madison

Dolley Madison, the fourth First Lady of the United States, is widely remembered as the most lively of the early First Ladies.

Biography

Mary Eliza Mahoney

Mary Eliza Mahoney pursued a nursing career which supported these aims. She is noted for becoming the first African American licensed nurse.

Biography

Wilma Mankiller

Wilma Mankiller is often remembered as the first Principle Chief of the Cherokee Nation but her life was filled with activism from the beginning.