
Biographies generously sponsored by Susan D. Whiting.
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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 inspiring new stories!
Featured Biographies
Biography
Margaret Ives Abbott
Imagine being the first woman to win an Olympic event for the United States, but never knowing that you had done so. This is what happened to Margaret Ives Abbott.
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Biography
Mae Jemison
Astronaut Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel in space.
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Andrea Jenkins
Andrea Jenkins made history in 2017 when she became the first African American, openly transgender woman elected to public office in the United States.
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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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Barbara Jordan
As a lawyer, a congresswoman, and a scholar, Barbara Jordan used her public speaking skills to fight for civil and human rights.
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Deloris Jordan
Deloris Jordan has established multiple charities, especially focused on underprivileged youth.
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Annie Jump Cannon
Known as the “census taker of the sky,” Annie Jump Cannon was a brilliant astronomer that revolutionized the way scientists classify stars.
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Elena Kagan
The first female Solicitor General of the United States and now an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, Elena Kagan is a prominent legal scholar and jurist who has advocated for justice and equality since childhood.
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Kati Karikó
Karikó’s research and perseverance proved that mRNA vaccines were possible and paved the way for the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines to end the Covid-19 Pandemic.
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Lani Ka’ahumanu
Lani Ka’ahumanu, a leader of the bisexual rights movement in the U.S., has worked for greater visibility for bisexuals both within the LGBTQ movement as well as broader society.
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Elizabeth Keckley
Born into slavery, Elizabeth Keckley’s story is one of perseverance and ingenuity in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
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Helen Keller
Undeterred by deafness and blindness, Helen Keller rose to become a major 20th century humanitarian, educator and writer.
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Florence Kelley
Florence Kelley dedicated her life to social reform. She worked to end many social problems, including labor and racial discrimination.
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Billie Jean King
One of the greatest tennis players of all time and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient for her advocacy for women in sports and LGBTQ rights, Billie Jean King won 39 Grand Slam titles in her tennis career and led the fight for equal pay in tennis.
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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.
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María Teresa Kumar
Emmy nominated political and voting rights activist María Teresa Kumar has dedicated her career to advocating for inclusive political participation.
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Winona LaDuke
Winona LaDuke, a Native American activist, economist, and author, has devoted her life to advocating for Indigenous control of their homelands, natural resources, and cultural practices.
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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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