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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Biography

Sojourner Truth

A former slave, Sojourner Truth was an advocate for abolition, temperance, and civil and women’s rights in the 19th century.

Biography

Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman escaped enslavement and helped others reach freedom.

Biography

Minnie Vautrin

"Goddess of Mercy!" During the Rape of Nanking (1937-38), the Chinese women refugees under Minnie Vautrin’s protection gratefully addressed her this way.

Biography

Maggie L. Walker

Maggie Lena Walker was one of the foremost female business leaders in the US and the first woman to own a bank.

Biography

Mary Edwards Walker

Mary Edwards Walker is the only US woman to receive the Presidential Medal of Honor.

Biography

Madam C.J. Walker

Madam C.J. Walker was an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and activist. She rose from poverty in the South to become one of the wealthiest African American women of her time.

Biography

Mercy Otis Warren

Mercy Otis Warren was a published poet, political playwright and satirist during the age of the American Revolution.

Biography

Martha Washington

Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was the first First Lady of the United States.

Biography

Ida B. Wells-Barnett

Ida B. Wells-Barnett was a prominent journalist, suffragist, activist, and researcher.

Biography

Phillis Wheatley

Despite spending much of her life enslaved, Phillis Wheatley was the first African American woman to publish a book of poems.

Biography

Anna May Wong

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

Biography

Mildred "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias

One of America’s foremost female athletes, Mildred "Babe” Didrikson Zaharias broke world records in multiple sports and cofounded of the LPGA.