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 inspiring new stories!

Featured Biographies

Octavia Butler was a pioneering writer of science fiction. As one of the first African American and female science fiction writers, Butler wrote novels that concerned themes of injustice towards African Americans, global warming, and women's rights.

Octavia Estelle Butler

Beverly Cleary created some of the most beloved children’s book characters of the 20th century.

Beverly Cleary

Agnes de Mille was one of the preeminent American choreographers of the twentieth century.

Agnes de Mille

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Biography

Pocahontas

Among the most famous women in early American history, Pocahontas is credited with helping the struggling English settlers survive.

Biography

Queen Lili‘uokalani

Queen Lili‘uokalani was the last sovereign monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Biography

Gertrude “Ma” Rainey

Often called the “Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey was known for her deep-throated voice and mesmerizing stage presence that drew packed audiences and sold hit records in the early twentieth century.

Biography

Condoleezza Rice

Condoleezza Rice is the first African American woman to hold several positions, including Secretary of State.

Biography

Sally Ride

Sally Ride was the first American woman in space.

Biography

Felisa Rincón de Gautier (Doña Fela)

Felisa Rincón de Gautier, affectionately known to the public as Doña Fela, became the first female mayor of a capital city in the Americas when she was appointed mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1946.

Biography

Sylvia Rivera

A veteran of the 1969 Stonewall Inn uprising, Sylvia Rivera was a tireless advocate for those silenced and disregarded by larger movements.

Biography

Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt grew up to become one of the most important and beloved First Ladies, authors, reformers, and female leaders of the 20th century.

Biography

Ana Roqué de Duprey

Ana Roqué de Duprey, a prolific educator, writer, and scientist, founded the first woman’s suffrage organization in Puerto Rico in 1917.

Biography

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

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.

Biography

Betsy Ross

Considered essential to the American Revolution, Betsy Ross is credited with sewing the first United States flag.

Biography

Wilma Rudolph

Wilma Rudolph relentlessly pursued her dreams becoming an international track and field star.

Biography

Marla Runyan

Legally blind since childhood, Olympic track and field athlete and marathon runner Marla Runyan never let her vision loss stand in the way of her athletic dreams.

Biography

Sacagawea

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

Biography

Deborah Sampson

Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a man and joined the Patriot forces during the American Revolution. She was the only woman to earn a military pension for participation in the Revolutionary army.

Biography

Bernice Sandler

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

Biography

Margaret Sanger

Margaret Sanger founded the birth control movement and became an outspoken and life-long advocate for women’s reproductive rights.

Biography

Hazel Scott

Jazz pianist and singer Hazel Scott was not only the first African-American woman to host her own television show, but she also bravely stood up to the House Un-American Activities Committee and the Hollywood studio machine.

Biography

Elizabeth Ann Seton

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first American to be canonized as a saint.

Biography

Muriel Siebert

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