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Featured Women

Women from all walks of life are heroes.

Abigail Adams Picture of Abigail Adams First Lady Abigail Adams effectively led the country while President John Adams was an envoy in France, through detailed letters between the two and her own business savvy.
Afghan women write powerful poetry - even amid war Picture of Afghan women write powerful poetry - even amid war The Afghan Women’s Writing Project collects oral stories from illiterate Afghan women and promotes political writing by women in digital, print, and radio forms.
Aletta Jacobs Picture of Aletta Jacobs Aletta Jacobs was a woman with a 20th century mind in a 19th century world. She was the first woman in the Netherlands to go to a university and become a doctor.
Aletta Jacobs Picture of Aletta Jacobs Aletta Jacobs was a Dutch doctor, a feminist, a pacifist, and a human rights activist.
Alice Paul (https://www.laprogressive.com ()) Alice Paul an, American suffragist who endured prison and worse, was influential in her support of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which granted women the right to vote.
Anna Jarvis Picture of Anna Jarvis Anna Jarvis s the mother of Mother's Day.
Anne Knight Picture of Anne Knight Anne Knight, born November 2, 1862, was an abolitionist and early advocate for women's rights.
Baroness Caroline Cox Picture of Baroness Caroline Cox Baroness Caroline Cox founded the Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust.
Betty Friedan Picture of Betty Friedan Betty Friedan was a feminist leader who started the second wave feminist movement in the US. She was the author of the seminal book, "The Feminist Mystique."
Carolyn Hodge-West Picture of Carolyn Hodge-West Carolyn Hodge West talks about her video animation, Staying Well with Coach West.
Catherine Howard Picture of Catherine Howard Catherine Howard
Christine Silverberg Picture of Christine Silverberg Christine Silverberg was the first female Chief of Police in Canada.
Cleopatra Picture of Cleopatra
Condoleezza Rice Condoleezza Rice rose above the crowd despite racial injustice, worked tirelessly to promote peace and democracy between nations, and also paved the way for generations to come showing us that anything can be accomplished with determination and hard work regardless of race or gender.
Constance Baker Motley Picture of Constance Baker Motley Constance Baker Motley was one of America's most effective, least known Civil Rights revolutionaries.
Danica Roem Picture of Danica Roem Danica Roem is the first transgender person elected official in the state of Virginia.
Debbye Turner <a href=http://girlsnation-auxiliary.com/uploads/gallery/1021.jpg>Debbye Turner</a> Debbye Turner became Miss America and pursued her dream to become a veterinarian.
Deborah Sampson Deborah Sampson Deborah Sampson was the first American woman who fought as a man for freedom.
Denise Dunning unlocks girl power through Let Girls Lead Denise Dunning Denise Dunning, founder of Let Girls Lead, has provided training and services to more than 40,000 adolescent girls to foster a movement of global girl power.
Diana Chao: Changing the World for Mental Health Picture of Diana Chao: Changing the World for Mental Health With the simple but heartfelt idea of writing letters, Diana Chao created a non-profit that aimed to destigmatize mental health for youth worldwide. Letters to Strangers, also L2S, was founded by Chao in 2013 when she was a sophomore in high school
Dolley Madison Dolley Madison, First Lady (http://z.about.com/d/womenshistory/1/0/s/A/dolley_madison_det.jpg) Dolley Madison was admired for her social graces, courage and patriotism as First Lady of the US.
Dorothy Height Picture of Dorothy Height Dorothy Height was one of the most influential women of the civil rights movement and was important for including women's rights as well as African American rights.
Dorothy Vaughan Picture of Dorothy Vaughan Dorothy Vaughan was the first African American woman to supervise the West Area Computers, "human computers" at NASA (originally NACA) during the Space Race.
Dr. Gladys West: The Pioneer in Mathematics That Gave Us GPS Picture of Dr. Gladys West: The Pioneer in Mathematics That Gave Us GPS
Dr. Hawa Abdi - The Mother of Hope Village Picture of Dr. Hawa Abdi - The Mother of Hope Village Dr. Hawa Abdi, Somalia's first female gynecologist, turned her family's land into a hospital, school and nutrition center focused on women and children.
Dr. Mandeep Rai – MY HERO's 2022 Global Educator Picture of Dr. Mandeep Rai – MY HERO's 2022 Global Educator Dr. Rai, author of The Values Compass wins MY HERO 2022 Global Educator Award.
Eleanor of Aquitaine Photo from http://www.dharmarose.com/<br>goods/cards/fantasy3_craft.html<P> Eleanor of Aquitaine was a powerful and independant woman in the Middle Ages.
Eleanor Roosevelt Picture of Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor Roosevelt was a dedicated and strong voice for her husband, FDR, and for the United States.
Elizabeth Blackwell Picture of Elizabeth Blackwell Elizabeth Blackwell became the first female doctor and opened the first medical school for women.
Elizabeth Blackwell Picture of Elizabeth Blackwell Hero Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman in the United States to receive a degree as a doctor, and started a women's medical college for women.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton Picture of Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elizabeth Cady Stanton met Susan B. Anthony, another Woman’s Rights Activist, and they became close friends and worked as a team, to change the world for women. In 1848, with the help of Stanton and Anthony, the Married Woman’s Property Act of New York was passed. This act allowed women to be able to have custody of their children, hold property, make contracts, keep their own earnings and inheritance, and sue in court.
Elizebeth Friedman Picture of Elizebeth Friedman Elizabeth Friedman is known as "America's first female cryptanalyist" for her work deciphering codes between Nazi forces during WWII.
Elizebeth Friedman Picture of Elizebeth Friedman Elizebeth Friedman was an important code breaker during World War 2.
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Picture of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is a leader who is bringing change and hope to Liberia.
Emily Howard Jennings Stowe Emilly Stowe (http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=dr.emily+stowe&FORM=BIFD#)
Emily Mary Osborn Picture of Emily Mary Osborn Emily Mary Osborn was a successful Victorian artist in the nineteenth century who helped open up more opportunities for women.
Emily Murphy Picture of Emily Murphy Emily Murphy was the first female magistrate in Canada and fought for women to be legally considered "persons."
Emme Aronson Picture of Emme Aronson Emme Aronson is an outspoken advocate for bettering self esteem and body images.
Eva Haller Picture of Eva Haller The Women Transforming Media interview with Eva Haller -- Holocaust survivor, philanthropist, mentor. Learn about Eva and more women heroes at myhero.com.
Fadela Amara Photo from arcadia.homelinux.org Fadela Amara is recognized throughout France as a champion of women's rights.
Farkhonda Hassan Picture of Farkhonda Hassan Farkhonda Hassan is an Egyptian politician, scientist, professor, and women's rights activist.
Five poverty-fighting women to watch CEO and founder of Samasource Leila Janah takes part in a session during the Clinton Global Initiative in New York in 2010. Samasource provides women in developing countries with 'microwork' via the Internet, reducing poverty. These women don't hand out aid. They're creating innovative new ways for women – and men – to lift themselves out of poverty.
Florence Bascom Picture of Florence Bascom Florence Bascom was a rockstar geologist.
Frances Manuel, Native American Woman Hero Picture of Frances Manuel, Native American Woman Hero Frances Manuel, who was born in the early part of the 20th century, quietly changed the world of her people and the people she met through her basket weaving and cultural presentations.
Grace Abbott <a href=http://www.deltagamma.org/pictures/grace_abbott.jpg>Grace Abbott</a> Grace Abbott was an early social reformer who fought for the rights and welfare of children.
Grace Zia Chu Picture of Grace Zia Chu Grace Zia Chu was a notable author of Chinese cooking and became a landmark figure in Chinese cuisine to Americans.
Gwendolyn Midlo Hall: Pioneer in the Research of Enslaved Africans in Colonial Louisiana Picture of Gwendolyn Midlo Hall: Pioneer in the Research of Enslaved Africans in Colonial Louisiana Pioneer in the Research of Enslaved Africans in Colonial Louisiana
Hattie Wyatt Caraway Picture of Hattie Wyatt Caraway "The windows need washing!" Thus did the second woman to serve in the Senate enter the upper chamber of Congress. Hattie Wyatt Caraway took and held on to power.
Hayley Wickenheiser Picture of Hayley Wickenheiser Hayley had a lot of dreams when she was young. Her goals were to be in the Olympics for Hockey and later become a Doctor. She accomplished both of those dreams.
Helen Freeman Picture of Helen Freeman Helen Freeman survived the Holocaust and shares her story.
Helen Keller Picture of Helen Keller Helen Keller
Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands Her Majesty Queen Beatrix with her dog Chip. (RVD/photo Raymond Rutting) Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands honors the bond formed between Canada and Holland during WWII with tulips.
Heroes on Horseback: Mapuche Women Protect the Nature of Patagonia Mapuche Women Protect the Nature of Patagonia Heroes on Horseback: Mapuche Women Protect the Nature of Patagonia are fighting for their land and their people.
Heroically Notorious R.B.G Picture of Heroically Notorious R.B.G Ruth Bader Ginsburg: ¨My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.¨
J.K. Rowling's Story Picture of J.K. Rowling's Story J.K. Rowling's Story by Cynthia Kersey.
Jane Addams Jane Addams Jane Addams is in the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame and was a leading reformist and peace advocate.
Joan of Arc Picture of Joan of Arc Joan of Arc followed her faith and died for the country she loved.
Johnie Sue Reinhard Johnie Sue the Nurse (This picture was given to me by Johnie Sue) Johnie Sue Reinhard is a cancer survivor who inspires others with her positive attitude and tenacity for life.
Judy Shepard Picture of Judy Shepard Judy Shepard advocates for LGBT rights after the tragic loss of her son, Matthew Shepard.
Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge Picture of Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge
Katherine Sheppard Picture of Katherine Sheppard Katherine Sheppard was New Zealand's most famous suffragette.
Kathy Eldon overcame tragedy by helping others tackle challenges Kathy Eldon founded the Creative Visions Kathy Eldon inspired by her son, works for peace and tolerance.
Kyoko Okutani helps women start businesses, skirting Japan's gender gap Kyoko Okutani Kyoko Okutani heads Women's World Banking Japan, part of a growing network of female entrepreneurs in a male-dominated country.
LA VIOLENCE FAITES AUX FEMMES Picture of LA VIOLENCE FAITES AUX FEMMES
Laura Bush <a href=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Mrsbush-20060206.jpg>Laura Bush</a> Laura Bush works to promote early literacy and encourages families to read together.
Laura Moulton Laura Moulton (standing) pedals her bicycle-powered Street Books library to locations around Portlan Laura Moulton brings books to the homeless - by bike
Liliuokalani William F. Cogswell [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Liliuokalani was a Hawaiian queen who cared for her people first.
Liliuokalani Picture of Liliuokalani Liliuokalani preserved and shared Hawaii's precious traditions for all generations to come.
Lily Yeh finds beauty in broken places Lily Yeh founded Barefoot Artists, which works with local artists in places such as the Palestinian Lily Yeh of the Barefoot Artists project helps heal war-torn, broken, and economically devastated communities through art.
Lucky Chhetri Picture of Lucky Chhetri Lucky Chhetri runs the 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking company and Empowering Women of Nepal.
Lynne Patterson brightens the futures of struggling women with Pro Mujer Pro Mujer cofounder Lynne Patterson stands next to a photo mural in the Latin American microlender's New York headquarters. Lynne Patterson of nonprofit Pro Mujer helps women in developing countries.
Malala Yousafzai Picture of Malala Yousafzai Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for girls' education and the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Mama Hope uses humor to change the West's view of Africa Picture of Mama Hope uses humor to change the West's view of Africa Mama Hope, a nonprofit, has released three videos that employ humor to create new perceptions of Africa and to show that it is full of capable people with the potential to support themselves.
Margaret Fuller Picture of Margaret Fuller Margaret Fuller was an influential American transcendentalist, teacher and journalist who wrote Woman in the Nineteenth Century, considered the first major feminist work in the United States.
Margaret Hughes Margaret Hughes Margaret Hughes was one of the first professional stage actesses in England.
María Jesús Alvarado Rivera Picture of María Jesús Alvarado Rivera
María Jesús Alvarado Rivera Picture of María Jesús Alvarado Rivera
Mary Edwards Walker Mary Edwards Walker Mary Edwards Walker was the first and only woman to receive the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor.
Mary Spaulding (http://www.yalescientific.org/2011/04/the-paradox-of-dyslexia-slow-reading-fast-thinking/) Mary Spaulding inspires her fellow college friend with her determination.
Melinda Gates Picture of Melinda Gates Melinda Gates continues to make empowering women and girls her life's work.
Melissa Silverstein Melissa Silverstein Melissa Silverstein is the founder and editor-in-chief of Women and Hollywood, a blog which advocates for gender parity and diversity in Hollywood. She is also the co-founder of the Athena Film Festival at Barnard College and a media analyst.
Michelle Obama Picture of Michelle Obama Michelle Obama makes it her mission to better the lives of everyone.
Molly Melching, Tostan Founder Molly Melching, founder of Tostan Molly Melching, Tostan Founder empowers African communities to bring about positive social transformation based on respect for human rights.
Mum Shirl http://www.gadigal.org Mum Shirl<br>http://www.gadigal.org Mum Shirl established the Aboriginal Legal Service.
My Hero: Temple Grandin By Raef Picture of My Hero: Temple Grandin By Raef
My Hero: Temple Grandin By Raef ¨Nature is cruel, but we don't have to be.¨ Picture of My Hero: Temple Grandin By Raef ¨Nature is cruel, but we don't have to be.¨
Naza Alakija - humanitarian and philanthropist Picture of Naza Alakija - humanitarian and philanthropist Naza Alakija is a humanitarian and philanthropist deeply committed to three areas of impact: education, empowerment of women and girls, and the environment.
Nelly Cheboi: CNN’s Hero of the Year 2022 (Early Reader Edition) Picture of Nelly Cheboi: CNN’s Hero of the Year 2022 (Early Reader Edition) Nelly Cheboi's work to help give children a better education meant she was voted Hero of the Year 2022 at CNN.
Pam Washek rallies a nonprofit Neighbor Brigade Pam Washek Pam Washek, founder of Neighbor Brigade, a nonprofit group in Massachusetts helping neighbors. Neighbor Brigade was built community by community and run by neighbors themselves.
Pashtana Durrani Picture of Pashtana Durrani Pashtana Durrani, who received the Malala Fund Education Champion award for her work on behalf of education for Afghan girls, is determined to continue providing educational opportunities for women and girls, even if she has to resist the Taliban and go underground.
Princess Diana Picture of Princess Diana
Queen Elizabeth II: A Nation's Hero Picture of Queen Elizabeth II: A Nation's Hero
Queen Rania of Jordan Queen Rania Queen Rania of Jordan is a crusader for the rights of women and children.
Rebecca Lee Crumpler Rebecca Crumpler coin (Google Images) Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first female African American to earn a Doctoral in the United States.
Rekha Kalindi : A story to celebrate on the International Day of the Girl Child Picture of Rekha Kalindi : A story to celebrate on the International Day of the Girl Child Rekha Kalindi refused to enter a child marriage at age 12 and insisted on staying in school. Her stand is helping change attitudes in part of rural India.
Reshma Saujani created Girls Who Code to help girls get computer savvy Reshma Saujani (r.) and a Girls Who Code participant visit AppNexus, an online advertising company based in New York City. Reshma Saujani when young was terrified of math and science. Now she makes sure other girls don't miss out on opportunities because of similar fears.
Rosa Parks Picture of Rosa Parks
Rosalynn Carter Picture of Rosalynn Carter Rosalynn Carter is a humanitarian and former First lady who inspires others through her good works.
Rosario Iglesias Senior Runner Rosario Iglesias Rosario Iglesias was 80 years old when she became a runner and started to win medals.
Rosemary MacAdam Rosie (right) and her friend Sylvia (left) Rosemary MacAdam is a young activist determined to fight the oppression of women in sweatshops.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Picture of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Picture of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the second of four female U.S. Supreme Court Justices in United States' history.
Ruth Jones Graves Wakefield Picture of Ruth Jones Graves Wakefield Most of Ruth's success came from her baking. The customers loved Ruth Wakefield's skill baking and started asking for recipes from Ruth. She was recognized for her cookies and soon became honoured for her cookies and baking.
Sahraa Karimi Picture of Sahraa Karimi Afghan filmmaker Sahraa Karimi speaks out about the future of Afghan cinema and the rights of girls and women as the Taliban takes over the country in August 2021.
Samar Minallah Khan, Documentary Filmmaker and Human Rights Activist Picture of Samar Minallah Khan, Documentary Filmmaker and Human Rights Activist
Sandra Day O'Connor Library of Congress [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Sandra Day O'Connor was the first female Supreme Court Justice in the United States.
Sandra Kay Yow Kay Yow<br> (chatamjournal.com) Sandra Kay Yow is a groundbreaking women's basketball coach and founder of Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund.
Shirin Ebadi Picture of Shirin Ebadi Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian lawyer and former judge, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 for fighting for the rights of women, children and refugees.
Shonda Rhimes Greg Hernandez from California, CA, USA / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0) Shonda Rhimes is an Emmy-winning producer known for TV dramas with multicultural casts and strong women.
Simone Veil Picture of Simone Veil Simone Veil was a Holocaust survivor and Minister of Health in France who successfully pushed for the legalization of abortion in 1975.
Solar Sister Wants to Light Up Rural Africa Startup group Solar Sister is a 'business in a bag' working in several African countries to bring af Solar Sister is a 'business in a bag' working in several African countries to bring affordable lighting to families.
Sonia Sotomayor Picture of Sonia Sotomayor Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic US Supreme Court Justice and currently serves as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
Sonia Sotomayor Picture of Sonia Sotomayor
Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz Picture of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz
Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz photo from: http://dgtve.sep.gob.mx/tve/eduaula/historico/<br>edu_161/images/rep2_int.jpg Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz couldn't live without learning.
Thais Corral Thais Corral, founder of CEMINA Thais Corral gives women a voice in their communities through access to communication technology.
Thistle Farms cultivates a better alternative to life on the streets Thistle Farms was founded in 1997 by Becca Stevens, an Episcopal priest. It helps women who have abu Becca Stevens, an Episcopal priest and founder Thistle Farms – which makes bath oils, candles, and thistle paper – helps women in trouble reboot their lives.
Titiek Puspa Picture of Titiek Puspa Titiek Puspa has inspired women with her music and compassionate lyrics throughout Indonesia.
Tori Degen Picture of Tori Degen Tori Degen is a cancer survivor who inspires others with her story.
Transparence et Pureté - Un poème d'Odile Dewar Picture of Transparence et Pureté - Un poème d'Odile Dewar
Transparency and Purity - A Poem by Odile Dewar Picture of Transparency and Purity - A Poem by Odile Dewar
UNLADYLIKE2020 SERIES | Director’s Statement | Women’s History “Continues to Resonate and Shape American Lives Today.” Picture of UNLADYLIKE2020 SERIES | Director’s Statement | Women’s History “Continues to Resonate and Shape American Lives Today.” UNLADYLIKE2020 series was selected as the winner of the 2020 Eva Haller Women Transforming Media Award, offered each year as part of the MY HERO International Film Festival to recognize outstanding documentary shorts featuring women.
UNLADYLIKE2020: Bessie Coleman Picture of UNLADYLIKE2020: Bessie Coleman Bessie Coleman wanted to become an aviator. Rejected from every U.S. aviation school for being a woman and black, she refused to take no for an answer.
UNLADYLIKE2020: Ynes Mexia Picture of UNLADYLIKE2020: Ynes Mexia A late bloomer, botanist Ynes Mexia enrolled in college at the age of 51. She led expeditions, including in the Amazon rainforest, discovering 500 new species of plants.
Valentina Tereshkova Picture of Valentina Tereshkova Valentina Tereshkova is the first woman and first civilian to fly in space.
Valentina Tereshkova Picture of Valentina Tereshkova
Verneta Wallace Verneta Wallace Verneta Wallace is saving the world one child at a time.
Victoria Woodhull Victoria Woodhull Victoria Woodhull was the first woman to run for President of the U.S.
Wendy Milette Picture of Wendy Milette Wendy Milette is an innovative educator & filmmaker.
Winnifred Mason Huck Winnifred Mason Huck Winnifred Mason Huck was the third US Representative and an investigative journalist.
Women entrepreneurs in Ghana help
ignite an economy boom Picture of Women entrepreneurs in Ghana help<br> ignite an economy boom Ghana has invested in literacy and microfinance programs for women, and it's paying off in business development and growth.
Women Heroes Of the Early West Picture of Women Heroes Of the Early West Women Heroes Of the Early West were strong, valiant women who broke social constraints.
Zendaya Coleman Picture of Zendaya Coleman
Zoe Koplowitz's Story Picture of Zoe Koplowitz's Story Zoe Koplowitz's Story shows us that 'anyone can complete their own 'life marathon.'
 
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