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Featured Women

Women from all walks of life are heroes.

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Elizabeth Warren
Daniela Marin is My hero Daniela Marin is My hero
Sally Kristen Ride Sally Ride is an astronaut, physicist, and was the first American woman to travel into space.
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.
Madeleine Albright Madeleine Albright (Feminist.com (Feminist.com))
Charlayne Hunter-Gault: Activist and Journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault is a pioneering journalist and civil rights activist whose life and career have been marked by breaking barriers and championing equality.
Fadela Amara Photo from arcadia.homelinux.org Fadela Amara is recognized throughout France as a champion of women's rights.
Grace Zia Chu Grace Zia Chu was a notable author of Chinese cooking and became a landmark figure in Chinese cuisine to Americans.
Gloria Steinem
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.
Cole Brauer - An Inspiration for Women Cole Brauer is a pioneering figure in the sailing world; she has navigated uncharted waters, shattered stereotypes, and is an inspiration for women.
Eva Longoria Eva Jacqueline Longoria Bastón is an American actress, producer, director, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Emily Murphy Emily Murphy was the first female magistrate in Canada and fought for women to be legally considered "persons."
Valentina Tereshkova Valentina Tereshkova is the first woman and first civilian to fly in space.
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."
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.
Geena Davis: Fighting for Equal Representation Read about Geena Davis, the Academy Award winning actor and activist fighting for equal representation in media.
Sarah Bush Lincoln: Abraham’s Beloved Stepmother Read about the woman who raised Abraham Lincoln: Sarah Bush Lincoln.
Dolly Parton: A Life of Giving Back Parton has dedicated significant time and resources to philanthropy, supporting causes related to education, healthcare and community well-being.
Helen Keller Helen Keller
Queen Elizabeth The Second Queen Elizabeth The Second
Dr. Roberta Lynn Bondar JSC/NASA [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Ruby Bridges & Aaliyah
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.
Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge
Helen Keller Helen Keller
Judge Songhai Armstead Judge Songhai Armstead was a judge on the Superior Court of Los Angeles County in California.
Roz Savage: The Woman Who Rowed Across the World's Oceans Known for her solo crossings of the Oceans, Roz Savage is a a British ocean rower, environmental advocate, and motivational speaker.
Julie Woods-Moss Julie Woods-Moss is a highly respected leader in global technology and marketing.
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.
Willa Cather Willa Cather was a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and a pioneer in the women's rights movement.
Edith Cavell
Mary Edwards Walker
Mum Shirl http://www.gadigal.org Mum Shirl<br>http://www.gadigal.org Mum Shirl established the Aboriginal Legal Service.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton
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.
Dorothy Dandridge Dorothy Dandridge "The first African American to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress."
Kamala Harris Famous for being the first South-Asian and second African American California senator, Kamala Harris is known for being unwavering in the face of opposition.
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is a leader who is bringing change and hope to Liberia.
Hillary Clinton~Hope in the Darkest Places Hillary Clinton is an American politician, lawyer, diplomat, former US Secretary of State and former First Lady of the United States.
Margaret Thatcher Margaret Thatcher was an English stateswoman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Salma Hayek Salma Hayek is a Mexican American actress and producer who speaks out about domestic violence and raises money for disadvantaged children in Mexico.
Katherine Sheppard Katherine Sheppard was New Zealand's most famous suffragette.
Melinda French Gates Read this story about American philanthropist and champion for women and girls, Melinda French Gates.
Victoria Woodhull
Ellen Church Ellen Church pioneered the idea of having flight attendants on flights.
Wendy Milette Wendy Milette is an innovative educator & filmmaker.
Goldie Hawn and MindUP Hawn, renowned for her Academy Award-winning performances, is also a producer, director, best-selling author, and a passionate advocate for children.
Michelle Chubb: The Indigenous Baddie Educating the World on Social Media Michelle Chubb: The Indigenous Baddie Educating the World on Social Media A powerful voice for Indigenous communities, sharing their stories, challenges, and triumphs with a global audience.
Bernice Sandler
Michelle Obama
Dr. Mandeep Rai – MY HERO's 2022 Global Educator Dr. Rai, author of The Values Compass wins MY HERO 2022 Global Educator Award.
My hero, my mom My hero, my mom
Mary Pickford "The past cannot be changed but the future is in your power."
Frances Marion: A Pioneer of Early Hollywood Frances Marion was a pioneering figure in the early days of Hollywood. She was a prolific screenwriter, director, and producer.
Queen Elizabeth
Princess Diana
Ruth Rowland Nichols: U.S. Aviator Read this story about American aviator and humanitarian, Ruth Rowland Nichols.
Lydia Ernestine Becker: Scientist and Suffragist Read this story about one of the leaders of the British suffrage movement, Lydia Becker.
Errin Haines: Championing Women's Voices in Media Errin Haines is a journalist renowned for her commitment to inclusive storytelling. Her work centers on politics, civil rights, voting rights, and race.
Isabella Beecher Hooker: Activist and Suffragist Read this story about U.S. social activist, suffragist and lecturer, Isabella Beecher Hooker.
Betsy West West is an award-winning American producer, filmmaker, and video journalist known for her biographical documentary films focusing on dynamic women.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter: Empowering Change Through BeyGood Charity Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, born September 4, 1981, is an American singer, songwriter, philanthropist and businesswoman.
Amal Clooney Amal Clooney is co-founder, along with her husband George, of the Clooney Foundation for Justice.
Geeta Mehta Geeta Mehta is an Indian-American social entrepreneur, urban designer, architect, and author.
Oprah Winfrey: Overview Oprah Winfrey: A Trailblazer in Media, Philanthropy, and Empowerment
Cleopatra
Elizabeth Smart: Child Safety Activist Elizabeth Smart is a child safety activist, author and public speaker; following her own kidnapping in 2002, she has used her story to spread awareness of issues around children's safety.
1.5 Degrees of Peace by Kasha Sequoia Slavner A feature documentary directed by Award-winning Gen-Z filmmaker and global youth leader Kasha Sequoia Slavner.
llhan Abdullahi Omar - Minnesota's 5th Congressional District lhan Abdullahi Omar, born on October 4, 1982, is a notable American politician affiliated with the Democratic Party.
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.
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
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 Keller Helen Keller
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.
Eva Haller The Women Transforming Media interview with Eva Haller -- Holocaust survivor, philanthropist, mentor. Learn about Eva and more women heroes at myhero.com.
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.
Catherine Howard Catherine Howard
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.
Carolyn Hodge-West Carolyn Hodge West talks about her video animation, Staying Well with Coach West.
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.
Dr. Gladys West: The Pioneer in Mathematics That Gave Us GPS
My Hero: Temple Grandin By Raef ¨Nature is cruel, but we don't have to be.¨ My Hero: Temple Grandin By Raef ¨Nature is cruel, but we don't have to be.¨
María Jesús Alvarado Rivera María Jesús Alvarado Rivera
Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz
María Jesús Alvarado Rivera María Jesús Alvarado Rivera
Gwendolyn Midlo Hall: Pioneer in the Research of Enslaved Africans in Colonial Louisiana Pioneer in the Research of Enslaved Africans in Colonial Louisiana
Queen Elizabeth II: A Nation's Hero
Samar Minallah Khan, Documentary Filmmaker and Human Rights Activist
Sonia Sotomayor
LA VIOLENCE FAITES AUX FEMMES LA VIOLENCE FAITES AUX FEMMES
Zendaya Coleman
Valentina Tereshkova Valentina Tereshkova
My Hero: Temple Grandin By Raef
Transparence et Pureté - Un poème d'Odile Dewar
Transparency and Purity - A Poem by Odile Dewar
Rosa Parks
Princess Diana
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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.
Danica Roem Danica Roem is the first transgender person elected official in the state of Virginia.
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.
Florence Bascom Florence Bascom was a rockstar geologist.
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.
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 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.
Aletta Jacobs Aletta Jacobs was a Dutch doctor, a feminist, a pacifist, and a human rights activist.
Emily Mary Osborn Emily Mary Osborn was a successful Victorian artist in the nineteenth century who helped open up more opportunities for women.
Aletta Jacobs 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.
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.
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.
Constance Baker Motley Constance Baker Motley was one of America's most effective, least known Civil Rights revolutionaries.
Malala Yousafzai Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for girls' education and the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the second of four female U.S. Supreme Court Justices in United States' history.
Sonia Sotomayor Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic US Supreme Court Justice and currently serves as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
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.
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.
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.
Rosalynn Carter Rosalynn Carter is a humanitarian and former First lady who inspires others through her good works.
Melinda Gates Melinda Gates continues to make empowering women and girls her life's work.
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.
Anna Jarvis Anna Jarvis s the mother of Mother's Day.
Emily Howard Jennings Stowe Emilly Stowe (http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=dr.emily+stowe&FORM=BIFD#)
Elizebeth Friedman Elizabeth Friedman is known as "America's first female cryptanalyist" for her work deciphering codes between Nazi forces during WWII.
Simone Veil Simone Veil was a Holocaust survivor and Minister of Health in France who successfully pushed for the legalization of abortion in 1975.
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.
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.
Elizebeth Friedman Elizebeth Friedman was an important code breaker during World War 2.
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.
Lucky Chhetri Lucky Chhetri runs the 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking company and Empowering Women of Nepal.
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.
Michelle Obama Michelle Obama makes it her mission to better the lives of everyone.
Elizabeth Blackwell Elizabeth Blackwell became the first female doctor and opened the first medical school for women.
Liliuokalani William F. Cogswell [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Liliuokalani was a Hawaiian queen who cared for her people first.
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.
Anne Knight Anne Knight, born November 2, 1862, was an abolitionist and early advocate for women's rights.
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.
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.
Women entrepreneurs in Ghana help
ignite an economy boom 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 J.K. Rowling's Story by Cynthia Kersey.
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.
Jane Addams Jane Addams Jane Addams is in the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame and was a leading reformist and peace advocate.
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.
Joan of Arc Joan of Arc followed her faith and died for the country she loved.
Liliuokalani Liliuokalani preserved and shared Hawaii's precious traditions for all generations to come.
Emme Aronson Emme Aronson is an outspoken advocate for bettering self esteem and body images.
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.
Zoe Koplowitz's Story Zoe Koplowitz's Story shows us that 'anyone can complete their own 'life marathon.'
Women Heroes Of the Early West Women Heroes Of the Early West were strong, valiant women who broke social constraints.
Winnifred Mason Huck Winnifred Mason Huck Winnifred Mason Huck was the third US Representative and an investigative journalist.
Victoria Woodhull Victoria Woodhull Victoria Woodhull was the first woman to run for President of the U.S.
Verneta Wallace Verneta Wallace Verneta Wallace is saving the world one child at a time.
Titiek Puspa Titiek Puspa has inspired women with her music and compassionate lyrics throughout Indonesia.
Thais Corral Thais Corral, founder of CEMINA Thais Corral gives women a voice in their communities through access to communication technology.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Rosemary MacAdam Rosie (right) and her friend Sylvia (left) Rosemary MacAdam is a young activist determined to fight the oppression of women in sweatshops.
Rosario Iglesias Senior Runner Rosario Iglesias Rosario Iglesias was 80 years old when she became a runner and started to win medals.
Queen Rania of Jordan Queen Rania Queen Rania of Jordan is a crusader for the rights of women and children.
Mary Edwards Walker Mary Edwards Walker Mary Edwards Walker was the first and only woman to receive the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor.
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.
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.
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.
Helen Freeman Helen Freeman survived the Holocaust and shares her story.
Farkhonda Hassan Farkhonda Hassan is an Egyptian politician, scientist, professor, and women's rights activist.
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.
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.
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.
Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor Roosevelt was a dedicated and strong voice for her husband, FDR, and for the United States.
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.
Deborah Sampson Deborah Sampson Deborah Sampson was the first American woman who fought as a man for freedom.
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.
Christine Silverberg Christine Silverberg was the first female Chief of Police in Canada.
Baroness Caroline Cox Baroness Caroline Cox founded the Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust.
Tori Degen Tori Degen is a cancer survivor who inspires others with her story.
Margaret Hughes Margaret Hughes Margaret Hughes was one of the first professional stage actesses in England.
Judy Shepard Judy Shepard advocates for LGBT rights after the tragic loss of her son, Matthew Shepard.
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