Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a trailblazing Supreme Court Justice and legal scholar who fought tirelessly for gender equality and civil rights. Her sharp intellect, commitment to justice, and unwavering dedication to equality continue to inspire generations to stand up for what is right and strive for a more just society

Rosa Parks was a Civil Rights activist who took a stand against racial segregation. On December 1, 1955, she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, leading to her arrest. Her courageous act sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, organized by Martin Luther King Jr., which lasted over a year. As a result, on December 21, 1956, the bus system was officially desegregated.

Dr. Mae Carol Jemison is an engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut who made history as the first Black woman to travel to space. Aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992, she broke barriers and inspired future generations in STEM. Beyond her spaceflight, she has advocated for science education and diversity in technology. Her contributions continue to pave the way for women and minorities in space exploration.

Maya Angelou was an acclaimed American author, poet, and civil rights activist. She gained recognition for her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which shed light on race and identity. Her works often explored themes of resilience, injustice, and empowerment. Beyond writing, she was a powerful speaker and advocate for social change. Her legacy continues to inspire literature and activism worldwide.

Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazing politician and the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. In 1972, she became the first woman and African American to seek the presidential nomination of a major party. A fierce advocate for racial and gender equality, she championed progressive policies throughout her career. Her legacy continues to inspire leaders and activists today.

Rosie the Riveter is an iconic cultural figure representing the women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, contributing significantly to the war effort. Her image has come to symbolize women’s strength, independence, and capability, inspiring generations of women to break traditional gender roles and pursue their aspirations.

Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist who made groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity. Her research led to major advancements in medical treatments, including cancer therapy. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win in two different scientific fields. Her legacy continues to inspire scientists and innovators worldwide.

Amelia Earhart was a pioneering aviator and the first woman to fly solo across the      Atlantic Ocean. She set multiple aviation records and inspired women to pursue careers in aviation and beyond. A passionate advocate for gender equality, she encouraged women to break barriers in male-dominated fields. In 1937, she mysteriously disappeared while attempting to fly around the world, sparking ongoing fascination and theories about her fate. 

Serena Williams is one of the greatest tennis players of all time, known for her powerful game and resilience. She has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any player in the Open Era. Beyond tennis, she has been a strong advocate for gender equality, racial justice, and maternal health. Her influence extends into business, fashion, and philanthropy, inspiring future generations. Williams’ legacy continues to shape the world of sports and beyond.

Chien-Shiung Wu was a groundbreaking physicist who made significant contributions to nuclear physics. She played a key role in the discovery of the violation of the parity principle, which changed the understanding of fundamental physics. Despite her achievements, she faced gender discrimination and was often overlooked for major scientific awards. Her legacy continues to inspire women in science and physics today.

Antonia Novello was the first woman and first Hispanic person to serve as U.S. Surgeon General. She focused on improving healthcare for women, children, and underserved communities. Throughout her career, she advocated for AIDS awareness, anti-smoking campaigns, and better healthcare policies. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations in medicine and public health.

Dolores Huerta is a civil rights activist and labor leader who co-founded the United Farm Workers union. She played a crucial role in advocating for better wages and working conditions for farmworkers. Her slogan “Sí, se puede” became a powerful rallying cry for social justice movements. Huerta’s legacy continues to inspire activists fighting for workers’ rights and equality. She has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, for her lifelong dedication to social justice.

Helen Keller was an American author, activist, and lecturer who overcame being both blind and deaf from a young age. With the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, she learned to communicate using sign language and later became the first deaf-blind person to earn a college degree. Keller became a strong advocate for people with disabilities, women’s rights, and social justice. Her story continues to inspire people worldwide as a symbol of perseverance and determination.

Whitney Houston was a legendary singer and actress from Newark, New Jersey, known for her powerful voice and incredible range. She became one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with hits like I Will Always Love You, Greatest Love of All, and I Wanna Dance with Somebody. Houston also made history as the first Black woman to have three consecutive number-one albums on the Billboard charts. Her  influence on music and pop culture remains strong, inspiring generations of artists.

Alice Paul was a leading suffragist and women’s rights activist from Mount Laurel, New Jersey. She played a crucial role in the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. Paul later drafted the Equal Rights Amendment, advocating for gender equality in the U.S. Constitution. Her lifelong dedication to women’s rights helped shape the modern feminist movement.

The March of Women refers to various historic movements where women united to demand rights, equality, and justice. One of the most famous was the 1913 Women’s Suffrage Parade in Washington, D.C., led by Alice Paul, advocating for the right to vote. Another significant event was the 2017 Women’s March, where millions worldwide protested for women’s rights and social justice. These marches have played a crucial role in advancing gender equality and inspiring future generations of activists.

Selena Quintanilla Pérez was a beloved Mexican-American singer known as the “Queen of Tejano Music.” She gained fame for her hit songs like Como La Flor and Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, blending Latin music with pop influences. Selena broke barriers for Latina artists in the music industry and won a Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album. Her life was tragically cut short in 1995, but her legacy continues to inspire fans worldwide.

Florence Nightingale, known as the “Lady with the Lamp,” was a pioneer of modern nursing. She gained recognition for providing compassionate care to wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Through her dedication, she implemented innovative reforms that improved hospital sanitation and healthcare standards. Her work significantly reduced death rates and set the foundation for modern nursing practices.

Ellen Ocha was the first Hispanic woman astronaut.  She was also a scientist and an inventor. She helped create several systems that use lasers to gather and process information from images. With her background in engineering and her determined spirit, this woman scientist shows us all that ANYTHING is possible.

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist born in 1907, known for her vibrant and emotional self-portraits. A severe bus accident in her youth caused lifelong pain, deeply influencing her work. Her paintings explored identity, gender, and Mexican culture, blending surrealism with personal symbolism. Despite many hardships, she gained international recognition and remains an iconic figure in art and feminism.

Michelle Kwan is a retired American figure skater and one of the most decorated athletes in the sport. She won two Olympic medals, five World Championships, and nine U.S. Championships during her career. Known for her artistry, grace, and consistency, she became a beloved icon in figure skating. After retiring, she pursued a career in  diplomacy and public service. Her legacy continues to inspire young skaters and sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Harriet Tubman, known as the “Moses of her people,” was a pivotal figure in the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement. Through her brave actions, she helped lead hundreds of enslaved individuals to freedom, embodying the spirit of resilience, determination, and freedom. She will forever be remembered as a symbol of courage and liberation in American history

Wonder Woman she represents strength, independence, and empowerment for women. Created in 1941, she was one of the first female superheroes, breaking gender stereotypes in comics and popular culture. Her character has evolved to symbolize       female resilience, justice, and equality, inspiring generations of women and girls. As a cultural icon, Wonder Woman highlights the importance of representation and the fight for gender equality in media and society.

Susan B. Anthony was a pioneering leader in the women’s suffrage movement. She played a key role in advocating for women’s right to vote and co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association. Her tireless activism helped pave the way for the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. She was also a strong advocate for abolition and equal rights. Her legacy continues to inspire those fighting for gender equality and social justice.

Jane Goodall is a pioneering primatologist whose groundbreaking research on chimpanzees revolutionized our understanding of these animals and their connection to humans. Through her lifelong dedication to conservation and advocacy, she has inspired millions to take action to protect our planet and its precious inhabitants.

Clara Barton was a pioneering nurse and the founder of the American Red Cross. She provided critical medical care to soldiers during the Civil War, earning the nickname “Angel of the Battlefield.” Her dedication to humanitarian work helped improve disaster relief and emergency response efforts. She also fought for women’s rights and expanded access to medical care.

Celia Cruz was a legendary Cuban singer known as the “Queen of Salsa.” Her powerful voice and vibrant performances helped popularize Latin music worldwide. She overcame barriers as a Black Latina in the music industry and became a symbol of resilience and joy. Her legacy continues to inspire artists and fans across generations.

Amy Poehler is a comedian, actress, and writer known for her sharp wit and improvisational skills. She gained fame on Saturday Night Live and starred as Leslie Knope in Parks and Recreation. Beyond acting, she empowers women in comedy through initiatives like Smart Girls.  She has also written bestselling books, sharing her humor and insights on life and creativity.

Felicitas Méndez was a Puerto Rican civil rights activist who played a key role in desegregating schools in California. In 1946, she and her husband led the landmark Mendez v. Westminster case, which ended segregation in California public schools. Their victory helped pave the way for Brown v. Board of Education, which desegregated schools nationwide.

Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican actress, singer, and dancer known for her groundbreaking career in Hollywood. She is one of the few performers to achieve EGOT status, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Moreno is best known for her role as Anita in West Side Story (1961), which earned her an Academy Award. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for Latinx representation in the entertainment industry.

Ada Lovelace was a brilliant mathematician and the world’s first computer programmer. She wrote the first algorithm for Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine. Her deep interest in numbers and machines led her to envision the potential of computers beyond simple calculations. Her work laid the foundation for the future of computing.

The Women’s Suffrage Movement was a historic campaign that fought for women’s right to vote, challenging societal norms and legal restrictions. Activists like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Sojourner Truth led protests and advocacy efforts that helped secure the 19th Amendment in 1920. This movement gave women a voice in democracy and paved the way for gender equality.