As co-chair of the world’s largest private charitable foundation, Melinda Gates is one of the most powerful women in philanthropy.

As a lawyer, a congresswoman, and a scholar, Barbara Jordan used her public speaking skills to fight for civil and human rights.

Martha Hughes Cannon was the first female state senator in U.S. history.

Mexican-American journalist, activist, and suffragist, Jovita Idar often faced dangerous situations, however she bravely fought the injustices in her time.

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

Sarah Grimké and her sister fought for abolition and women's rights.

Florence Kelley dedicated her life to social reform. She worked to end many social problems, including labor and racial discrimination.

Ethel Payne is known as the First Lady of the Black Press, because of her fearlessness as a journalist and a Civil Rights activist.

Dorothea Dix was an early 19th century activist who drastically changed the medical field during her lifetime.

US Rep Frances Bolton pursued a life of philanthropy, politics, and social reform, and was a lifelong advocate of education, healthcare, and civil rights.

Poet, dancer, singer, activist, and scholar, Maya Angelou is a world-famous author. She is best known for her unique and pioneering autobiographical writing style.

Civil rights pioneer and campaigner, Ruby Hurley is most known for her work with the NAACP in the 1950s and 1960s.

Miné Okubo is well known for her representations of daily life and humanity in drawings depicting Japanese American internment during WWII.

Amelia Bloomer was a suffragist, editor, social activist, and fashion advocate who worked to change women’s clothing.

Ann Pamela Cunningham was an early leader in historic preservation and is often credited with saving President George Washington’s estate Mount Vernon.

Journalist, activist, and co-founder of the National Organization for Women, Betty Friedan was one of the early leaders of the women’s rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

Claudia Johnson, known as “Lady Bird Johnson” was an environmentalist, businesswoman, political activist, and First Lady.

Gloria Steinem is an acclaimed journalist, trailblazing feminist, and one of the most visible, passionate leaders and spokeswomen of the women’s rights movement.

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

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