Although it was very dangerous for African Americans to speak out against white people during the Jim Crow era, Recy Taylor refused to remain silent about sexual violence.

As an activist, community organizer, and executive, Tarana Burke has made quite an impact.

Although she did not pick up a camera until she was thirty-two, Ava DuVernay has made history as a writer, director, and producer.

Known as the “census taker of the sky,” Annie Jump Cannon was a brilliant astronomer that revolutionized the way scientists classify stars.

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

Olympia Snowe was the first woman in American history to serve in both houses of State Legislature and both houses of Congress.

Kimberly Teehee became the first Cherokee Nation delegate in the House of Representatives

Chilean author and educator Gabriela Mistral became the first Latin American author to receive the Nobel Prize in literature.

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

Rita Moreno became the first Latina woman to earn an “E.G.O.T.:” an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.

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

Corazon “Cory” Aquino went from a shy law school student, to the first female president of the Philippines.

Patsy Mink was the first woman of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first Asian-American woman to serve in Congress.

Appearing in over sixty movies throughout her career, Anna May Wong was the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood.

Janet Mock became the first transgender woman of color to write and direct an episode of television.

Poet, activist, and musician Joy Harjo became the first Native American United States Poet Laureate in history.

Astronaut Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel in space.

Mary Edwards Walker is the only US woman to receive the Presidential Medal of Honor.

Mary Musgrove become a negotiator between English and Native American communities and played an important role in the development of Colonial Georgia.

Canadian Charlotte Monture moved to the US for nursing training and served in the US Army during World War I.