Biographies generously sponsored by Susan D. Whiting.

Biographies

Every woman has a story.

"The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon."

-Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings

Women have always played an active role in history. Explore some of the historical women and contemporary newsmakers that continue to impact the world. New biographies are added regularly, so check back to discover inspiring new stories!

Featured Biographies

Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a skilled performer and woman guitarist, credited with the creation of rock and roll.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Toshiko Akiyoshi changed the face of jazz music over her 60-year career. As one of few women and Asian musicians in the jazz world, Akiyoshi infused Japanese culture, sounds, and instruments into her music.

Toshiko Akiyoshi

Often called the “Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey was known for her deep-throated voice and mesmerizing stage presence that drew packed audiences and sold hit records in the early twentieth century.

Gertrude “Ma” Rainey

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Biography

Mary McLeod Bethune

Mary McLeod Bethune was one of the most important Black educators, civil and women’s rights leaders and government officials of the twentieth century.

Biography

Amanda Blackhorse

Amanda Blackhorse is a member of the Navajo, a social worker, and the plaintiff in Blackhorse et al v. Pro-Football Inc.

Biography

Elizabeth Blackwell

Elizabeth Blackwell was the first American woman to receive a medical degree.

Biography

Amelia Bloomer

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

Biography

Nellie Bly

Nellie Bly became a star journalist by going undercover as a patient at a New York City mental health asylum in 1887 and exposing its terrible conditions in the New York World.

Biography

Frances P. Bolton

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

Biography

Julia "Judy" Bonds

Judy Bonds led the fight in West Virginia to stop the mountaintop mining that was destroying her Appalachian homeland.

Biography

Dorothy Boulding Ferebee

The founder of the Mississippi Health Project and the Southeast Neighborhood House, Dr. Dorothy Ferebee provided healthcare to the most vulnerable members of the African American community.

Biography

Isabella "Belle" Boyd

Isabella “Belle” Boyd was was one of the most famous female Confederate spies, hailed by some as the “Cleopatra of Secession.”

Biography

Ruby Bridges

Ruby Bridges was only six years old when she became the first African American to attend her elementary school.

Biography

Pearl S. Buck

Pearl S. Buck produced works of fiction and non-fiction throughout her lifetime, many of which focused on her experiences in China.

Biography

Selma Burke

Selma Burke discovered her love for sculpture as a young child and followed her passion to Harlem Renaissance New York, Parisian art studios, and even the White House.

Biography

Tarana Burke

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

Biography

Mary Burrill

Mary P. Burrill was a celebrated playwright whose works inspired many prominent writers of the New Negro Movement/Harlem Renaissance.

Biography

Cori Bush

As one of the newest members of Congress, Bush pushes for progressive legislative goals that will benefit her constituents—people just like her.

Biography

Octavia Estelle Butler

Octavia Butler was one of the first African-American and female science fiction writers, focusing on themes of injustice.

Biography

Candace Cable

Candace Cable became the first woman to medal at the summer and winter Paralympic Games.

Biography

Martha Hughes Cannon

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

Biography

Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson catalyzed the global environmental movement with her 1962 book Silent Spring.

Biography

Carrie Chapman Catt

Carrie Chapman Catt was a suffragist and peace activist who helped secure for American women the right to vote