In March, we celebrate innovative and courageous women and their significant contributions to society – science, politics, athletics, the military, and the arts. Whatever the accomplishment, these American women from distant and recent history have displayed physical and emotional toughness, intelligence and savvy in their respective fields that continue to inspire many.
Get an airplane pilot’s license
Harriet Quimby, 1911
Become an automotive engineer
Marie Luhring, 1920
Win the Pulitzer Prize
Edith Wharton, 1921
Win the Nobel Peace Prize
Jane Addams, 1931
Be elected to the U.S. Senate
Hattie Caraway, 1932
Serve as a cabinet member, under
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Frances Perkins, 1933
Serve as a director of a major corporation,
The Coca-Cola Company
Lettie Pate Whitehead, 1934
Be commissioned as a doctor in the U.S. Army
Fae Adams, 1953
Be commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps
Alice K. Kurashige, 1964
Win Olympic Gold in gymnastics
Marcia Frederick, 1978
Go to space in a NASA space shuttle
Sally Ride, 1983
Be a member of the U.S. Supreme Court
Sandra Day O’Connor, 1981
Be appointed Chief of Police
Penny Harrington, 1985
Be an NFL coach
Jennifer Welter, 2015