Reflecting upon our history, we are continuously made aware of the outstanding potential of the human race. Numerous individuals have significantly shaped our world through their accomplishments. Thanks to these trailblazers, our current world is as it is today.
Today, we focus on the fifty most influential women who transformed the world. These exceptional women accomplished tremendous feats within a limited time frame, leaving us in awe of their achievements. They are all historical women who were busy reshaping the world even before we came into existence.
1. Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo does not need any introduction, especially to people who are into art and culture. Kahlo’s fame began in Mexico and slowly spread throughout the world as she became an art icon. Her artwork was thought-provoking, mind-blowing, and based on magical realism.
Kahlo’s work slowly took over the world, and in 1938, her self-portrait known as “The Frame” was featured in the Louvre. Kahlo was the first Mexican artist ever to be featured in the gallery, and that was an honor for the entire Mexican region. She no longer lives, but her art is still loved by many in the modern world.
2. Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt was the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and was the previous First Lady of the United States. She was the first woman in the position to help women by improving the access women had to many things. She was a fierce advocate for women’s rights at the time.
Roosevelt was a strong advocate for the U.S.’s membership in the United Nations, and upon their acceptance, she took on the role of their initial delegate. Additionally, she supervised the preliminary composition of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Her makeover of the First Lady’s role serves as an example for future women assuming this position, thereby setting a new standard.
3. Anne Frank
The 40s were one of the worst times in history as many Jews died in the concentration camps at the hands of Nazis. Anne Frank was one of the poor girls who also died in these camps. However, her father managed to escape the camp and publish Anne’s diaries in 1947.
While she was in those camps, Anne Frank penned a diary detailing her experiences. Her documented accounts provided insights into the conditions and hardships encountered in the camps. They served as revealing windows into the extreme depths of cruelty to which humanity can sink due to avarice and power.
4. Grace Hopper
Grace Hopper is a celebrated figure in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. She etched her name in history in 1934 by becoming the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Yale University. Following her academic achievements, she then ventured out into the world and became among the pioneer programmers to work on the Harvard Mark I computer.
Hopper didn’t limit herself to that, she also rose to the rank of rear admiral in the U.S Navy. As a trailblazer in computer programming, she altered the industry’s perception of women. Throughout her life, she was recognized with several awards and medals for her numerous contributions.
5. Amelia Earhart
During the 30s, many women changed the world, and Amelia Earhart was one of them. She was the first woman to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean as a pilot. She was also among the top twenty women at the time who received a pilot’s license.
Nonetheless, Earhart inexplicably vanished while on a flight in 1937. Efforts were made to locate her, but they proved fruitless as her whereabouts remained a mystery. Subsequently, two years later, she was legally declared deceased. The details about what led to her abrupt disappearance continue to baffle everyone to this day.
6. Naomi Parker
If you have seen the “We Can Do It” poster with a woman showing off her bicep, you probably have an idea who Naomi Parker is. She was an American war worker and worked on the aircraft assembly at Naval Air Station Alameda. Of course, Parker was the inspiration behind Rosie the Riveter.
A variant of the poster was also released by The Saturday Evening Post during the same period. The intention behind the poster’s display was to support a campaign advocating for a larger inclusion of women in the professional arena. Nevertheless, the original creation of the poster was intended for an electrical company.
7. Rosa Parks
Any compilation of women who have accomplished remarkable feats would be deficient without acknowledging the legendary Rosa Parks. In the 1950s, racial discrimination was rampant, and it was mandated in Alabama that if a bus was crowded, priority for the front seats went to white individuals. Being a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, Parks made her stand by refusing to surrender her seat.
Her disobeying of the rule sparked outrage and led to the Montgomery boycott. After that, many people all over America made more efforts to end this racism and segregation by the whites. Park’s actions are still applauded worldwide.
8. Hedy Lamarr
Hedy Lamarr was a thespian of Austrian-American origin who was equally an innovator of technology, crafting inventions during the 1940s. The technological foundations of modern conveniences like Bluetooth, GPS, and WiFi can be traced back to her creations. Additionally, Lamarr was a co-inventor of a radio signaling device utilized for secret communication.
The communication system altered its frequencies during WWII to evade enemy detection. Lamarr was a standout amongst her female peers during her time, owing to her significant contributions to technological innovations. She was given numerous accolades for her work. The existence of WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS today is largely attributed to her efforts – for which we should be grateful.
9. Queen Elizabeth II
In 1952, following King George’s death, Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne. Nevertheless, her formal coronation was not held until the following year. Assuming you’re not completely unacquainted with the world, you’re likely familiar with her, as she continues to preside over the British monarchy.
The Queen has made many changes to the monarch system, and she has changed the world with many of her achievements. Even during her old age, she is making strides, and we can’t wait to see more ways in which she changes the world. Her reign is the longest one in history.
10. Althea Gibson
In previous times, women were not allowed to do many things and were not made to participate in sports and other things. However, that changed when Althea Gibson became the first African-American woman to play at Wimbledon. Serena Williams may be the top player today, but she would not have gotten her start if it weren’t for Gibson’s persistence.
Gibson dominated the women’s team in the 50s and won many awards for her athletic achievements. So, if you can take part in sports competitions today, you can thank women like Gibson who made it possible. Unfortunately, Gibson passed away in 2003.
11. Lucille Ball
Lucille Ball used to be an American model, actress, comedian, producer, and much more. She made her debut in 1951 on the sitcom known as “I Love Lucy.” Soon, the show became a success, and Ball was a hit as her acting was loved by everyone that watched the show.
The show was funny, but it also touched on important topics of the time, such as women’s role in the workforce and marital issues. Through her role in this sitcom, Ball broke many barriers for women and raised awareness. She won many awards for her amazing acting in the show.
12. Rita Moreno
For over seven decades, Rita Moreno has been a multifaceted Puerto Rican talent—standing out as a dancer, actress, and singer. Her claim to fame was her performance in West Side Story, which ushered her into the limelight and paved the way for numerous Hollywood and Broadway roles. Moreno holds the unique distinction of being the only Latin woman in showbiz to have received all four major American entertainment awards: a Grammy, Tony, Oscar, and Emmy.
Morena embarked on her Broadway career at the tender age of thirteen. Now, nearing her 90s, she continues to be an active player in the showbiz world. Her tirelessness and dedication are truly lessons for us all.
13. Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald used to be an American jazz singer with many names such as Queen of Jazz, First Lady of Song, and much more. During her lifetime, she sold more than forty million albums and won thirteen Grammy’s. She was the first African-American woman during the 50s to win a Grammy.
Thanks to her, many African-American women took charge to make their way in the entertainment business. Fitzgerlad set a precedent for African-American women winning Grammy’s, and it hasn’t stopped since. She is still widely known in the jazz world as many people worldwide try to follow in her footsteps in composition.
14. Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi was first appointed the Prime Minister of India in 1966, and she is one of the few women of her time to rise into power. She made strides in her role for more than twenty years. Her biggest achievement was India’s victory in the Indo-Pakistani war in 1971.
The victory allowed Bangladesh to become an independent state. Unfortunately, Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984 by her own bodyguards as she was walking into her office. The assassination led to four days of rioting in India, and thousands of Sikhs were killed as revenge for what Gandhi’s bodyguards did to her.
15. Margaret Sanger
If you have ever wondered who coined the term birth control, it was Margaret Sanger. She was a women’s rights activist and a feminist during the 60s. She opened a women’s clinic and also wrote many pamphlets raising awareness for women’s health across the country.
Of course, the biggest achievement of Sanger was persisting the FDA to approve the first oral contraceptive in 1960. The contraceptive was known as Envoid, and it changed the way women took control of their bodies. Unfortunately, Sanger died six years later, but during her time, she was a force to be reckoned with when it came to women’s rights.
16. Celia Cruz
Celia Cruz was a renowned singer from Latin America, who gained immense popularity in the realm of Latin music during the 1960s. In 1950, she became a part of the famous band, Sonora Matancera. Little did she know then, that her voice would catapult her to fame in the near future.
Cruz became the Queen of Salsa in the 60s, but her achievements went far beyond being a singer. In the 60s, she championed for her fellow Cubans during the reign of Fidel Castro. She spoke out against the government’s violence and urged other people to also speak for the cause.
17. Betty Friedan
If you have ever advocated for women’s rights or read about the topic, you probably know Betty Friedan. She wrote The Feminine Mystique, which encouraged women to get out of their homes and look for opportunities to succeed. Friedan was also the co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in the 60s.
Friedan dedicated her entire life to fighting for women’s rights by establishing the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws. If you haven’t read her books, you should, especially if you also advocate for women’s rights. You will be blown away by the insights Friedan has to offer.
18. Angela Davis
Angela Davis is an influential figure within the spheres of politics, literature, philosophy, and academia, recognized broadly for her liberal political stance. Davis has consistently positioned herself at the vanguard of progressive causes, women’s rights advocacy, and an array of other societal matters. Regrettably, in 1970, Davis faced incarceration by the California authorities on the grounds of three capital offenses.
Davis was once embroiled in a felony charge related to plotting a murder, following her involvement in an armed showdown within a courtroom in Martin County. Yet, her release in 1972 did not hinder her dedication to her cause. She continued to dedicate her efforts towards prison abolition, advocating for gender fairness and civil liberties.
19. Jane Goodall
The world of science would be incomplete without Jane Goodall, as she is an English anthropologist and primatologist. She began studying chimpanzees in 1960 at the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. Her research went on for more than sixty years and has given us insights into what goes into chimpanzees’ social lives and minds.
Jane Goodall kickstarted the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 and later, the Roots Shoots program in the 1990s. Both of these organizations were established with the objective of amplifying conservation activities for wildlife. In addition, she is a critically acclaimed author who has penned numerous books.
20. Junko Tabei
If you’re a fan of hiking or mountain climbing, the name Junko Tabei might ring a bell. She made history in 1975 as the first woman to successfully scale Mount Everest. Her monumental accomplishment broke gender stereotypes, demonstrating what women are capable of if they commit wholly with dedication and determination.
Subsequently, Tabei also became the initial female to conquer the Seven Peaks, which represent the supreme points on each of the seven continents. She accomplished this feat in 1992. Regrettably, Tabei lost her life to cancer at the age of 77, however, her significant legacy continues to resonate.
21. Katherine G. Johnson
The well-known adage states, “Behind every successful man is a woman.” It’s particularly fitting in the scenario of Katherine G. Johnson, the esteemed mathematician who played a pivotal role in the successful landing of the first man on the moon. Johnson’s incredible mathematical acumen was the cornerstone of the complex calculations that made space travel feasible.
For further insights into Johnson’s life and accomplishments, the film Hidden Figures is a great resource. This cinematic piece underscores the accomplishments of women, particularly African-American women, within NASA. This film largely concentrates on the notable contributions these women have made in this domain.
22. Germaine Greer
Germaine Greer is a well-known advocate for radical feminism, expressing her views on women’s sexual liberation throughout the 20th century. She is best recognized for her acclaimed book, The Female Eunuch, published in 1970, which is among the most notable works in feminist literature.
The Female Eunuch explores what society expects of women and how other people want women to behave. If you also want to read such literature, The Female Eunuch is the top book to read. Greer also wrote many other books, and she is still an advocate of women’s freedom and rights.
23. Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep, one of the most renowned actresses of our era, requires no introduction. She has surpassed her own record by accruing twenty-one nominations. While her first nomination was in 1978 for the film “The Deer Hunter,” she didn’t receive an award for this performance.
However, two years later, Streep won an award for her role in Kramer vs. Kramer. She is the living embodiment of the capabilities of actresses, as she has done many diverse roles during her lifetime. She doesn’t take as many roles now, but she is a role model for many women worldwide.
24. Shirley Chisholm
Shirley Chisholm was not only an author and politician but also an educator, marking her place in history as the first African-American woman to be elected to the US Congress in 1968. She furthered her political career by running for president in 1975, becoming the first African-American woman to make this move, despite not securing the presidency.
Chisholm’s achievements in the United States government empowered many Black women to take authoritative roles in the country. It was difficult at that time, but these stories gave women more power and authority. Thanks to all those women, we are now living in a much better world as women.
25. Benazir Bhutto
When it comes to women’s rights, Pakistan is going backward, but that changed for a while when Benazir Bhutto became the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan. In 1988, a military coup threw off her father, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s government, and she inherited leadership. During this time, Bhutto pushed for open elections in the government.
All of this happened three months after she gave birth, and she won the leadership. Unfortunately, Bhutto was assassinated in 2007, and that broke the country into a riot. Now, her son leads the Pakistan People’s Party as he strives to continue his mother’s legacy.
26. Aretha Franklin
Recognized as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin was a renowned American singer, pianist, and songwriter. The Rolling Stones twice ranked her in the ninth spot on their 100 Greatest Artists of All Time list. Despite beginning her career with gospel music, it was her soul melodies that garnered her nationwide fame.
Franklin was also the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Unfortunately, the Queen of Soul passed away three years ago due to pancreatic cancer. However, her legacy still lives as her music will never be forgotten.
27. Miriam Makeba
Also recognized as Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba made a significant impact on the world through her music. During the 70s and 80s, she harnessed her musical platform to vocalize her opposition to apartheid. Through her songs, Makeba illuminated the struggles of South Africans during that era, committing herself tirelessly to activism.
Makeba was among the inaugural group of African musicians to gain global acclaim and acknowledgement. Regrettably, she suffered a fatal heart attack in 2008 while performing at a concert in Italy. Her contributions to music and activism continue to be celebrated and respected by many individuals in Africa and across the globe.
28. Amy Tan
If you’re familiar with The Joy Luck Club, then you’re familiar with Amy Tan, its author. An American novelist, Tan’s renowned work was also adapted into a celebrated film. The narrative of The Joy Luck Club delves into the dynamics of relationships within Chinese households, particularly between mothers and daughters.
In 1989, Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club made it to the New York Times best-seller list, maintaining a long streak. Since that time, the book has been translated into over twenty-five different languages worldwide. If you’re interested in exploring Amy Tan’s literary prowess, The Joy Luck Club comes highly recommended. Alternatively, you could also enjoy the adapted movie version.
29. Sandra Day O’Connor
Sandra Day O’Connor is now a retired American politician and attorney who made strides during her time in office. In 1981, she was the first woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court. President Ronald Reagan nominated Connor, and the vote to appoint her in this position was unanimous.
Connor was in office for over two decades before she stepped down in 2006. Her reputation for comprehensive, well-investigated, and painstakingly detailed opinions was well known. In numerous significant cases, Connor’s vote was often the turning point, and her unique sense of justice still reverberates, earning her a legendary status.
30. Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor, renowned not only for her acting prowess but also for her notorious romantic escapades, redirected her spotlight in 1991. Following the demise of a dear friend due to HIV/AIDS, she established the Elizabeth Taylor HIV/AIDS Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to conducting research for improved medical treatments while simultaneously providing aid to individuals wrestling with the disease.
In the 1990s, the AIDS crisis was often ignored by numerous famous personalities and political figures, except for Taylor, who led the response to this issue. She catalyzed discussions about the disease, leading to increased support. Her foundation continues to operate successfully to this day.
31. Sally Ride
The world has always discriminated against women with its sexist policies and rules in place. However, in 1983, Sally Ride broke all such barriers when she became the first woman to fly out into space as an astronaut on a space shuttle mission. Ride’s job included using a robotic arm to help put satellites in space.
The program was launched by NASA, with over a thousand contenders. Surpassing all expectations, Ride emerged victorious, becoming the first woman to journey into space. Following her expedition, she transitioned into advocating for science education and continues to be an inspiration for girls to this day.
32. Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison penned her novel, The Bluest Eye, in the 70s, using her writing as a medium to tell the stories of Black individuals and their everyday experiences. Following the completion of her renowned Beloved trilogy, Morrison made history in 1993 by being the first Black female to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Morrison was awarded the honor of Distinguished Contribution to American Letters by the National Book Foundation, three years subsequent to her Nobel Prize achievement. In addition, she was selected by the National Endowment for the Humanities to deliver the Jefferson lecture. Though Morrison left us two years back, her indelible mark continues to resonate.
33. J.K. Rowling
The name J.K. Rowling is widely recognized in today’s society. Her globally-adored series, Harry Potter, appeals to readers of all ages. The maiden Harry Potter book was introduced in 1997, and within two years, its first three volumes were at the pinnacle of the New York Times bestseller list.
The books have inspired the production of movies which are a must-watch if you haven’t seen any yet. Both the books and movies are impressive and Rowling’s offerings will definitely leave you astounded.
34. Dr. Mae C. Jemison
Dr. Mae C. Jemison is an American physicist and engineer who was the first African-American woman to receive acceptance into NASA’s astronaut program. She was also aboard the Endeavour in 1992, which made her the first African-American woman to venture into space. During this venture, Jemison was serving as a mission specialist.
However, in 1993, Jemison retired as an astronaut and worked as a physicist and engineer. She received the Elizabeth Blackwell Medal for being a leader in women’s health in areas of research, public policy, care, and much more. Jemison continues to work and wow women all over the world.
35. Madeleine Albright
Madeleine Albright is a U.S. politician and diplomat who held the distinction of being the first woman to serve as Secretary of State in the country. She assumed the role from 1997 to 2001 during Bill Clinton’s presidency. Her advocacy for human rights played a significant role in her diplomatic duties.
The reason for this is that she waged a lengthy and determined battle against the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Additionally, Albright promoted the idea of negotiating peace in the Middle East, though her endeavors were ultimately unsuccessful. Undoubtedly, she was correct from the start, and had her colleagues taken her advice into serious consideration, the world might look very different now.
36. Hillary Clinton
If you are not completely detached from the world, chances are you’re familiar with Hillary Clinton and her impressive career so far. She assumed the role of the First Lady of the United States during the time when her husband, Bill Clinton, held the office of the President. Following her period as the First Lady, Hillary was elected to the United States Senate in 2000.
Due to her vast experience, Clinton continued to serve as Secretary of State under Barack Obama’s tenure. After that, in 2016, Clinton became the first woman in the history of the U.S to be a presidential nominee for a major political party. Of course, we all know who won that election.
37. Tegla Loroupe
In the year 1994, Tegla Loroupe, a Kenyan long-distance champion made history by being the first African-American lady to clinch victory in the NYC Marathon. Her monumental achievement did not only inspire awe, but also motivated other Kenyan women to follow suit. This marked the beginning of a successful journey, with Kenyan women securing five additional victories in the NYC Marathons and setting a blistering pace with six world records in long-distance running since then.
Additionally, Loroupe established the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation, a noble organization promoting peace and humanitarian aid in various locations. This shows the remarkable influence a single woman can yield over an entire generation of women. Loroupe is a beacon of hope in her native land, inspiring an increasing number of girls to participate in sports, influenced by her.
38. Michelle Kwan
Michelle Kwan, an American figure skater, is currently retired but was a prominent figure during her active years. She carved a niche for herself in one of the most challenging periods of figure skating, alongside other renowned skaters like Sasha Cohen and Tara Lipinski. Kwan began her skating journey at the tender age of eight and continued her dedication to the sport without any cessation.
Kwan has claimed victory in the World Figure Skating Championships five times and was also awarded two Olympic medals. Additionally, she emerged as the U.S. Champion in figure skating on nine separate occasions. Her supremacy in the world of figure skating was unparalleled, and her accomplishments continue to be celebrated and remembered to this day.
39. Halle Berry
Halle Berry is one of the best actresses the American cinema will ever get to witness. She did a movie in 2001 known as Monster’s Ball, which led to her winning the Academy Award for Best Actress. Berry is the first and only African-American woman to win an Oscar in this category.
Berry has since participated in numerous films, consistently showcasing remarkable performances unmatched by others. If you find motivation in actresses, Halle Berry stands as one of the best inspirations. Although she has lessened her movie appearances recently, her legacy is sure to remain in our memories for the foreseeable future.
40. Oprah Winfrey
No rundown of successful women would be comprehensive without mentioning Oprah Winfrey. She launched her career as a journalist in Nashville in the 70s, quickly establishing a name for herself in the media. Following this, Winfrey was given the opportunity to host her own thirty-minute chat show on a Chicago network, a decision which catapulted her into stardom.
Indeed, The Oprah Winfrey Show became a nationwide broadcast in 1986, making a significant mark on American television. By the year 2003, Oprah Winfrey had the distinct honor of being the first African-American female billionaire. Winfrey remains a beloved figure, with a global audience consistently tuning into her show due to its immense popularity. Feel free to join the vast viewership and tune into her show next time.
41. Kathryn Bigelow
In her twenties, Kathryn Bigelow studied painting at the San Francisco Art Institute. She then relocated to New York in the 70s where she joined the independent study program at the Whitney Museum. She eventually gained recognition as one of the most renowned filmmakers.
Bigelow has garnered acclaim for her exceptional ability to helm thrilling action scenes and astonishing visual effects. By the closure of the 70s, she transitioned from directing short films to making full-length feature films. Bigelow etched her name in history in 2008 when she became the inaugural female director to clinch an Academy Award for Best Director, an accolade she earned for her renowned film, The Hurt Locker.
42. Sonia Sotomayer
Sonia Sotomayor was named to the United States Supreme Court by President Barack Obama in 2009, making her the first Latin and Hispanic woman judge to hold this position in over two centuries. So far, she has presided over more than 3,000 cases and penned nearly 400 opinions.
At present, she stands alone as the sole judge in the U.S. Supreme Court with hands-on trial judge experience. In addition, her federal judicial background surpasses any of her associates over the last century. Sotomayer has earned considerable respect among her peers and her reputation extends throughout the legal system.
43. Malala Yousufzai
We are all familiar that the Taliban is a terrorist group, and Yousufzai survived a gunshot wound to face by the group. Even though she was in a critical condition, Yousufzai survived and became an advocate for human rights, women’s rights, and education. Seven years ago, Yousufzai was given the Nobel Peace Prize.
Yousufzai is a Pakistani activist, and she continues to fight for women’s rights even though she is far from her home country. Her parents are her biggest supporters as they made sure Malala got all opportunities a boy did in a highly patriarchal society. You can read one of her books to know more about her life.
44. Tammy Duckworth
Tammy Duckworth, a retired lieutenant colonel from the Army National Guard, has been serving as the junior U.S. Senator from Illinois for the last four years. Her historic journey began in 2017 when she broke barriers as the first Thai woman and amputee to be elected to Congress. She started effecting changes as early as one year into her tenure.
To illustrate, she initially advocated for a policy that permitted new Senate parents to bring their babies as necessary. This initiative stemmed from her desire to prevent individuals from missing vital vote counts due to childcare responsibilities. Such progressive alterations are continually implemented by her.
45. Sherly Swoopes
Sherley Swoopes, often referenced as the women’s version of Michael Jordan, is a well-known figure in the realm of women’s basketball. One of her major contributions was being among the initial group of women to be drafted into the WNBA, thereby clearing a path for other women to follow suit. Naturally, with her exceptional talent, she established lofty standards for other female basketball athletes.
Sheryl Swoopes, a three-time winner of the WNBA MVP and three-time Olympic gold medalist, is undeniably an integral name on any list of top WNBA players. Her achievements and prowess on the court serve as an inspiration to numerous women’s basketball athletes.
46. Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox is an actress and activist for transgender rights, as she became the first transgender person up for a nomination in 2014. Cox was nominated for an Emmy in an acting category for her role in one of the most famous series known as Orange is the New Black. Of course, her achievements don’t stop there.
Cox received a Daytime Emmy award for Exceptional Special Class for her film, Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word, the first award of its kind to be won by a transgender woman. Cox remains the most notable advocate for transgender rights and tirelessly advocates for their cause.
47. Simone Biles
Simon Biles is a renowned artistic gymnast from America who gained significant prominence following her performance at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Throughout the previous five years of her gymnastic profession, Biles has accumulated 32 medals from both the Olympics and World Championships. As one of the most acclaimed gymnasts ever, she shows no signs of slowing down in her career anytime soon.
Biles breaks a gymnastic record almost every day, serving as a source of motivation for female gymnasts globally. Indeed, there are two gymnastic moves named in honor of Biles – the Biles on vault and the Biles on the floor.
48. Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris is the latest addition to our compilation. She made history by being the first individual of South African descent, the first African American, and the first female to ascend to the Vice Presidency of the United States. However, this is not uncommon for Harris, who has previously shattered numerous barriers in her career.
After all, Harris was also the first woman and first person of color to successfully bid for the California Attorney General and hold that position. We can’t wait to see what Harris does during her tenure and how many more glass ceilings she will break in the coming years.
49. Ava DuVernay
Ava DuVernay, a renowned African-American film producer, was able to make a significant impact in her career, even without formal film school education. She made history as the first female African-American director to secure a Golden Globe nomination. In addition, her movie Selma received an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.
DuVernay’s recent work is the story of the Central Park Five, who were wrongfully convicted. The film is known as When They See Us. DuVernay is also the first Black woman to win the Best Director Prize at Sundance for Middle of Nowhere, her second feature film.
50. Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett
Wrapping up our list on a high note, we have none other than Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett as our final entry. As one of the preeminent scientific dignitaries engaged in research at the NIH for the COVID-19 vaccine group, she has been instrumental in the development of the Moderna vaccine, even leading the team responsible for it.
Corbett is an immunologist from America renowned for her work in viruses, and she has been unwaveringly dedicated over the past couple of years to devising a remedy for COVID-19. Therefore, if you’re contemplating getting vaccinated shortly, it would be appropriate to express gratitude to her for her tireless endeavors that have made this possible for you and those you care about.