Category: Activism & Social Change

Image description: A black-and-white headshot of Lutie Eugenia Stearns.

Lutie Eugenia Stearns

Lutie Stearns, “the Johnny Appleseed of books,” started free libraries all over Wisconsin and was an outspoken advocate for social justice.
Image description: A portrait-style photo of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf sitting with her chin in her right hand.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Nobel Peace Prize winner and Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was the first female head of state of any African country.
Image description: A portrait-style photo of Hannah Rosenthal in front of an American flag.

Hannah Rosenthal

Jewish activist Hannah Rosenthal served as a U.S. special envoy to work against anti-Semitism.
Image description: A black-and-white photo of Sister Joel Read crossing her arms.

Sister Joel Read

Sister Joel Read served for 35 years as president of Alverno College and became widely known and respected for her innovative education reforms.
Image description: A black-and-white headshot of Vel Phillips resting her head on her folded hands.

Vel Phillips

Vel Phillips achieved many firsts, including first woman and first African American to be elected to the statewide office of secretary of state.
Image description: A black-and-white headshot of Caroline Quarlls.

Caroline Quarlls

At age 16, Caroline Quarlls was the first known person to escape slavery through Wisconsin’s Underground Railroad network.
Image description: A headshot of Mee Moua.

Mee Moua

Mee Moua was the first Hmong American to be elected to a state legislature in the U.S.
Image description: A photo of Maria Luisa Morales standing in front of a Community for Change sign that encourages people to register to vote.

Maria Luisa Morales

Maria Luisa Morales has worked for justice for Latinx communities in Wisconsin since the 1960s.
Image description: A headshot of Patty Loew.

Patricia “Patty” Loew

Patricia "Patty" Loew is a celebrated journalist, filmmaker, and educator about Native Americans in Wisconsin.
Image description: A black-and-white headshot of Gerda Lerner.

Gerda Lerner

University of Wisconsin scholar Gerda Lerner founded the academic field of women's history.