Wisconsin Women Making History Milwaukee Archives - Wisconsin Women Making History

Boyer, Gene Cohen

Gene Cohen Boyer was an activist for women’s rights, a successful businesswoman, and a founding member of multiple feminist organizations.

Lutie Stearns, “the Johnny Appleseed of books,” started free libraries all over Wisconsin and was an outspoken advocate for social justice.

Laura Ross Wolcott was the first woman physician in Wisconsin and was active in the women’s suffrage movement.

Jewish activist Hannah Rosenthal served as a U.S. special envoy to work against anti-Semitism.

Chia Youyee Vang is a leading advocate for Hmong cultural preservation and education.

Sister Joel Read served for 35 years as president of Alverno College and became widely known and respected for her innovative education reforms.

Barbara Lawton, forty-third lieutenant governor of Wisconsin, was the first woman to be elected to that position.

Barbara Nichols was the first African American president of the Wisconsin Nursing Association and of the American Nursing Association.

Golda Meir was a teacher and organizer in Milwaukee before becoming Israel's first female prime minister in 1969.

Bonnie Blair is a world record-holding speed skater, a six-time Olympic medalist and the most decorated woman in Winter Olympic history.