Alphabetical: w

Grace Wahba

Grace Wahba was the first woman to join the faculty of the Department of Statistics at UW–Madison, and she created a formula that was vital for more accurate satellite data collection.

Julia Grace Wales

Julia Grace Wales was a peace activist and professor whose ideas helped lay the foundation for international peace organizations like the United Nations.
Image description: A black-and-white headshot of Dorothy Walker.

Dorothy Walker

Trial lawyer Dorothy Walker was the first female district attorney in Wisconsin.
A black-and-white headshot of Ingrid Washinawatok.

Ingrid Washinawatok

Ingrid Washinawatok, which translates to “Flying Eagle Woman,” was a celebrated human rights advocate for Indigenous peoples.
Image description: A black-and-white headshot of Helen C. White.

Helen C. White

Helen C. White was the first woman to hold a full professorship in the College of Letters and Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Image description: A black-and-white headshot of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

The first book in author Laura Ingalls Wilder’s popular LITTLE HOUSE series is about Wilder’s childhood in Wisconsin.
Image description: A black-and-white headshot of Nellie Wilson.

Nellie Wilson

Nellie Wilson spent her life fighting for employment opportunities for women and was the first African American woman to hold a leadership position in her local steelworkers union.
Image description: A black-and-white photo of Glenn Wise sitting at a desk.

Glenn Wise

Glenn Wise became the first woman to hold a statewide public office in Wisconsin when she was appointed secretary of state in 1955.
A black-and-white headshot of Laura Ross Wolcott with faded edges.

Laura Ross Wolcott

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

Maginel Wright Barney

Maginel Wright Barney was an artist and cartoonist known for her colorful scenery and wide variety of art styles.