Maud Neprud Otjen was the first woman in Wisconsin to be a county superintendent of schools and encouraged women to be involved in civic life.

Zoe Dunning was one of the only openly LGB members of the U.S. military for 13 years and spoke out against the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law.

Trained as a lawyer and committed to equity, Danae Davis is passionate about “success for every child, in every school, from cradle to career.”

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

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.

Ramona Villarreal is a Mexican American activist who has devoted her life to fighting for equality and justice for people with Mexican/Latinx heritage in Wisconsin.

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

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

Jewish activist Hannah Rosenthal served as a U.S. special envoy to work against antisemitism.

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