Mabel Raimey was the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, attend Marquette University Law School, and practice law in Wisconsin.

Vel Phillips achieved many firsts, including first woman and first African American to be elected to the statewide office of secretary of state.

At age 16, Caroline Quarlls was the first known person to escape slavery through Wisconsin’s Underground Railroad network.

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

Gwen Moore was the first African American from the state of Wisconsin to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

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

Patricia "Patty" Loew is a celebrated journalist, filmmaker, and educator about Native Americans in Wisconsin.

Mildred Fish-Harnack was the only American woman to die by Adolf Hitler's direct order for spying on Germany during World War II.

Vernice Gallimore became Milwaukee's first African American policewoman in 1946.

Angna Enters was a renowned dancer, who produced over 200 mime compositions.