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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 Donna Shalala.

Donna Shalala

Donna Shalala was the first woman to head a Big Ten university and the longest-serving secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Image description: A headshot of Pleasant Rowland.

Pleasant Rowland

Pleasant Rowland founded the American Girls Collection, a popular line of books, dolls, and accessories that features girls living throughout U.S. history.
Image description: A headshot of Caroline Sandin.

Caroline Sandin

Caroline Sandin was a respected civic leader and served on the University of Wisconsin System’s Board of Regents.
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 antisemitism.
Image description: A black-and-white headshot of Bertha Reynolds.

Bertha Reynolds

Bertha Reynolds, known as “Dr. Bertha,” was one of the first women to be licensed as a doctor in the state.
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 Mabel Watson Raimey.

Mabel Watson Raimey

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.
Image description: A black-and-white portrait-style photo of Electa Quinney.

Electa Quinney

Electa "Wuhwehweeheemeew" Quinney was Wisconsin's first public schoolteacher.