Lutie Eugenia Stearns
Lutie Stearns, “the Johnny Appleseed of books,” started free libraries all over Wisconsin and was an outspoken advocate for social justice.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Nobel Peace Prize winner and Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was the first female head of state of any African country.
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.
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.
Caroline Sandin
Caroline Sandin was a respected civic leader and served on the University of Wisconsin System’s Board of Regents.
Hannah Rosenthal
Jewish activist Hannah Rosenthal served as a U.S. special envoy to work against antisemitism.
Bertha Reynolds
Bertha Reynolds, known as “Dr. Bertha,” was one of the first women to be licensed as a doctor in the state.
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.
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.
Electa Quinney
Electa "Wuhwehweeheemeew" Quinney was Wisconsin's first public schoolteacher.