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

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

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

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.

Lorine Niedecker, an important 20th century poet, was highly regarded for the poems she wrote about her Wisconsin surroundings.

A major American artist of the 20th century, Georgia O’Keeffe developed a unique approach to abstract painting that reflected the landscapes around her.

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

Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb was a popular physician in Northern Wisconsin who provided health care where few medical services were available.