Nellie Y. McKay was one of the first scholars to bring attention to the writing of African American women authors.

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

Glenn Wise became the first woman to hold a statewide public office in Wisconsin when she was appointed secretary of state in 1955.

Helen C. White was the first woman to hold a full professorship in the College of Letters and Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Ingrid Washinawatok, which translates to “Flying Eagle Woman,” was a celebrated human rights advocate for Indigenous peoples who was killed in South America.

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.

Trial lawyer Dorothy Walker was the first female district attorney in Wisconsin.

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.

Caroline Sandin was a respected civic leader and served on the University of Wisconsin System’s Board of Regents.

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