Known as “The First Lady of Fly Tying,” Helen Shaw was an expert in creating fly fishing ties.

Dr. Alice McPherson was the first known woman to become a retina surgeon in the world, and she provided eye care to many through both her practice and her philanthropy.

Nancy Oestreich Lurie was a renowned anthropologist and museum curator, known best for her work with the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin.

Josie Carter led Wisconsin’s first known LGBTQ+ uprising, eight years before the Stonewall riots.

Since the late 1960s, UW System women’s and gender studies scholars have increased the representation and understanding of women, their histories, and their contributions.

The UW Women’s and Gender Studies Consortium works to ensure the continued development of women’s, gender, and LGBTQ studies across the state.

Marcia Anderson was the first Black woman to earn the rank of major general in the US Army.

Judy Greenspan is a lifelong activist, known for being one of the first out lesbian political candidates in the United States.

Velma Bell Hamilton was the first Black teacher hired in Dane County and the first president of the Madison Chapter of the NAACP.

Mary Eastwood was a founding member of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and a leader in feminist legal scholarship.