By Traci Cothran
How wonderful is it that following the release of the movie “Hidden Figures,” the stories of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson are now known by millions? Their collective story is an impressive and important one, yet it’s a part of our history that’s been concealed for decades.
What other significant contributions by women are also shielded from view? It’s a joy to uncover these gems, and allow them to inspire other women and girls today. To me, that’s what Women’s History Month is all about—shining a light on the often overlooked contributions made by women throughout history.
Here are just a few, randomly chosen women from today and yesterday whose work and lives are notable. You’ll find them all in Biography In Context, among other Gale resources. As you read about them, you’re bound to discover other interesting women, too!
Maria Tallchief – (1925-2013) Tallchief was the first American-born woman to achieve prima ballerina status at a major dance company; she was also a member of the Osage Nation.
Zora Neale Hurston – (1891-1960) A writer and major figure in the Harlem Renaissance, Hurston is a favorite of mine, for both her wonderful writing and her ability to live an unconventional life for women of her era.
Noor Inayat Khan – (1914-1944) This Indian Muslim princess was also a spy for Britain during WWII. Eventually caught and executed by the Nazis, she was posthumously awarded the George Cross from the British government, the highest honour for civilian service in wartime.
Mildred Dresselhaus – (1930-2017) Called the “Queen of Carbon” for her research, physicist Dresselhaus was a woman of many firsts whose work paved the way for the nanotech industry and opened doors for women in science and at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Dolores Huerta – (1930 – ) A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Honor, Huerta is a long-time activist, fearless labour leader, and co-founder of the group that became the United Farm Workers.
Vera Rubin – (1928-2016) Astronomer Rubin verified the existence of dark matter, and was a fierce advocate of women in science. She is also featured in Science In Context.
You can request an In Context trial to explore the biographies of these, and other, influential women.
