Women Changemakers of the Past and Present
During Women’s History Month, YWCA proudly honors women changemakers of the past and present, including countless suffragettes, advocates for working women and financial empowerment, tireless activists for civil rights, and innovative leaders throughout every industry. The strength of their voices and unwavering perseverance has paved the way toward a more equitable world for everyone. We highlight a few of the trailblazers who were instrumental in our progress:
In 1903, Maggie L. Walker became the first African American woman to charter a bank and the first African American woman to serve as a bank president. Her entrepreneurial skills transformed black business practices and inspired other women to follow.
The late Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court justice. She challenged widespread gender discrimination and opened the door for women at all levels of the legal profession.
Dolores Huerta is an American labor leader and civil rights activist who champions immigrants’ rights, women’s rights, and economic justice. She is regarded as one of the most influential activists of the 20th century.
Despite our advancements, inequities persist that demand our continued commitment to empower all women to thrive. We stand together as we advocate for peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.
