Women Trailblazers and Changemakers
During Women’s History Month, YWCA is proud to celebrate the countless women trailblazers who educate and inspire our community to demand equal rights and opportunity for all women. Their unwavering resolve, courage, and resiliency have paved the way for women, girls, and marginalized communities across the globe.
As we move forward together in these times of great uncertainty, join us in amplifying diverse voices and leveraging our collective strength to ensure an equitable and thriving world for everyone. Today, we honor the generations of changemakers who came before us and continue their legacy of empowering and advancing all women:
Gloria Steinem is an acclaimed journalist and author, pioneering feminist, and one of the most well-known and passionate leaders of the women’s rights movement. Her unwavering advocacy and commitment to achieving equality for women propelled change in the workplace, politics, and all aspects of life.
Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-born American astronaut and aerospace engineer, and the first woman of Indian origin to fly to space. During her first flight in 1997, she served as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator aboard Space Shuttle Columbia on the STS-87 mission. Tragically, she lost her life in 2003 when Columbia disintegrated during re-entry.
Helen Rodríguez-Trías was a Puerto Rican physician and public health advocate who fought for women’s reproductive rights. This first Latina woman to be president of the American Public Health Association worked hard to increase access to quality healthcare for women and children and fought to abolish forced sterilization. In 2001, Rodriguez-Trias received a Presidential Citizen’s Medal for her work in public health and AIDS advocacy.
Hope Giselle is an African American transgender activist, author, and artist. Currently, Giselle is the executive director of the National Trans Visibility March. Giselle also launched AllowMe in 2022, a nonprofit that promotes the personal and professional growth of young LGBTQ people of color.
Joy Harjo is an internationally renowned performer and writer of the Muscogee Nation. She is the first Native American US Poet Laureate — using her powerful words to uplift Indigenous voices, history, and resilience. Through poetry, music, and activism, she inspires generations to reclaim their stories and culture.
Marian Wright Edelman is a tireless advocate for civil and children’s rights who founded the Children’s Defense Fund to ensure that every child — especially those in vulnerable communities — has a fair start in life. Her leadership continues to inspire a future rooted in justice and equity for all.
