From politics to science, arts, and social reform, American women have made significant contributions that have reshaped society, culture, and the world. Their pioneering efforts in various fields have broken barriers and left an indelible mark on history. At Oxford Summer Courses, we encourage students to learn from these trailblazing women and pursue their own passions and leadership potential.

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Here are 15 famous American females who have made an enduring impact through their remarkable contributions.

1. Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962)

Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most influential First Ladies in American history, serving as the First Lady during her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency. She was a tireless advocate for human rights and social justice.

Famous works and achievements:

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) - Roosevelt chaired the United Nations committee that drafted this groundbreaking document.
• My Day - Roosevelt’s widely read newspaper column, which ran for nearly three decades.

Awards and Legacy:

• Roosevelt was awarded the United Nations Human Rights Prize posthumously in 1968 and remains an icon of human rights advocacy. Her legacy as a diplomat, writer, and humanitarian continues to inspire generations.

2. Rosa Parks (1913–2005)

Rosa Parks was a pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, best known for her refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in 1955. This act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and became a symbol of the fight against racial segregation.

Famous works and achievements:

• Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955) - Parks’ arrest led to the boycott, which lasted over a year and brought national attention to the civil rights movement.
• Quiet Strength (1994) - Parks’ memoir recounting her role in the civil rights movement.

Awards and Legacy:

• Parks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1999. She is remembered as the “mother of the civil rights movement” for her courageous stand against racial injustice.

3. Oprah Winfrey (1954– )

Oprah Winfrey is one of the most successful media moguls in history, having built a multimedia empire through her talk show, production company, and numerous ventures. Winfrey is also known for her philanthropy and advocacy for education and empowerment.

Famous works:

• The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986–2011) - The highest-rated talk show in television history, reaching millions of viewers globally.
• Harpo Productions - Winfrey’s media company, responsible for producing television shows, films, and publishing ventures.

Awards and Legacy:

• Winfrey has received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Her influence extends far beyond media, making her a key figure in philanthropy and social activism.

4. Harriet Tubman (1822–1913)

Harriet Tubman was a key figure in the abolitionist movement and is best known for her role in the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved African Americans escape to freedom. Tubman also served as a nurse, spy, and scout for the Union Army during the Civil War.

Famous works and achievements:

• The Underground Railroad - Tubman led dozens of enslaved people to freedom through a secret network of safe houses.
• Service in the Union Army - Tubman was a nurse and spy for the Union during the Civil War, contributing to the fight against slavery.

Awards and Legacy:

• Tubman is commemorated as one of America’s most heroic figures. In 2016, the U.S. Treasury announced that Tubman would appear on the $20 bill, solidifying her legacy as a symbol of courage and freedom.

5. Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906)

Susan B. Anthony was a leader in the American women’s suffrage movement and played a pivotal role in securing women’s right to vote. As a tireless advocate for gender equality, Anthony’s work laid the foundation for the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment.

Famous works and achievements:

• National American Woman Suffrage Association - Anthony was a co-founder and president of this organisation, which fought for women’s voting rights.
• The Revolution - A weekly newspaper that Anthony co-edited, focusing on women’s rights.

Awards and Legacy:

• Anthony’s efforts contributed directly to the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. She was the first woman to appear on U.S. currency, and her work remains a cornerstone of women’s rights movements globally.

6. Maya Angelou (1928–2014)

Maya Angelou was a poet, author, and civil rights activist whose works explore themes of identity, racism, and resilience. Angelou’s memoirs, particularly I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, have become defining texts in American literature.

Famous works:

• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) - Angelou’s powerful autobiography that addresses racism, trauma, and personal strength.
• And Still I Rise (1978) - A poetry collection that explores themes of hope and defiance.

Awards and Legacy:

• Angelou was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 and received numerous literary accolades throughout her career. Her works continue to inspire readers worldwide and have made her one of the most important literary voices of the 20th century.

7. Michelle Obama (1964– )

Michelle Obama is a lawyer, author, and former First Lady of the United States. During her time in the White House, she championed initiatives focused on education, health, and military families, becoming a role model for women and girls globally.

Famous works: Let’s Move! - Obama’s initiative aimed at addressing childhood obesity in the United States. Becoming (2018) - Her bestselling memoir, which details her life and experiences as First Lady.

Awards and Legacy:

• Obama has received multiple honorary doctorates and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. Her post-White House initiatives continue to focus on education and leadership for girls.

8. Helen Keller (1880–1968)

Helen Keller was an author, disability rights advocate, and political activist. Despite being blind and deaf from a young age, Keller became a global symbol of courage and perseverance, advocating for people with disabilities and social justice.

Famous works:

• The Story of My Life (1903) - Keller’s autobiography, detailing her early years and her relationship with her teacher, Anne Sullivan.
• Light in My Darkness (1927) - A spiritual memoir that explores Keller’s faith and beliefs.

Awards and Legacy:

• Keller received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964 and is remembered as a pioneer in disability rights advocacy. She remains an inspiration for those who face challenges and obstacles in their lives.

9. Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933–2020)

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a Supreme Court Justice and a trailblazing advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. Her work as a lawyer, judge, and justice transformed American law, particularly in the areas of civil rights and equality.

Famous works and achievements:

• United States v. Virginia (1996) - Ginsburg wrote the majority opinion that struck down the male-only admissions policy of the Virginia Military Institute.
• Advocacy for Gender Equality - Ginsburg argued six landmark gender discrimination cases before the Supreme Court, winning five of them.

Awards and Legacy:

• Ginsburg received numerous honours during her career, including the Thurgood Marshall Award and the Radcliffe Medal. She remains an iconic figure in the fight for gender equality, and her legal decisions continue to shape American law.

10. Amelia Earhart (1897–1937)

Amelia Earhart was a pioneering aviator and the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Earhart’s fearless spirit and numerous flying records made her a symbol of the early 20th-century women’s liberation movement.

Famous works and achievements:

• First Solo Transatlantic Flight (1932) - Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, a feat that cemented her status as a national hero.
• Flying Records - Earhart set multiple aviation records, including becoming the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland.

Awards and Legacy:

• Earhart received the Distinguished Flying Cross for her solo transatlantic flight and was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Her mysterious disappearance during a flight in 1937 remains a topic of fascination.

11. Madeleine Albright (1937–2022)

Madeleine Albright was the first female U.S. Secretary of State, serving under President Bill Clinton. Albright was a powerful advocate for democracy and human rights, playing a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the 1990s.

Famous works and achievements:

• Secretary of State (1997–2001) - Albright was the first woman to hold the position and advocated for NATO expansion and human rights.
• Madam Secretary (2003) - Albright’s memoir detailing her diplomatic career and personal experiences.

Awards and Legacy:

• Albright was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012 and remains a symbol of female leadership in international politics. Her influence on American foreign policy and diplomacy continues to be studied.

12. Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005)

Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress and the first African-American woman to run for a major party’s presidential nomination. Chisholm was a champion for civil rights, women’s rights, and the working class.

Famous works and achievements:

• Unbought and Unbossed (1970) - Chisholm’s autobiography, chronicling her experiences in politics and activism.
• Presidential Candidacy (1972) - Chisholm ran for the Democratic nomination, breaking barriers for African-American women in politics.

Awards and Legacy:

• Chisholm was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, and her legacy continues to inspire politicians and activists. Her contributions to civil rights and gender equality paved the way for future generations of leaders.

13. Sojourner Truth (1797–1883)

Sojourner Truth was an abolitionist and women’s rights activist, known for her powerful speeches on racial and gender equality. Born into slavery, Truth became a leading advocate for the rights of African Americans and women in the 19th century.

Famous works and achievements:

• Ain’t I a Woman? (1851) - Truth’s most famous speech, delivered at the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention, where she spoke on racial and gender inequality.
• Campaigning for Equal Rights - Truth travelled extensively, giving speeches and advocating for the abolition of slavery and women’s suffrage.

Awards and Legacy:

• Truth’s legacy as a fearless advocate for justice continues to inspire civil rights and women’s movements today. She was commemorated on a U.S. postage stamp in 1986, and her story remains a symbol of resilience and courage.

14. Serena Williams (1981– )

Serena Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Her dominance in women’s tennis, along with her activism and advocacy for gender and racial equality, has made her a global icon.

Famous works and achievements:

• 23 Grand Slam Singles Titles - Williams holds the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles in the Open Era, making her one of the most accomplished athletes in history.
• Advocacy for Equal Pay in Sports - Williams has been an outspoken advocate for equal pay and gender equality in sports.

Awards and Legacy:

• Williams has won numerous awards, including the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, and was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people. Her impact extends beyond sports, as she continues to champion social causes.

15. Gloria Steinem (1934– )

Gloria Steinem is a journalist, feminist, and political activist who became one of the most prominent leaders of the American feminist movement in the 1960s and 1970s. Steinem co-founded Ms. magazine and has been a tireless advocate for women’s rights.

Famous works:

• Ms. Magazine (1971) - Steinem co-founded this pioneering feminist magazine, which continues to be a leading voice for women’s issues.
• Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions (1983) - A collection of Steinem’s essays and articles on feminism and social justice.

Awards and Legacy:

• Steinem has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. She remains an iconic figure in both journalism and feminism, inspiring generations of women activists.

How did the personal experiences and backgrounds of these famous American females influence their achievements?

These women drew from their personal struggles, resilience, and passion for social justice to influence their achievements. For example, Rosa Parks’ upbringing in a racially segregated South shaped her activism, while Serena Williams’ experiences in a male-dominated sport propelled her advocacy for equal pay.

What challenges did these famous American females face during their careers, and how did they overcome them?

Many of these women faced significant barriers, including racial and gender discrimination. Despite these challenges, they persevered. Harriet Tubman risked her life repeatedly to lead enslaved people to freedom, while Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought legal battles that transformed American law.

How did the contributions of these women impact broader social and cultural movements?

The contributions of these women have had a profound effect on social, political, and cultural movements. Eleanor Roosevelt’s work with the United Nations helped shape international human rights, while Maya Angelou’s poetry continues to inspire social justice activism worldwide.

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About the author

Rhys Mackenzie is the Website Marketing Manager at Oxford Summer Courses. With extensive experience in SEO and digital content management, they are passionate about showcasing the best that Oxford has to offer. Their previous role at Experience Oxfordshire gave them a deep appreciation for the city's unique cultural and academic offerings. Learn more about Rhys here.