Powerful Women Making a Difference in Society: Women’s History Month
It’s women’s history month and we are highlighting three influential women that have made an impact on society.
1. Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson (August 26, 1918- February 24, 2020) was a well-known American mathematician. Her works with NASA were critical for the calculations of the orbital mechanics of the first U.S. crewed spaceflights. She was also known for calculating the trajectories for NASA crewed missions. In 2015, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was awarded by the president of the United States to recognize her success as an African American woman in STEM. Overall, Johnson has become an icon that many young women look up to emulate.
If you’re interested in following Johnson’s path in STEM here are the available resources for you to begin your journey.
Chicago: Girls4Science– http://girls4science.org/
St. Louis: Junior Academy of Science- https://www.academyofsciencestl.org/academy-programs/junior-academy-of-science/
By taking advantage of these various resources, you too can become a hero like Katherine Johnson and make a difference in the world, improving technology for everyone!
2. Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai was born July 12, 1997, in Mingora, Pakistan. Malala loved attending school and learning. It all changed when the Taliban took control of her town and banned girls from going to school. Using her voice she spoke out publicly on behalf of girls and their right to learn. In October 2012, while on her way home from school, a masked gunman boarded her bus and shot her in the left side of her head. That’s when the world took notice.
She woke up 10 days later in a hospital in the United Kingdom. As she started her new life in the UK she realized that she had a choice to make it: “I could live a quiet life or I could make the most of this new life I had been given.” Malala was determined to continue her fight until every girl could go to school and started the Malala Fund. In 2014, at the age of 14, she became the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Malala’s dream is for every girl to have a free, safe, and quality education.
Girl Education and Empowerment Resources:
- Malala Fund
- Girls Empowerment Network
Don’t ever let the fact that you’re a girl keep you from living your dream and making a difference.
3. Princess Dianna
Dianna, Princess of Wales (July 1, 1961- August 31, 1997) is commonly known as the first wife to Queen Elizabeth II’s son, Charles, Prince of Wales. Internationally, Princess Diana continued to attract media attention after her divorce from Prince Charles, with her works in charity for sick children and the banning of landmines. She also continued to push awareness and support, for those affected by cancer, HIV/AIDS, and mental illness. Diana’s tragic death, by a car crash, in 1997 left the world shocked, but her legacy lives through her good deeds and her children, the future heirs to the British throne. She is most remembered as being the “People’s Princess” due to her popularity and humanitarian efforts across the globe.
For resources on these causes supported by Princess Diana, please visit the following:
AIDS
Mental Health
- National Alliance for Mental Health
Princess Diana didn’t let anything stop her from making a difference in people’s lives. So remember, do what you want and feel is right, despite what other people say.