Women's History Month: 11 women who inspire us

Women's History Month is a time to celebrate the countless contributions of women throughout history and their ongoing impact on society. Women have played a vital role in shaping our world, from groundbreaking scientists and artists to trailblazing politicians and activists.

This month provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of women from all walks of life. We honor their resilience, courage, and perseverance in facing discrimination and adversity.

This blog post will highlight some remarkable women who have left their mark on history and continue to inspire us today.

Hung Liu

Hung Liu was a Chinese-American artist who blended Western and Chinese art techniques in her emotionally charged paintings. Her "Chinese Railroad Workers" series brought visibility to marginalized individuals, and her work focused on memory, history, and identity. She received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the art world before passing away in August 2021.

- Erin

Margaret Kilgallen

During her career she was influenced by the simplicity and beauty of handmade things. Some of which were hand-painted signs in the mission district to American and Indian folk art, and typography. Kilgallen had a love of “things that show the evidence of the human hand.” She also depicted woman who inspired her, as well as women doing common day activities.

- Andrea

Katherine Johnson

 

Katherine Johnson overcame barriers of gender and race, producing hand-written calculations that were critical for John Glenn’s successful orbital mission around the Earth in 1962. She went on to contribute valuable calculations for the Apollo 11 lunar landing in 1969. Katherine retired from NASA In 1986 after a 33-year career, and in 2015 at age 97 she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, the highest honor for American civilians. Her posthumous memoir My Remarkable Journey, coauthored with her children, was released in 2021.

- Ron

Michelle Yeoh

She recently won the Oscar for best actress in Everything Everywhere All At Once. Her long time acting career is really inspiring as she has become a huge icon in the Hollywood and entertainment industry. Her role in this movie was different than the typical “Asian” forward movies which shows the importance of representation on the big screen. She is paving the way for more Asian entertainers to speak their voice to be heard and shown.

- Kane

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Commonly referred to by her initials, AOC, is the youngest woman and youngest Latina to ever serve in the United States Congress. She is most well known for her progressive politics, community activism, and her wide-reaching social media presence.

- Olga

Cheryl Strayed

"A woman who is inspirational to me is Cheryl Strayed. She wrote the book WILD which is about her journey hiking the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) from the US-Mexico border up to California. It's inspirational because she learns to survive in the wilderness alone while dealing with her life issues."

- Kane

Maya Angelou

"I would like to honor Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4th, 1928, was a poet, activist, author, and wore many more hats. Maya was the definition of greatness, overcoming adversity as a black American and a sexual assault survivor; she taught many through her art about staying in tune with themselves and looking inward for guidance. Maya's "Still I Rise" poem connects people worldwide to inner strength and perseverance."

-Deanna & Erin

marina abramovic

"Marina Abramović is a globally known Yugoslav-born performance artist who, for over the past forty years, Abramović has used her body as a tool to test both physical and emotional limits. At the same time that Abramović explores her own physical and psychological limitations, she also challenges passive viewership. Abramović's performances are characterized by endurance and pain, as well as by repetition, duration, and an emphasis on audience interaction."

-Ginevra

Patricia Urquiola

Patricia Urquiola is a Spanish-born, Milan-based architect and designer known for her innovative and playful designs. Her work spans furniture, lighting, hotels, and museums, and includes collaborations with major brands such as Kartell and Louis Vuitton. Urquiola has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Order of Isabella the Catholic from the King of Spain, and is widely recognized as one of the most influential designers of her generation.

- Ginevra

London Breed

"Mayor London Breed is the first African American woman to ever serve as the Mayor of San Francisco. Born in San Francisco, she dedicates herself to improving the City's housing, environment, public safety, transportation, and quality of life. There are numerous policies and initiatives for which Mayor Breed is a champion. Still, for me the programs that resonate most are those focused on public transportation, alternative transportation, and nightlife."

-Ron

Julia Morgan

Julia Morgan was an American architect and engineer known for her work on the Hearst Castle in California. She was the first woman to graduate from the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris with a degree in architecture and designed over 700 buildings during her career. Morgan faced discrimination as a woman in a male-dominated profession but became a pioneer for women in architecture.

- Shawn