In 1987, Congress declared that the month of March would be the National Women’s History Month. Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to American history, culture, and society. In 2012 a new theme was born as well, “Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment” that honors pioneering teachers and advocates who have helped women have access to education. We women are not just girls; we have big ideas. Below is a brief list of some women who deserve attention for their greatness in our nation.

1797 – Abigail Adams was the first lady and self-educated

1849 – Elizabeth Blackwell was the first female M.D in the United States

1849 – Harriet Tubman was a fierce abolitionist for African American Slaves

1881 – Clara Barton was a nurse and founder of the American Red Cross

1916 – Jeannette Rankin was the first woman elected to Congress

1921 – Edith Wharton was a novelist and Pulitzer Prize Winner

1932 – Amelia Earhart was a brave American Pilot and was the first of her kind

1938 – Babe Didrikson Zaharias was the first woman to play in a PGA Golf Tour Event\

1940 – Hattie McDaniel was the African-American Woman to win an Oscar

1968 – Shirley Chisholm was the first AA woman elected to House of Representatives

1983 – Sally Ride was the first woman in space

2015 – Misty Copeland was the first AA principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater

2015 – Sarah Thomas was the first referee in NFL History

Those names are just a portion of what greatness women have achieved for our country. Women, every day, shape our society and our world, one milestone at a time. These women were miraculous in their fields and have inspired the following generation to do the same. Are you next?