Mary McLeod Bethune was an African-American teacher who, with only $1.50, began a school to help educate young African-American women.

After developing it into a college, she became a powerful leader, and through her leadership of the National Council of Negro Women, worked to end discrimination and increase opportunities for African Americans.

Related Links:
Florida Memory - Biography Mary McLeod Bethune
"Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it may be a diamond in the rough." Mary McLeod Bethune

Linda G. Alvarado started her own construction firm in 1976, and has since broken many barriers in a historically male-dominated world.

As co-owner of The Colorado Rockies baseball team, Alvarado is also the first Hispanic-American, male or female, to own a major league baseball franchise.

She has also held many top management positions in major companies.

Related Links:
Forbes Profile
My Library: Linda G. Alvarado: President and CEO Alvarado Construction.(THE SUPERSTARS)

Jane Addams spent her life as a social reformer and peace activist.

She started an American settlement house movement to provide help for the poor, she also fought against child labor, infant mortality and dangerous workplaces.

Addams was Founder of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, she won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1931.




Related Links:
Wikipedia
Noble Prize - Jane Addams
Great American Women - Jane Addams

Pioneering sisters Sarah and Angelina Grimke eloquently fought the injustices of slavery, racism and sexism during the mid-19th century.

They were among the first female abolitionists to speak publicly against slavery, an important political topic. 

Angelina became the first woman to address a legislative body when she spoke to the Massachusetts State Legislature on women's rights and abolition in 1893.

Related Link:
Wikipedia

Louise Aitken-Walker's career began in 1979 when she was entered in Ford's 'Find a Lady Rally Driver' competition, without her knowledge, by her two brothers and was a winner from 2000 entrants.

During a fourteen year career, she became the first woman to win a National Rally outright in 1983, survived a horrific crash in Portugal and became the first, ever British driver to win a world title - FIA Ladies World Rally Champion in 1990.

Louise Aitken-Walker was awarded an MBE by the Queen in 1992.

Related Links:
BBC Sporting Nation, Louise Aitken-Walker World Rally Champion 1990