Cecilia Rios-Aguilar (b. 1976)
University of Rochester alumnus. National leader in the study of educational and occupational trajectories of marginalized students. When Cecelia Rios-Aguilar ’03W (MA), ’07W (PhD) considers the cultural heritage, family and community…
Sarwat Malik (1943–2013) and Nadia Malik (b. 1970)
Cofounders of the Global Partnership for Women and Girls. Social entrepreneurs dedicated to the education and economic advancement of Muslim women and girls in local communities around the world. As…
Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906)
Susan B. Anthony voted only once in her decades-long struggle for women’s suffrage, and she did so illegally.
Beatrice Amaza Howard (1909–1996)
University of Rochester alumnus. Teacher. First African American woman to graduate from the University. In 1879, the University of Rochester unveiled a striking marble bust of abolitionist, activist, and local…
Renée Richards (b. 1934)
On the surface, Renée Richards seemed like a happy, well-adjusted kid from Forest Hills, Queens. She did well in school and excelled in sports, particularly tennis. She also fit in with her friends and peers. But from the age of nine, she felt like she was different.
Constance (Connie) Mitchell (1928–2018)
The first African American woman to be elected to the Monroe County (New York) Legislature. Fierce advocate for education, housing, jobs, and equality in Rochester. In 1965, Connie Mitchell walked…
Olivia Hooker (1915–2018)
University of Rochester alumnus. Psychologist and professor. Survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. The first African American woman to serve active duty in the US Coast Guard. As…
Vera Micheles Dean (1903–1972)
In a career spanning 30 years at the Foreign Policy Association, Vera Micheles Dean informed public opinion and international policy with her insightful and unbiased work.
Ruth Holland Scott (b. 1934)
Community activist and educator. The first African American woman to serve both as a member and as president of the Rochester City Council. In the title of her memoir, The…
Margaret “Midge” Costanza (1932–2010)
Midge Costanza made U.S. history in her role as assistant to the president for public liaison in the Carter administration. Never before had a woman served on the senior White House staff, positioned just outside the Oval Office, with unprecedented access to the president.