51 Famous Women in History Who Have Changed the World
These female figures will inspire and empower you.
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We have women to thank for many of the biggest and best contributions to society, and the inspiring and influential female figures below paved the way. Over the years, these trailblazers have worked tirelessly in their own ways to make the world a better place and shape the course of history, whether they were on the front lines of important protests, representing their country at the Olympics, or inspiring fellow women to speak their own minds. They have all brought their innovative beliefs and talents to life with dedication, passion, and plenty of hard work.
Our list of 51 famous women in history spans many time periods, backgrounds, and professions to demonstrate the scope of incredible female accomplishments. It includes women who have influenced major Supreme Court decisions, made history at the Oscars, achieved new feats in flight, and defied convention, all in the name of changing the world.
Read on to learn about how some of the greatest leaders, athletes, entertainers, philanthropists, activists, inventors, and other influential women have shattered glass ceilings and made women everywhere proud.
Maya Angelou
1928–2014
From her powerful poetry to her moving autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou forever changed the literary world and opened doors for Black authors everywhere. Her love of books started as a child, when she struggled with selective mutism for five years. Beyond writing, she was also an actor, singer, screenwriter, and civil rights activist.
Lucille Ball
1911–1989
While she was an undeniable light onscreen in I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball was an extremely powerful figure off camera as well. She was the first woman to own a major studio, called Desilu Productions.
Queen Elizabeth II
1926–2022
Queen Elizabeth II served as head of the royal family for 70 years, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history. She celebrated her Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, just three months before she died at 96 years old.
Rosa Parks
1913–2005
Rosa Parks famously became a leader in the 1950s Civil Rights Movement when she refused to give up her seat on the bus for a white passenger. Her bravery sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and was a major factor in the end of legal segregation. She continued her activism well into her later years before dying at age 92.
Halle Berry
1966–present
Aside from being a talented actor and fashion icon, 59-year-old Halle Berry has left a special mark on Hollywood. In 2002, she became the first Black woman to win the Best Actress Oscar for Monster’s Ball. In 2023, she presented the same award to Michelle Yeoh—the second woman of color to ever win the award.
Related: 10 Black Actors Who’ve Won Oscars
Amelia Earhart
1897–1939
As the first female pilot to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, Amelia Earhart forever changed the world of aviation. Her mysterious disappearance while flying over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 has sparked a range of theories, from a potentially fatal crash to her spending her final days on a remote island.
Michelle Kwan
1980–present
Michelle Kwan, now 45, dominated the ice throughout the ’90s, quickly becoming the most decorated figure skater in American history. She represented both the United States and Asian Americans on the world stage, winning 43 championships and two Olympic medals.
Malala Yousafzai
1997–present
Malala Yousafzai, now 28, began fighting for girls’ rights to education in Pakistan at just 11 years old. After surviving an assassination attempt a few years later, she has courageously continued to be a worldwide voice for young women. In 2014, she became the world’s youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
Related: 10 Inspiring Malala Yousafzai Quotes
Rita Moreno
1931–present
At 94, Rita Moreno is a Hollywood legend. Her singing, dancing, and acting skills shined in classics like Singin’ in the Rain (1952) and West Side Story (1961), making her a true triple threat in Hollywood. In 1962, she became the first Latina woman to win an Oscar. Fifteen years later, Moreno achieved EGOT status—something only 21 people in history have done.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
1933–2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg made history as the first Jewish woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court. Her entire career was highlighted with pivotal moments in American history. Consistently standing up for gender equality and civil rights, she helped pass historic rulings on topics ranging from the Affordable Care Act to the legalization of same-sex marriage before her death at age 87.
Aretha Franklin
1942–2018
As one of the most angelic voices in history and an 18-time Grammy winner, Aretha Franklin popularized hits like “Respect” and “I Say a Little Prayer.” In 1987, she became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Related: The Powerful Meaning Behind the Equality Anthem “Respect”
Vera Wang
1949–present
Vera Wang, a first-generation Chinese-American fashion designer, has become one of the most beloved bridal designers of all time. Before launching her own brand, the 76-year-old worked at Vogue and Ralph Lauren. In 2005, the Council of Fashion Designers of America selected her as the Womenswear Designer of the Year.
Marie Curie
1867–1934
Marie Curie was the scientific genius behind radioactivity and X-rays as we know them today. Not only did she become the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1903, but she also became the first person to ever win it twice in 1911.
Elizabeth Taylor
1932–2011
Old Hollywood star Elizabeth Taylor captivated moviegoers in hits like Cleopatra (1963) and Suddenly, Last Summer (1959). The two-time Best Actress Oscar winner was also one of the first celebrities to speak openly about the AIDS crisis, creating the Elizabeth Taylor HIV/AIDS Foundation in 1991.
Related: The Plane Crash that Changed Elizabeth Taylor’s Life
Serena Williams
1981–present
Serena Williams, 44, served as the face of tennis for years—alongside her sister Venus Williams—and inspired young female athletes around the world. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals, she retired in September 2022 as one of the best players to ever step foot on a court.
Related: How Serena and Venus Williams Became Tennis Champions
Jane Austen
1775–1817
Jane Austen changed the course of English literature with her social commentary in 1813’s Pride and Prejudice. Interestingly enough, she wasn’t revealed as the author of her first three novels until after her death at age 41.
Sally Ride
1951–2012
In 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman to travel to space. She beat out 1,000 other applicants for a spot in NASA’s astronaut program and paved the way for many women like Mae Jemison who have followed in her footsteps.
Oprah Winfrey
1954–present
From 1986 to 2011, Oprah hosted her popular talk show, which turned her into an Emmy-winning media sensation and the first Black woman to become a billionaire. Aside from her successful magazine, TV network, and producing career, the 72-year-old is also an esteemed philanthropist and political activist.
Related: All the Ways Oprah Has Made History
Rachel Balkovec
1987–present
Rachel Balkovec, 38, made history in 2022 when she was named the first woman to manage an affiliate of an MLB team. Before the New York Yankees hired her to lead its Low-A Tampa Tarpons, she worked as the team’s minor league hitting coach.
Princess Diana
1961–1997
The Princess of Wales’ bold independence, daring fashion, and close bond with her sons made her a beloved member of the royal family. Princess Diana also spoke openly about mental health and HIV awareness and continued to support several charities after her 1992 separation from then–Prince Charles. Five years later, she died in a car crash at age 36.
Catherine Caruso joined the Biography.com staff in August 2024, having previously worked as a freelance journalist for several years. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she studied English literature. When she’s not working on a new story, you can find her reading, hitting the gym, or watching too much TV.
