Throughout history, there are women who defy convention, and leave an incredible mark on the world. These amazing women deserve to have their story shared. Here are a few women we have found inspiring.
Virginia Hall: The Limping Spy Who Outwitted the Nazis
Virginia Hall, the world’s most unsuspecting spy, defied expectations. An American with a prosthetic leg (she affectionately named it Cuthbert), infiltrated France during World War II. Virginia set up spy networks, engineered prison breaks, and blew up Nazi supply lines! The Germans, first scoffed at the “Limping Lady,” but soon revered her as “the most dangerous of all Allied spies”. She evaded capture in 1942 by trekking 35 miles across the icy Pyrenees on foot (one being wooden). Virginia joined the CIA in 1951 where she worked until she retired in 1966 as one of the first women to have a high-ranking position in the CIA. “A Call to Spy” is a film that forever immortalized her daring escapades. Sonia Purnell wrote an enthralling biography of Virginia’s life called, A Woman of no Importance. (One of my all-time favorite reads!) Virginia, your bravery and sheer determination make you a true hero!
Amelia Earhart: The Fearless Aviator Who Soared Beyond Boundaries
Amelia Earhart achieved many groundbreaking accomplishments in aviation, breaking gender barriers and inspiring generations of women to pursue careers in flight. Her most notable achievements were, first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean (1932), first female aviator to fly solo across the USA (1932), first female aviator to fly solo from Hawaii to mainland, USA (1935), as well as many altitude records. In 1929, Amelia, along with 99 other female pilots, co-founded The Ninety-Nines, an organization dedicated to advancing women in aviation. Amelia and her navigator, Fred Noonan, disappeared in 1937 while on a flight, attempting to fly the globe by plane. Her fate remains a mystery to this day. Funny story, Amelia and Eleanor Roosevelt were friends and once sneaked out of a White House event for a joyride in a plane! Many books have been written about Amelia Earhart including several by Amelia herself where she shares her flying experience. Her books are 20 Hrs, 40 Min, The Fun of It, and Last Flight. Amelia, thank you for breaking glass ceilings and paving the way for women!
Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner: The Sanitary Innovator
Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner was a trailblazer in feminine hygiene. Mary invented the sanitary belt with a moisture-proof napkin pocket, revolutionizing menstrual care. THANK YOU, Mary!! She invented many other products too, a walker with a tray and pocket, a toilet paper holder, and a back washer. Mary holds the record for the most patents by any African American woman, which is 5. Even with these amazing accomplishments, Mary never received any money for her sanitary belt. Many manufacturers were interested in the sanitary belt until they learned she was African American and a woman. Her patent for the sanitary belt expired becoming public domain, allowing it to be manufactured freely. There are a few articles written about Mary. I would love to read a full biography, so if you know of one, let me know! Mary, your contribution to menstrual care changed women’s lives forever, we are so grateful!
These kick-butt women - Virginia, Amelia, and Mary- remind us that courage knows no bounds. They defied expectations, fought for justice, and left their mark in history. We are forever grateful.