Meet the Dreamers & Doers
Meet the scientists, artists, athletes, writers and helpers who dreamed big and did amazing things. Explore their stories!
THE COUNTRY QUEEN
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton was a singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist known for her big voice and even bigger heart. She wrote hit songs like “Jolene” and “9 to 5” and became one of the most successful country musicians of all time. But Dolly didn’t stop there—she started the Imagination Library, which sends free books to kids every month, helping millions fall in love with reading. She also supported schools, hospitals and disaster relief. With sparkle, humor and heart, Dolly showed that you can be both fabulous and full of kindness.
STORYSTELLING STAR
Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon started acting when she was a child, but as she grew, she wanted more stories where girls were the heroes. So she created her own company to make them. From making movies to publishing books by women authors, Reese is changing what stories get told—and who gets to tell them. She proves that if something is missing in the world, you can build it yourself. Reese teaches kids that creativity and confidence can change the conversation.
DIRECTOR OF CHANGE
Ava DuVernay
Ava DuVernay tells powerful stories through film—stories about history, justice and people who deserve to be heard. She was the first Black woman to direct a movie nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars (Selma), and she continues to break barriers. Ava also started a company that gives opportunities to women and people of color behind the camera. She shows that when you control the story, you can change hearts and minds. Her films make us think, feel and act.
VISIONARY DIRECTOR
Chloé Zhao
Chloé Zhao creates quiet, moving films that shine a light on real people living unique lives. Her movie Nomadland, about a woman traveling across the U.S. in a van, won her the Academy Award for Best Director—making her the first woman of color to win. Chloé’s films focus on community, beauty, and resilience. She reminds us that everyone has a story worth telling and sometimes the softest voices have the most powerful messages.
QUEEN OF TEJANO
Selena
Selena Quintanilla was a singer who blended Mexican and American music styles into something new and exciting. She performed in both English and Spanish and became an international superstar by the age of 23. Her sparkling outfits, dance moves and joyful spirit lit up every stage. Selena broke barriers for Latina artists and made Tejano music popular around the world. She showed kids that embracing your culture and following your dreams can create something truly special.
TV TRAIL BLAZER
Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes wrote and created some of the biggest TV shows ever, like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and Bridgerton. Her stories feature strong, complex women and people from all backgrounds. By doing that, she changed who gets to be the main character on TV. Shonda’s company also helps other writers find their voices. Her motto? “Dream big. Then do it.” She proves that storytelling can open doors, challenge stereotypes and inspire the world.
Women in Literature
SHOP & SPARKLE
THE CLASSIC ROMANTIC
Jane Austen
Jane Austen lived during a time when women were expected to marry and stay quiet about their opinions. But Jane did something daring: she wrote books filled with witty, independent girls who weren’t afraid to speak their minds. Her stories showed that women deserve love, respect and most importantly, choices. In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet wants a partner who values her ideas. That was a bold message back then! Jane used humor, heart and strong characters to talk about real life in a way no one else had. Today, readers still love her books for reminding us that smart, brave girls can lead their own adventures.
Notable Works: Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma
THE POETIC VISIONARY
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was more than a writer—she was a voice for justice and strength. Her poetry and books tell her story as a Black woman who faced tough times but never gave up. Her first book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, talked about things that were often kept secret. Maya believed that sharing her truth could help others feel seen and strong. She wrote about rising above sadness, being proud of who you are and using your voice. One of her famous poems, "Still I Rise," is like a cheer for everyone who’s ever been told they couldn’t do something. Maya reminds us that words can be wings.
Notable Works: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Phenomenal Woman, Still I Rise
THE IMAGINATIVE REBEL
Mary Shelley
At just 18 years old, Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein – a spooky, deep story about a scientist who creates life, but then struggles with the consequences. What made Mary’s book so amazing was how it mixed science with emotion. Back then, science was mostly for grown-up men, but Mary dove into questions about life, responsibility and what makes someone a monster. Her book is now considered the first science fiction novel ever written! She showed that young women could imagine big ideas that change how we see the world.
Notable Work: Frankenstein
THE LITERARY TRAILBLAZER
Louisa May Alcott
Louisa May Alcott turned her life into stories that inspired generations. Her most famous book, Little Women, follows four sisters growing up and chasing their dreams. One sister, Jo March, is smart, stubborn and wants to be a writer—just like Louisa. In real life, Louisa worked hard, wrote under a pen name and never let anyone stop her. Her books taught girls that they could have ambitions, be creative and live life on their own terms. She helped prove that girls’ stories matter.
Notable Works: Little Women, Little Men, Jo’s Boys
Women in Philanthropy
SHOP & SPARKLE
HELPING COMMUNITIES THRIVE
Rohini Nilekani
Rohini Nilekani has spent years helping improve education, clean water and community programs across India. She has supported libraries, environmental projects and organizations that help children and families build better futures. Rohini believes strong communities grow when people work together and have access to the tools they need to succeed. Along with her philanthropy, she writes books and encourages others to think about fairness, opportunity and caring for the world around them. Her work shows that helping communities thrive can create lasting change for generations.
CHANGING HOW PEOPLE GIVE
MacKenzie Scott
MacKenzie Scott has donated billions of dollars to thousands of organizations that support schools, families, food banks and communities in need. What makes her giving different is how quickly she acts and how much trust she places in the people doing the work. Instead of making organizations go through long applications, she often gives directly to groups helping their communities every day. Her donations have supported teachers, students, libraries and programs that help families thrive. MacKenzie shows that generosity can create change when people are trusted and supported.
STRONGER THAN BULLIES
Lizzie Velásquez
Lizzie Velásquez faced bullying from a young age because of a rare medical condition that affects her appearance and weight. Instead of letting cruel words define her, Lizzie chose to speak out about kindness, confidence and self-acceptance. She became a motivational speaker and author, sharing her story with millions of people around the world. Lizzie also works to stop bullying and encourage others to see beauty in themselves and others. She teaches that true strength comes from believing in who you are, even when others try to bring you down.
WORDS THAT MOVE THE WORLD
Amanda Gorman
Amanda Gorman discovered the power of words at a young age and used poetry to inspire people everywhere. In 2021, she became the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history when she read her poem at the presidential inauguration watched by millions around the world. Amanda writes about hope, courage and creating change, encouraging young people to use their voices and believe in their ideas. She has also supported literacy programs and causes that help young people succeed. Amanda reminds us that words can do more than tell stories, they can inspire action and help shape the future.
GIVING BIG IDEAS LIFE
Cari Tuna
Cari Tuna began her career as a journalist, but she later focused on helping solve some of the world’s biggest problems through philanthropy. She co-founded an organization that supports projects focused on health, education and reducing poverty around the world. Cari believes giving should be thoughtful and based on research, helping charities make the biggest possible impact. Her work has helped fund programs that fight disease, improve learning opportunities and support communities in need. Cari shows that generosity can be powerful when combined with curiosity, compassion and a desire to make life better for others.
THE ORIGINAL HELPER
Clara Barton
During the American Civil War, Clara Barton became known as the “Angel of the Battlefield.” She brought bandages, food and comfort directly to wounded soldiers. At a time when women weren’t expected to be on battlefields, Clara was fearless. After the war, she founded the American Red Cross—a group that still rushes in to help after disasters like hurricanes, fires, and floods. She organized relief, raised money, and never backed down. Clara showed that helping others isn’t just kind—it’s world-changing.
POWER OF GIVING
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey didn’t just become a TV superstar—she became a force for good. Her show inspired millions, but behind the scenes, she quietly gave away scholarships, books and even houses to people in need. Oprah grew up poor and faced many challenges, but she always believed in helping others rise. She built a school for girls in South Africa, providing education and opportunity where there was little before. She also supports programs that help families, students and communities thrive. Oprah teaches that generosity isn’t about how much you have—it’s about how much you share.
THE PEOPLE'S PRINCESS
Princess Diana
Princess Diana used her fame not just to shine, but to help others shine too. She visited hospitals, comforted sick children and spent time with people who were often ignored by society—like those living with HIV/AIDS when few others would. Diana also brought attention to landmine injuries affecting children in war-torn areas. She showed the world that kindness isn’t just being nice—it’s being brave enough to care when it counts most. Her actions changed how people view compassion, making it something strong and active. Today, her legacy lives on through charities and people who follow her example of love in action.
Women in the Arts
SHOP & SPARKLE
COLORFUL REBEL
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo turned her personal struggles into powerful works of art. After a serious accident, she spent much of her life in pain, but she used painting to express what words couldn’t say. She painted self-portraits filled with emotion, nature and symbols from Mexican culture. Frida often wore traditional clothes and flowers in her hair, celebrating her roots and individuality. Her bold colors and unique style broke the rules of what art was “supposed” to be. Today, she is remembered not just for her art, but for being true to herself and turning pain into beauty.
Sweet Innovator
Christina Tosi
Christina Tosi is a pastry chef who made baking playful and bold. She didn’t follow the usual rules—instead, she invented treats like cereal milk ice cream and compost cookies (which mix sweet and salty ingredients like potato chips and chocolate). She believes baking should be fun and full of surprises. Christina even opened a bakery that looks more like a candy shop than a fancy kitchen. Her creativity shows that desserts can be both delicious and artistic and that the kitchen is a place for imagination to run wild.
Visionary Sculptor
Maya Lin
Maya Lin became famous at just 21 years old when she designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Her memorial is a long, black granite wall with the names of fallen soldiers etched in stone. Instead of making a statue, Maya created a quiet, powerful space where people could reflect, mourn and remember. Her design was chosen from over 1,400 entries, proving that a young woman’s vision could change the way a nation remembers its heroes. Maya’s work blends art, architecture, nature, and history and it reminds us that silence can speak volumes.
Nature’s Muse
Georgia O’Keeffe
Georgia O’Keeffe is known for painting huge, close-up images of flowers, bones and desert landscapes. She took ordinary objects and made them look extraordinary—like a flower that fills the whole canvas or a skull that seems both strange and beautiful. Georgia’s work was part of a new style called American Modernism, which focused on bold colors and simple shapes. By focusing on the natural world and painting it in her own unique way, Georgia encouraged people to slow down, look closer and appreciate the beauty in everyday things.
Infinite Imagination
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama created art that you can walk through, stand in and even get lost in. Her rooms filled with mirrors, lights and colorful polka dots feel like stepping into another universe. As a child, she saw patterns and colors in her mind and used art to express what she felt. She’s continued to create for decades, turning her imagination into magical, immersive spaces. Yayoi believed that art should be shared and she invited everyone to be part of her playful world. Her work reminds us that being different can be beautiful and creativity has no limits.
Women in Science
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REACHING FOR THE STARS
Christina Koch
Christina Koch dreamed of exploring from the time she was young, and that dream eventually carried her into space. She spent 328 days aboard the International Space Station, the longest single spaceflight by a woman at the time. While in orbit, Christina helped conduct important science experiments that may one day help humans travel farther into space. She also took part in the first all-female spacewalk, showing girls everywhere that they belong in science and exploration too. Christina’s journey reminds us that curiosity, courage and determination can take us farther than we ever imagined.
THE SPACE PIONEER
Mae Jemison
Mae Jemison is a doctor, engineer, dancer, and the first African American woman in space. She believed that science and art weren’t opposites—they were both ways to explore the world. In 1992, she flew on the Space Shuttle Endeavour, where she helped study how being in space affects the human body, especially bones. When astronauts float without gravity, their bones can weaken. Mae helped find out why that happens. She showed kids that you can love science, dance, and space all at once—and that your dreams don’t have to fit in a box.
Learn the steps Mae Jemison took to become the first Black woman in space!
Heart Hero
Dr. Nina Braunwald
In the 1960s, Dr. Nina Braunwald helped create and successfully implant one of the first artificial heart valves—a tiny device that helps blood flow properly through the heart. Our heart pumps blood using valves that open and close. When they break, it’s very serious. Nina’s work made it possible for doctors to fix broken hearts and save lives. She was also one of the first women to perform open-heart surgery. Her courage and curiosity led to tools that still help people today.
Wildlife Warrior
Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall was the first person to live with and study chimpanzees in the wild. She learned that they use tools, kiss their babies, and even grieve—just like us. Jane showed the world that animals have emotions and intelligence. Her discoveries changed how scientists see animals. She also became an advocate for protecting wildlife and nature. Today, Jane travels the world speaking up for animals, proving that love and respect for all living things can make a difference.
Botanical Explorer
Alice Eastwood
Alice Eastwood loved plants so much that she risked her life during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake to save rare plant specimens from a collapsing museum. She studied and organized thousands of plants, helping scientists understand how plants grow, heal, and even cure diseases. Her work in the herbarium (a kind of plant library) helped preserve knowledge about nature for generations. Thanks to Alice, we understand more about the role plants play in medicine and the environment.
Radiant Pioneer
Marie Curie
Marie Curie discovered radioactivity—a powerful energy released by tiny particles in atoms. Atoms are the tiny building blocks that make up everything—your pencil, your pet, even you! She found two new elements, polonium and radium, and created ways to isolate them. Her work led to X-rays that help doctors see bones and diagnose problems. She even built mobile X-ray units during World War I to help wounded soldiers. Marie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and the only person to win in both physics and chemistry. Her bravery and brilliance opened the door for women in science.
DNA Detective
Rosalind Franklin
Rosalind Franklin used X-rays to take pictures of DNA, the material that carries the instructions for life in every living thing. DNA is like a recipe book that tells your body how to grow and work. One of her pictures, Photo 51, showed that DNA is shaped like a spiral staircase, called a double helix. This shape helped scientists understand how we inherit traits from our families. While others got the credit at the time, Rosalind’s careful work was essential. Today, she’s honored as a hero of science.
Physics Superstar
Chien-Shiung Wu
Chien-Shiung Wu was a physicist who changed what we thought we knew about atoms. Atoms are the basic units of matter—they make up everything around us. She tested a theory called "parity," which scientists believed was always true. Her experiment proved them wrong. That was a big deal in physics! Even though she worked during a time when few women were in science, she became famous for her accuracy and bold thinking. She showed that even the tiniest particles behave in surprising ways—and that questioning the rules can lead to great discoveries.
Math Magician
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson was a math genius who helped NASA send astronauts to space. She calculated the path for John Glenn’s orbit and the Apollo 11 moon landing. That means she figured out how to launch a spaceship, land it safely, and get it home again. She worked at a time when both women and Black people faced discrimination, but her math was so good, astronauts trusted her with their lives. Katherine proved that smart girls can take us to the stars.
Gene Genius
Jennifer Doudna
Jennifer Doudna co-developed CRISPR, a powerful gene-editing tool that lets scientists change DNA—the set of instructions inside every living thing. Imagine your DNA as a giant instruction book made of code. With CRISPR, scientists can go in, find a “typo” that causes disease, and fix it. This tool is now used in labs around the world to treat illnesses, grow better crops, and understand how life works. Jennifer’s work launched a whole new era in biology—and proved that scientists can be like editors, helping life write better stories.
GPS Genius
Gladys West
Gladys West was a mathematician whose calculations helped create GPS—the system that tells you where you are and how to get where you want to go. She studied the shape of Earth (which isn’t a perfect circle!) by analyzing data from satellites in space. By understanding Earth’s bumps, curves, and edges, she helped design the model that GPS systems rely on. Today, her behind-the-scenes math powers the technology in smartphones, planes, ships, and cars. Because of Gladys, millions of people can find their way every day.
Women in Sports
SHOP & SPARKLE
Grand Slam Great
Serena Williams
Serena Williams is one of the greatest tennis players in history, with 23 Grand Slam titles—the most of any player in the Open Era. Her powerful serve, quick footwork and fierce determination changed the way people see women’s sports. Serena didn’t just win—she redefined what strength, style and confidence could look like on the court. But Serena’s impact reaches far beyond tennis. Off the court, she has championed causes like gender equality, racial justice and maternal health. She’s also a businesswoman and fashion designer. Serena shows kids that being strong means more than winning—it means lifting others up while staying true to yourself.
Record-Breaking Trailblazer
Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark made history as the highest-scoring player in NCAA Division I basketball—outscoring every man and woman who came before her. Her deep three-pointers, lightning-fast passes and fearless attitude brought record-breaking crowds to women’s basketball. Now a WNBA player, Caitlin continues to electrify fans and inspire young athletes. She shows kids that hard work, creativity and a love of the game can break every expectation. With every basket, she proves that the spotlight belongs to anyone bold enough to chase it.
Gravity-Defying Gymnast
Simone Biles
Simone Biles performs flips and twists that seem to defy physics. She’s won more world medals than any gymnast ever—and has four skills named after her! Simone brings power, grace and focus to everything she does. But her real superpower? Bravery. Simone speaks openly about mental health and made the bold choice to step back during the Olympics to care for herself. That moment inspired people everywhere. Simone shows kids that true strength includes knowing when to rest—and always believing in yourself.
Ice Icon
Michelle Kwan
Michelle Kwan is one of the most decorated figure skaters in American history. She earned two Olympic medals, five World Championships and nine national titles. Her elegance and emotion on the ice made fans fall in love with the sport. Even after retiring from skating, Michelle kept serving others—becoming a U.S. diplomat and supporting youth programs. She teaches kids that poise, resilience, and storytelling can come through gliding on ice—or standing tall in any arena. Michelle reminds us that heart and grace never go out of style.
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CHANGEMAKERS
Mentorship & Magic
These incredible organizations help girls grow into leaders through creativity, courage, and community.
Support a program, share a mission, or simply explore what’s out there. Because when we uplift girls, we shape a world where everyone shines.
Featured Organizations:
