Women's History Month: Women Who Changed The World

Celebrating Unsung Women: A Recap of Our Women’s History Month Journey

As Women's History Month comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the incredible women we highlighted throughout March—trailblazers, innovators, and pioneers whose contributions have shaped the world, even if history didn’t always give them the recognition they deserved. From science to sports, activism to aviation, these women challenged the status quo, broke barriers, and left lasting legacies. Here’s a recap of the extraordinary women we honored this month:

Rosalind Franklin – The Uncredited DNA Pioneer

A brilliant scientist whose X-ray diffraction images were crucial to discovering the structure of DNA, Rosalind Franklin’s work was used—without her permission—by Watson and Crick, who later won the Nobel Prize. Though she didn’t receive the recognition she deserved in her lifetime, her contributions to genetics and molecular biology remain undeniable.

Learn more about Rosalind Franklin

Margaret Hamilton – The Woman Who Helped Land Us on the Moon

As the lead software engineer for NASA’s Apollo program, Margaret Hamilton wrote the code that made the moon landing possible. Her meticulous programming prevented mission failure and helped pave the way for modern software engineering. Her impact on technology is still felt today.

Learn more about Margaret Hamilton

Mary Seacole – The Nurse on the Frontline

A British-Jamaican nurse, Mary Seacole traveled to the frontlines of the Crimean War to care for wounded soldiers, often at her own expense. Despite her contributions, she was overlooked in history books in favor of Florence Nightingale. Today, she’s finally getting the recognition she deserves for her fearless humanitarian work.

Learn more about Mary Seacole

Irena Sendler – The Woman Who Saved 2,500 Children

A Polish social worker during World War II, Irena Sendler risked her life to smuggle thousands of Jewish children out of the Warsaw Ghetto, hiding them in homes, churches, and orphanages. Though arrested and tortured, she never revealed the children’s identities, ensuring their survival.

Learn more about Irena Sendler

Chien-Shiung Wu – The Physicist Denied a Nobel Prize

A groundbreaking nuclear physicist, Chien-Shiung Wu disproved a fundamental law in physics, an achievement that won her male colleagues the Nobel Prize while she was overlooked. Her work continues to shape the scientific world, and her story remains a powerful reminder of the struggles women in STEM face.

Learn more about Chien-Shiung Wu

Henrietta Lacks – The Woman Behind Immortal Cells

Without her knowledge, Henrietta Lacks’ cells were taken and used in groundbreaking medical research, leading to treatments for diseases like cancer and polio. Though her contributions transformed medicine, it took decades for her family to be acknowledged. Her story is a critical conversation on ethics and medical consent.

Learn more about Henrietta Lacks

Bessie Coleman – The First Black Female Licensed Pilot

Denied flight training in the U.S. due to racism and sexism, Bessie Coleman went to France to earn her pilot’s license, becoming the first African American and Native American woman aviator. She dazzled audiences with her aerial stunts and inspired future generations to pursue aviation.

Learn more about Bessie Coleman

Katherine Switzer – The Woman Who Conquered the Boston Marathon

In 1967, Katherine Switzer became the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, despite officials trying to physically remove her mid-race. Her determination helped break barriers for women in sports, leading to greater inclusion in competitive running.

Learn more about Katherine Switzer

Madam C.J. Walker – The First Self-Made Female Millionaire

A trailblazer in business and beauty, Madam C.J. Walker built an empire by creating haircare products for Black women. Through her success, she empowered others, provided jobs, and became a philanthropist supporting education and social justice.

Learn more about Madam C.J. Walker

Hedy Lamarr – The Actress Who Co-Invented Wi-Fi

More than just a Hollywood star, Hedy Lamarr co-invented frequency-hopping technology, which became the foundation for modern Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Her intelligence and innovation extended far beyond the silver screen.

Learn more about Hedy Lamarr

Dolores Huerta – The Voice of Farmworkers' Rights

A fearless labor leader and activist, Dolores Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers, fighting for fair wages and better conditions for agricultural workers. Her rallying cry, “Sí, se puede” (Yes, we can), continues to inspire movements for justice and equality.

Learn more about Dolores Huerta

Nellie Bly – The Woman Who Changed Investigative Journalism

Nellie Bly’s undercover exposé on the inhumane treatment of women in mental asylums led to sweeping reforms in healthcare. She later circled the globe in 72 days, proving that women could be daring adventurers and groundbreaking journalists.

Learn more about Nellie Bly

Patsy Mink – The Champion of Title IX

As the first woman of color elected to Congress, Patsy Mink co-authored Title IX, the law that transformed education and sports opportunities for women in the U.S. Her relentless fight for gender equality opened doors for generations of girls and women.

Learn more about Pasty Mink

Looking Back, Moving Forward

This Women’s History Month, we’ve celebrated the resilience, intelligence, and courage of these remarkable women. Their stories remind us that progress is built on the determination of those who refuse to accept limitations. At JKM and Company, we honor these trailblazers and continue to support women who are shaping the future.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Let’s keep the conversation going, uplift women’s voices, and ensure that history never forgets those who paved the way. Happy Women’s History Month!