25 Fearless Women Who Changed the World — And We Should ALL Know Their Names

History is often written in headlines and monuments, yet many of its most transformative figures never make the spotlight. For centuries, women have fought for equity, challenged systems, and reshaped entire fields — often without recognition. From fearless activists and pioneering scientists to barrier-breaking entrepreneurs, these women defied the odds and left legacies that continue to shape the world. Their names may not be familiar, but their impact is unforgettable. Meet 25 remarkable women who changed history in ways you might never have known — and scroll on to be inspired by their stories.

Anita Raj, Ph.D.

Dr. Anita Raj has spent her career confronting one of the world’s most persistent inequities: gender-based violence and discrimination. As the founding director of the Center on Gender Equity and Health at UC San Diego, she leads research that doesn’t sit on a shelf — it drives policy.

Her studies have influenced laws and interventions in more than 30 countries, tackling issues from child marriage to reproductive rights. Raj’s approach is as pragmatic as it is passionate: she insists that the voices of the most vulnerable are not only heard, but acted upon.

Her work is now considered a cornerstone in public health, proving that science can be a force for sweeping social change. For Dr. Raj, equity isn’t an aspiration — it’s the standard she is working to make reality.

Melissa Berton & The Pad Project

What began as a high school assignment in Los Angeles grew into a global movement. English teacher Melissa Berton and her students launched The Pad Project to address menstrual inequality — a subject long ignored in public health.

Their work gained worldwide attention with the Oscar-winning documentary Period. End of Sentence., but the real achievement is on the ground. The project funds pad-making machines that create local jobs while providing affordable menstrual products to underserved communities.

By dismantling stigma and offering sustainable solutions, The Pad Project has redefined what youth-led activism can accomplish. For Berton and her students, empowerment means dignity — and a ripple effect that stretches far beyond the classroom.

Sara Blakely

Sara Blakely’s story began with a $5,000 savings account and an idea she refused to abandon. That idea became Spanx, a shapewear company that disrupted an entire industry and turned her into the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire.

But Blakely’s vision was never just about garments. She has committed millions through philanthropy to support female entrepreneurs, education initiatives, and women-led businesses. Her journey is as much about paving the way for others as it is about personal success.

Today, Blakely is recognized not just as a business leader, but as a cultural icon who redefined what entrepreneurial resilience looks like. Her legacy proves that innovation paired with persistence can alter both markets and mindsets.

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba was already a Hollywood name when she ventured into business. In 2011, she founded The Honest Company, a consumer goods brand committed to eco-friendly, non-toxic products — long before “clean” became a mainstream standard.

Her mission was rooted in personal experience as a mother seeking safer household items. Through Honest, she not only set a new bar for transparency in consumer goods, but also brought conscious consumerism into millions of homes.

Today, Alba is recognized as both an actress and a business leader who redefined what celebrity entrepreneurship could look like. Her work demonstrates that profit and purpose are not mutually exclusive — they can reinforce each other.

Fei-Fei Li

Dr. Fei-Fei Li has been called the “godmother of AI,” and for good reason. As co-director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute, she has been central in teaching machines to “see” through computer vision.

Her breakthroughs in artificial intelligence laid the groundwork for technologies now embedded in daily life, from medical imaging to autonomous vehicles. But Li’s influence goes beyond engineering: she is one of the strongest advocates for ethical, inclusive AI development.

As a woman and immigrant in a male-dominated field, Li champions diversity in STEM while reminding the world that technology must serve humanity, not the other way around. Her voice shapes not only algorithms, but the values behind them.

Gitanjali Rao

At just 15 years old, Gitanjali Rao was already being hailed as one of the brightest young innovators in America. TIME named her Kid of the Year in 2020, recognizing a portfolio of inventions most scientists would envy.

Her creations include a portable device that detects lead in drinking water and an app designed to fight cyberbullying. But beyond her own work, Rao has dedicated herself to mentoring other young people, especially girls, to pursue careers in science.

Rao represents the future of socially conscious innovation: a generation determined to use technology not for profit alone, but for solutions to humanity’s greatest challenges. Her story shows brilliance knows no age limit.

Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall redefined what it means to be both a scientist and a conservationist. Beginning in the 1960s, her fieldwork in Tanzania revealed that chimpanzees have complex emotional and social lives — discoveries that permanently altered the study of animal behavior.

But Goodall’s contributions extend beyond research. Through the Jane Goodall Institute and her Roots & Shoots program, she has empowered young people around the globe to lead conservation efforts in their own communities.

Now in her 80s, Goodall remains one of the most influential voices for environmental stewardship. Her legacy proves that science, compassion, and activism can work hand in hand to shape a more sustainable future.

Mari Copeny (“Little Miss Flint”)

When Flint, Michigan, faced a devastating water crisis, it was an eight-year-old girl who captured the nation’s attention. Mari Copeny, known as “Little Miss Flint,” wrote a letter to President Obama urging him to visit her hometown. He did — and federal relief soon followed.

Since then, Copeny has grown into a powerful activist, raising funds, distributing water filters, and keeping national attention on clean water access. She has become a symbol of how young voices can change entrenched systems.

Copeny’s advocacy reminds us that leadership is not about age, but about courage. Her work continues to influence policy and inspire youth activism across the United States.

Rachel Cargle

Rachel Cargle is an educator and writer whose work sits at the intersection of race, feminism, and mental health. She first rose to prominence through powerful essays and lectures that challenged white privilege and systemic racism.

Her nonprofit, The Loveland Foundation, provides free therapy to Black women and girls, directly addressing inequities in mental health care. She also founded The Great Unlearn, a digital platform dedicated to anti-racism education.

By blending scholarship with lived experience, Cargle has built a body of work that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply empathetic. Her influence lies not just in analysis, but in creating tools for healing and accountability.

Amanda Nguyen

Amanda Nguyen turned her own traumatic experience into a global fight for justice. After encountering systemic barriers as a sexual assault survivor, she drafted the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights — legislation that passed unanimously in Congress in 2016.

Through her nonprofit Rise, Nguyen has since expanded her mission worldwide, advocating for legal reforms that protect survivors in countries across the globe. Her work has even earned her a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Nguyen is both a strategist and a symbol of resilience. By blending personal courage with political savvy, she has transformed individual pain into systemic change, reshaping how societies respond to survivors of violence.

Mayim Bialik

Mayim Bialik has lived two careers most people only dream of. First, as the beloved star of Blossom and The Big Bang Theory. Then, as a neuroscientist with a Ph.D. from UCLA.

She now uses her unique platform to bridge science and pop culture, championing STEM education, mental health awareness, and evidence-based living. Bialik has also been outspoken about the need for more women in science and technology.

By making complex topics relatable to mainstream audiences, Bialik has redefined what science communication can look like. She embodies the idea that intellect and artistry can amplify each other in the pursuit of change.

Brittany Young

In Baltimore, dirt bikes are often criminalized — but Brittany Young saw something else: a spark for STEM education. She founded B-360, a nonprofit that uses dirt bike culture to introduce Black youth to engineering and technology.

Through mentorship programs, workshops, and career pathways, B-360 has transformed a pastime into a launching pad for opportunity. Young’s model doesn’t just educate; it validates cultural identity while creating real economic impact.

Recognized by organizations from TED to the Obama Foundation, Young is proving that social change is most effective when it grows from within the community. Her work is both innovative and deeply rooted in place.

Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson’s equations carried astronauts into orbit and onto the moon — yet her contributions went unrecognized for decades. As a Black woman mathematician at NASA, she broke both racial and gender barriers in science.

Her work was critical to the Mercury and Apollo missions, and she was a trusted figure to astronauts who relied on her calculations. Her story later reached millions through the film Hidden Figures.

Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, Johnson’s legacy continues to inspire women in STEM. She is proof that brilliance, even when overlooked, can alter the course of history.

Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin transformed the livestock industry — and perceptions of autism — with her groundbreaking work in animal science. Diagnosed with autism as a child, she used her unique perspective to design more humane systems for cattle handling.

Her innovations revolutionized agricultural practices while her books and lectures gave the world a new understanding of neurodiversity. HBO’s Emmy-winning film Temple Grandin further amplified her influence, making her a household name.

Grandin’s career is a testament to the power of thinking differently. By blending science with empathy, she changed industries and inspired millions, proving that diversity of mind is society’s strength.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is more than an actress; she is a cultural force. The first Black woman to achieve EGOT status, she has mastered stage, screen, and television with unmatched presence.

Her performances — from Fences to How to Get Away with Murder — are celebrated for their depth and honesty. Beyond acting, Davis uses her platform to advocate for racial equity, representation, and opportunities for marginalized voices in Hollywood.

Her memoir, Finding Me, reflects a journey from poverty to global acclaim. Davis’s career illustrates that art can be both deeply personal and profoundly political — and that representation reshapes culture.

Nadya Okamoto

At just 16 years old, Nadya Okamoto launched a movement that challenged one of society’s oldest taboos: menstruation. She founded Period.org, a nonprofit dedicated to ending period poverty and stigma, and later co-founded August, a forward-thinking period care brand.

Her book, Period Power, amplified the conversation for a new generation, blending activism with entrepreneurship. Okamoto’s work is not only about products — it’s about reframing menstrual health as a human rights issue.

By leveraging digital platforms and community organizing, she has reached millions worldwide. Okamoto represents a new wave of Gen Z leadership: unapologetically bold, socially conscious, and unwilling to accept silence as the status quo.

Amika George

When Amika George learned that students in the UK were missing school because they couldn’t afford menstrual products, she launched the #FreePeriods campaign at just 17 years old. Her activism quickly sparked national outrage — and change.

Thanks to her efforts, the UK government committed to providing free period products in schools. George has since expanded her work to broader campaigns for youth justice, pushing for systemic change across education and equity issues.

Her grassroots movement shows how digital activism can translate into policy. George embodies the persistence and clarity of purpose that makes youth-led advocacy a driving force in today’s political landscape.

Anne Wojcicki

Anne Wojcicki reimagined health care by making personal genetics accessible to millions. As co-founder of 23andMe, she placed DNA testing in the hands of consumers, sparking conversations about ancestry, health risks, and the future of personalized medicine.

Her work has bridged the gap between scientific research and everyday life, encouraging individuals to engage with their own biology in new ways. While the company has drawn debate over data privacy, Wojcicki’s influence is undeniable.

She has positioned 23andMe as both a biotech pioneer and a cultural touchstone. Wojcicki’s vision is a reminder that the future of medicine will be as personal as it is technological.

Tarana Burke

Long before a hashtag went viral, Tarana Burke was advocating for survivors of sexual violence. She founded the Me Too movement in 2006, centering the experiences of women in marginalized communities.

When #MeToo exploded globally in 2017, Burke’s work became a rallying cry for accountability and justice. But her leadership has always emphasized healing, empathy, and survivor empowerment, not just outrage.

As an author, speaker, and activist, Burke has reshaped cultural dialogue on consent and power. Her legacy is one of radical compassion — and an unshakable belief in the strength of survivors’ voices.

Brittany Packnett Cunningham

Brittany Packnett Cunningham emerged as a leading voice during the Ferguson protests, where her activism placed her at the forefront of the movement for racial justice. She co-founded Campaign Zero to address police violence and served on President Obama’s policing task force.

Beyond activism, she has become a sharp political commentator and educator, appearing regularly on MSNBC and hosting the podcast Undistracted, which amplifies intersectional feminist perspectives.

Packnett Cunningham’s ability to merge policy, protest, and media has made her one of today’s most compelling public voices. She embodies the modern activist-intellectual, navigating streets, boardrooms, and broadcast platforms with equal impact.

Shiza Shahid

Shiza Shahid was only in her early twenties when she co-founded the Malala Fund, helping Malala Yousafzai turn her story of survival into a global platform for girls’ education.

Since then, she has continued blending social impact with entrepreneurship. Her kitchenware company, Our Place, celebrates cultural storytelling through sustainable design, earning her recognition as one of TIME’s 30 Under 30 World Changers.

Shahid’s career demonstrates the power of pairing intellect with empathy. Whether through activism or business, she has consistently used her platform to amplify marginalized voices and reimagine what global leadership can look like.

Lauren Singer

Lauren Singer turned a mason jar into a symbol of resistance. As founder of Trash is for Tossers, she demonstrated that years of personal waste could fit into a single container — and sparked the zero-waste movement.

Her online platform evolved into Package Free, a business offering everyday alternatives to plastic-heavy consumer goods. Singer’s activism has always been about more than individual choices; it’s a push for systemic environmental accountability.

By blending transparency with entrepreneurial savvy, Singer made sustainability accessible without watering down its urgency. She remains one of the most visible leaders challenging a culture of consumption head-on.

Reshma Saujani

Reshma Saujani has spent her career fighting to close gaps — in tech, in education, and in the workplace. She founded Girls Who Code, an organization that has introduced millions of girls to computer science.

Her bestselling book Brave, Not Perfect encourages women to embrace risk-taking over perfectionism. More recently, her “Marshall Plan for Moms” called for structural reforms to support caregivers, spotlighting gender inequities laid bare by the pandemic.

Saujani’s work bridges activism, thought leadership, and policy. She is reshaping not just how we think about coding, but how we value women’s labor — both at home and in the economy.

Hadiqa Bashir

At 11 years old, Hadiqa Bashir began speaking out against child marriage in her community in Pakistan — a stance that put her safety at risk but earned her international recognition.

She went on to found Girls United for Human Rights, creating space for girls to learn about their rights and to lead local activism. Her efforts have been honored by UN Women and humanitarian organizations worldwide.

Bashir’s story is a powerful reminder that courage is not bound by age. Her work continues to challenge deeply ingrained traditions, proving that change often begins with one determined voice.

Rabbi Sharon Brous

Rabbi Sharon Brous has redefined what faith-based leadership can mean in modern America. As the founding rabbi of IKAR in Los Angeles, she has built a Jewish community rooted in spiritual activism and social justice.

Her sermons and advocacy span immigrant rights, racial equity, and LGBTQ+ inclusion, making her one of the most influential religious leaders in the country. National figures often seek her guidance on questions of moral courage.

Brous represents a model of faith that is neither insular nor passive. She demonstrates that spirituality can be a force for justice, inspiring communities well beyond the walls of her congregation.