Strongest Together

In 2021, LEAD was founded to remind people of the beauty of America: a nation where anyone can be their own person and do their own thing in their own way. Our country is not one where your life is written for you, but rather a land of opportunity. A land where the American Dream still thrives today.

During women’s history month, we celebrate the women who have devoted their lives to build a stronger America. From pioneers in science and technology, to trailblazing political leaders, to artists and writers who have challenged and inspired us, women have played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history.

Dr. Jane Cooke Wright

Born in Manhattan in 1919, Dr. Jane Cooke Wright’s groundbreaking achievements began when she became a chief resident at Harlem Hospital as a black woman. Her legacy is derived from her discoveries in the field of anti-cancer chemicals. She started testing new chemicals to fight against human leukemias and eventually found methotrexate effective in treating breast cancer. Her research laid the foundations for treating cancerous tumors with chemotherapy, and she bridged the gap between researchers’ findings by becoming the only female founding member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Amelia Bloomer

Our Founding Fathers understood the importance of the press, enshrining its freedom in the First Amendment. For decades, newspapers were directed exclusively toward a male audience. That changed in 1849 when Amelia Bloomer founded The Lily, the United States’ first publication for women. Although she initially hesitated to use the platform to support societal reform, her conviction drove her to fight for a better future for women. Her work in women’s rights, temperance work, and dress reform gave women a voice in the national media, and her leadership allowed the stories of women to be broadcasted to the masses.

Beulah Louise Henry

Beulah Henry’s legacy in modern society is utilized daily, but few know her name. Her first invention, patented in 1912, was a vacuum-sealed freezer. While she would go on to invent the updated can opener and hair curler, some of her most remarkable work was brought to life by greatly improving existing technologies of the day, like the typewriter and the sewing machine. Henry was nicknamed “Lady Edison” for her prowess in recreating and evolving modern household inventions, embodying the spirit of the early 20^th century.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and the American Dream, let us honor the many women who have blazed a trail for others to follow, and let us continue to work towards a future where every woman has the determinization realize her full potential.