Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate achievements and contributions of women who have broken barriers, and paved the way for future generations. In the world of business, women have had to fight for their place at the table, overcoming discrimination, obstacles, and expectations. Today, we’re highlighting five women whose vision, resilience, and leadership redefined their industries.
Rebecca Lukens (1794–1854) was a pioneer in American industry and is often considered the first female industrialist in the United States. In an era when women had few rights in business, she successfully led and expanded the Brandywine Iron Works & Nail Factory, later renamed Lukens Steel. After her husband's died in 1825, Lukens took control of the company despite resistance from male competitors and family. She transformed the business into one of the leading iron manufacturers in the country. Lukens Steel became a supplier for railroad companies and shipbuilders, playing a crucial role in American industrial growth. Her ability to navigate a male-dominated industry, secure contracts, and expand operations solidified her legacy. Today, she is recognized as a trailblazer who set the foundation for women in manufacturing and leadership roles.
Mary Ellen Pleasant (1814–1904) was a successful entrepreneur, abolitionist, and investor who became one of the first Black female millionaires in the U.S. Born into slavery, Pleasant worked her way to financial independence and used her wealth to support the Underground Railroad. Pleasant made her fortune by investing in laundries, restaurants, and boarding houses in San Francisco during the Gold Rush era. She was a strategic businesswoman, partnering with powerful figures and using her earnings to advocate for civil rights. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, Pleasant demonstrated that financial success and social activism could go hand in hand. Her legacy is one of resilience, strategic investment, and using wealth as a force for social good.
Katharine Graham (1917–2001) shattered glass ceilings as the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company, The Washington Post Company. Initially hesitant to take on leadership after her husband’s death in 1963, Graham soon proved to be a formidable force in business and journalism. Under her leadership, The Washington Post became one of the most influential newspapers in the world. She played a crucial role in publishing the Pentagon Papers in 1971 and overseeing the investigative reporting that led to the Watergate scandal, which forced President Richard Nixon’s resignation. Despite facing skepticism from male executives, Graham’s determination and journalistic integrity solidified her as a media powerhouse. Her memoir, Personal History, won a Pulitzer Prize and inspired generations of women to pursue leadership roles in business and media.
Judy Faulkner (born 1943) is a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized healthcare technology. She is the founder and CEO of Epic Systems, one of the largest medical software companies in the world. Faulkner launched Epic in 1979 from her basement, with just $6,000 and a vision to digitize medical records. Today, Epic's software is used by major hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems, managing records for over 250 million patients worldwide. Her decision to keep Epic privately owned has allowed the company to focus on long-term innovation rather than short-term shareholder profits. Faulkner’s commitment to data security, patient care, and innovation has made her one of the most influential figures in health technology. Her story exemplifies how entrepreneurship and technological innovation can drive significant improvements in an industry that affects millions of lives.
Ursula Burns (born 1958) made history as the first Black woman to become CEO of a Fortune 500, Xerox. Her journey from a low-income neighborhood in New York City to leading a multinational is a testament to determination. Burns started as an intern at Xerox in the 1980s and worked her way up. In 2009, she was named CEO, transforming Xerox from a traditional printing company into a leader in business services and digital technology. Throughout her career, Burns has consistently promoted a corporate culture that values varied perspectives and equal leadership opportunities. She has served on multiple boards, including ExxonMobil and Uber, and continues to push for greater representation of women and people of color in executive positions. Her leadership style, marked by authenticity and a focus on innovation, continues to inspire aspiring business leaders.
These five women come from different backgrounds and industries. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let these stories serve as a reminder that women’s contributions to business are invaluable. Whether in manufacturing, media, healthcare, or corporate leadership, women have changed industries and redefined success.For businesses, this is also an opportunity to reflect on how they support women in leadership, mentorship, and innovation. Investing in diversity, equity, and inclusion strengthens not only individual careers but entire industries.
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