Slide 1: Introduction
Welcome! In this presentation, we explore 10 iconic women from different eras and fields. For each woman, we cover who she is, what she’s known for, her impact on society, and whether she’s someone we can look up to.
Slide 2: Rosa Parks (1913–2005) – Civil rights pioneer
Who she is: Rosa Louise McCauley Parks, born February 4, 1913 (’Alabaster’; died October 24, 2005).
What she’s known for: American activist whose refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Impact on society: Her stand became a powerful symbol of nonviolent protest and helped propel the civil rights movement forward, contributing to the end of segregrated public buses and inspiring changes in anti-discrimination laws.
Could you look up to her? Yes. She showed courage, stood up for equality, and trusted in peaceful resistance to challenge injustice.
Slide 3: Malala Yousafzai (1997– ) – Education advocate
Who she is: Malala Yousafzai, born July 12, 1997, in Pakistan.
What she’s known for: Education activist who spoke out for girls’ right to learn, survived an attack by militants, and became a global champion for education.
Impact on society: Youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate (2014); co-founded the Malala Fund to fund education for girls worldwide.
Could you look up to her? Yes. Her perseverance, advocacy, and global reach show how one voice can drive change.
Slide 4: Michelle Obama (1964– ) – Lawyer, First Lady, advocate
Who she is: Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama, born January 17, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois.
What she’s known for: Former First Lady of the United States (2009–2017); author of Becoming; advocate for education, healthy living, and youth empowerment.
Impact on society: Promoted girls’ education worldwide, launched initiatives like Let’s Move to combat childhood obesity, inspired many to pursue higher education.
Could you look up to her? Yes. She models leadership, resilience, and using influence for community good.
Slide 5: Serena Williams (1981– ) – Tennis athlete
Who she is: Serena Jameka Williams, born September 26, 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan.
What she’s known for: One of the greatest tennis players of all time, with numerous Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold.
Impact on society: Elevates women in sports, advocates for gender and racial equality, and inspires countless aspiring athletes.
Could you look up to her? Yes. Her dedication, competitiveness, and advocacy for equity are powerful examples.
Slide 6: Frida Kahlo (1907–1954) – Artist and cultural icon
Who she is: Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón, born July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico (died July 13, 1954).
What she’s known for: Renowned painter known for vivid self-portraits and exploration of identity, postcolonialism, and gender/physical pain.
Impact on society: Expanded representation of Latina/o artists, celebrated resilience, and inspired generations to express personal truth through art.
Could you look up to her? Yes. Her art and story encourage creative courage and authenticity.
Slide 7: Marie Curie (1867–1934) – Scientist
Who she is: Maria Salomea Skłodowska-Curie, born November 7, 1867, in Warsaw (died July 4, 1934).
What she’s known for: Groundbreaking physicist and chemist, famous for research on radioactivity.
Impact on society: First woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences (Physics and Chemistry); laid foundations for medical imaging and cancer therapies.
Could you look up to her? Yes. Her curiosity, persistence, and contributions to science are extraordinary role-model material.
Slide 8: Maya Angelou (1928–2014) – Writer and poet
Who she is: Marguerite Annie Johnson, known as Maya Angelou, born April 4, 1928 (died May 28, 2014).
What she’s known for: Renowned author, poet, and civil rights activist; her memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is celebrated worldwide.
Impact on society: Used literature to amplify voices of Black women, championed dignity, resilience, and social justice; taught many about storytelling’s power.
Could you look up to her? Yes. She demonstrates the power of words to heal, educate, and challenge oppression.
Slide 9: Wangari Maathai (1940–2011) – Environmentalist
Who she is: Wangari Muta Maathai, born April 1, 1940, in Nyeri, Kenya (died September 2011).
What she’s known for: Founder of the Green Belt Movement; iconic for planting trees and addressing environmental and women's rights.
Impact on society: First African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (2004); promoted environmental sustainability and community empowerment.
Could you look up to her? Yes. She shows how caring for the planet goes hand in hand with empowering communities.
Slide 10: Billie Holiday (1915–1959) – Singer and cultural influencer
Who she is: Eleanora Fagan, known as Billie Holiday, born April 7, 1915 (died July 17, 1959).
What she’s known for: Iconic jazz singer whose voice and phrasing changed popular music; songs like “Strange Fruit” highlighted racial injustice.
Impact on society: Expanded expressions of Black artistry in the arts and used music to address social issues; inspired future generations of musicians and performers.
Could you look up to her? Yes. Her musical genius and willingness to address hard truths through art are deeply inspiring.
Slide 11: How to choose your own list
Tips for creating your own 10-slide set:
- Pick a mix of fields (science, arts, sports, activism).
- For each woman, note birth/death, what she did, and why she matters.
- Reflect on personal values and what you admire in their journeys.
- End with a slide about what you personally learned and how it guides you.
Slide 12: Closing thoughts
These women show courage, creativity, and commitment to making the world better. Use their stories to inspire your own path, stay curious, and stand up for what you believe in.