Before becoming the first African American first lady, Obama already had an impressive background as a lawyer who studied at Princeton University and Harvard Law School. Since becoming First Lady, she has concentrated on promoting public service and working with children and young adults. In 2010, she launched Let’s Move!, a movement designed to bring together children and their parents, teachers, medical professionals and community leaders in an effort to combat childhood obesity. In 2011 along with Dr. Jill Biden, she also launched Joining Forces, a program designed to help military members and their families with support, employment, education and well being.
2. JK Rowling
Perhaps a less obvious list choice but Rowling singlehandedly made millions upon millions of children eager to pick up 500 + page books. Her imagination shaped childhoods everywhere and will continue to do so for years to come. Did you know before her writing success she also used to work at Amnesty International? She has also been active in philanthropy contributing to charities such as Comic Relief, One Parent Families and Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain.
3. Wendy Kopp
Kopp is the founder of Teach for America which was based on her senior thesis at Princeton University. Believing that the young adults of her generation would choose teaching jobs over higher paid positions if there was an organized corps, she founded Teach for America just after graduation. Over 20 years later, the program is still going strong and has postively affected millions of children all over the country. In 2007, following the long running success of Teach for America, she also founded Teach for All which works to help education internationally.
4. Susan Solomon
Solomon is an atmospheric scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As one of their leading senior scientists, she was the first to suggest chlorofluocarbons as the catalyst for the hole in the ozone layer in Antarctica. Her discovery has led to the cultural movement towards a more eco friendly lifestyle in particular banning such harmful products as aerosol cans. Heavily respected in her field, she has also served on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
5. Eve Ensler
Ensler is a playwright and activist best known for her hugely popular work, The Vagina Monologues. She is also the founder of V-Day, which raises funds and awareness through annual productions of The Vagina Monologues. The play has been performed all over the world and has has helped raise tens of millions of dollars for programs fighting abuse against women. She is also is a supporter of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA). In 2012, she also founded One Billion Rising, a global campaign to stop violence and fight for justice and gender equality for women.
Can you add to our list? What other women are helping to change our world?
Let us know in the comments below or over on Twitter or Facebook!
