Category Archives: short biographies

June Hart Almeida: Coronavirus Scientist

Posted on May 1, 2020 by lhsittig@verizon.net

June Hart Almeida rose above her humble Scottish roots, and, discovered the coronavirus in 1964 when she was 34 years old. Yes, you read that correctly. June discovered the coronavirus back in 1964 – the same virus that has brought … Continue reading →

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Frances Oldham Kelsey: Medical Advocate by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on April 1, 2020 by lhsittig@verizon.net

With everyone anxious about getting a coronavirus vaccine, I thought I would highlight a very different scenario. One that tells the story about Frances Oldham Kelsey, a Canadian pharmacologist who came under intense pressure to sign off on a new … Continue reading →

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Cockacoeske: an Early Virginia Politician by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on February 1, 2020 by lhsittig@verizon.net

You may be aware that the state legislature of Virginia recently voted to finalize passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, better known as the ERA. Virginia is now the 38th state to ratify the amendment that would guarantee equal rights … Continue reading →

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Grace Caudill Lucas: the Book Woman by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on January 1, 2020 by lhsittig@verizon.net

I have always been in awe of libraries, and therefore also with librarians. From the bibliophiles of my childhood, who introduced me to Nancy Drew to the librarians of my teen years who helped encourage my love of historical fiction, … Continue reading →

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Phyliss Latour Doyle: the Knitter Was a Spy by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on December 2, 2019 by lhsittig@verizon.net

The knitter was a spy, or the spy was a knitter? Phyliss Latour Doyle belongs to a unique group in history — steganographers, who hide secret data within ordinary pieces of everyday life, like a knitted scarf. While the term … Continue reading →

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Harriet Pullen Who Answered the Call of the Wild by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on October 2, 2019 by lhsittig@verizon.net

What I have learned from the 90+ women I have researched for this blog, is that all of them faced adversity, and striving to overcome the obstacles is what forged them into becoming strong women. Harriet Pullen is no exception. … Continue reading →

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Margaret Rudkin: the Bread Lady by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on September 3, 2019 by lhsittig@verizon.net

Chances are you have savored a buttered slice of cinnamon swirl toast, or a decadent Pepperidge Farm cookie, or snacked on a handful of Goldfish Crackers. But you may not know the story, or the woman, behind the brand. Enter … Continue reading →

Posted in short biographies, strong women | 11 Comments

Anna Coleman Ladd: an Artist Who Gave Back by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on January 1, 2019 by lhsittig@verizon.net

Walt Whitman once said, “Keep your face always turned toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.” But WWI forever changed looking toward the sunshine. The new military trench warfare of 1914 – 1919 saw soldiers popping their heads … Continue reading →

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Clara Lemlich: Labor Activist by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on November 1, 2018 by lhsittig@verizon.net

  In November of 1909, she appeared as a will-of-the wisp young woman pushing her way to the front of the Union stage. Perhaps, she even stood a bit crooked, due to the uneven mending of bones previously broken by … Continue reading →

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Emma Gatewood: Guardian of the Appalachian Trail by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on October 2, 2018 by lhsittig@verizon.net

Emma Gatewood never considered that she was a remarkable woman. In 1955, at the age of 67, she hiked the entire Appalachian Trail—alone. And without a tent or sleeping bag. To truly appreciate her accomplishment, you need to read about … Continue reading →

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