Women Who Made History In The World Of Business

Though you may not have seen many women in your high school history books, there are plenty of powerful women that have made their lasting mark on the world of business.  Women have succeeded for over a century in the battle against sexism and the numerous other struggles faced in the dog-eat-dog culture of business.  

They should be honored and remembered for their generous contributions to their perspective industries.  Here is a quick bio for a few of the most memorable female warriors of business.

Jane Addams (1860-1935)

Jane Addams’ largest contribution to the world was arguably her philanthropic efforts and vivacious social activism.  In 1931, her efforts earned her a Nobel Peace Prize.  Addams also cofounded and managed the first settlement house in the U.S., and named it the Hull House.

Though Jane Addams never made a public speech against some of the most pivotal movements of her time, such as prohibition, she always made her viewpoints known.  She adamantly supported prohibition as she considered alcohol use to be a vehicle of functionality for prostitution houses and an overall unhealthy contribution to the human body.  

Catherine Anselm ‘Kate’ Gleason (1865-1933)

Kate Gleason’s journey in the world of business began with an unintentional thrust at the young age of 11, when she began working for her dad at the family’s machine-tool company, Gleason Works.  During her time working with her father, Gleason developed an avid interest in mechanical engineering.  

After completing her education at Cornell University, Kate partnered with her father to design a groundbreaking machine that produced beveled gears in a highly efficient manner.  The machine quickly caught the interest of the Ford Motor Company who immediately put it to good use.

Elizabeth Arden (1884-1966)

Born under the name of Florence Nightingale Graham, she made her mark on the world under the now famous name of Elizabeth Arden.  She built her history in the business of beauty under her birth name, but upon the opening of her Fifth Avenue salon, she created her new identity as the world began a loving relationship with the beauty products of Elizabeth Arden.

Mary Katherine Goddard (1738-1816)

A shining star in journalism and publishing, Mary Katherine Goddard was responsible for publishing several popular newspapers in her time.  The Providence Gazette was her first experience, before relocating to the printing office of her brother’s organization in Philadelphia.

One of Mary Katherine’s most famous printing jobs was the first printed copy of the Declaration of Independence.  She ran the only available and working printing press in the city of Baltimore during the Revolutionary War.  

Mary Goddard also became the very first female in the U.S. to open up her own bookstore.  She served as postmaster of Baltimore for over 14 years, but was forced to resign over her gender (despite a petition with more than 200 signatures in her defense).