Georgia Women of Achievement facts for kids

The Georgia Women of Achievement (GWA) is a special group that honors women from Georgia for their amazing accomplishments and contributions to the state. It's like a hall of fame for women who have made a big difference!

The idea for this group came from Rosalynn Carter, the wife of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, in 1988. The first women were officially welcomed into the group in 1992 at Wesleyan College. Since then, new women are added every year. These special ceremonies happen in March, which is known as Women's History Month.

To be chosen, a woman must have passed away at least ten years ago. People who live in Georgia, or have strong ties to the state, are picked based on how much they impacted society. You can suggest a woman for this honor by submitting documents and an online form before October each year. The GWA also has exhibits that travel around and speakers who can share stories about these inspiring women.

Honoring Amazing Women

The Georgia Women of Achievement celebrates women who have done incredible things. These women come from all walks of life and have made a lasting impact on Georgia and beyond. Here are just a few examples of the many inspiring women who have been honored:

Pioneers in Many Fields

• Susie Baker King Taylor (1848–1912): Susie was a nurse and educator. She was the first African-American Army nurse and even wrote a book about her experiences during the Civil War.

Susie King Taylor was a nurse and educator.

• Helen Douglas Mankin (1894–1956): Helen made history as the first woman elected to the United States Congress from Georgia. She was a true trailblazer in politics.

Helen Douglas Mankin, the first woman from Georgia in the U.S. Congress.

• Sara Branham Matthews (1888–1962): Sara was a brilliant scientist. She discovered a treatment for spinal meningitis, a serious illness, which saved many lives.

Sara Branham Matthews, a scientist who found a treatment for spinal meningitis.

• Alice Woodby McKane (1865–1948): Alice was a doctor and the first female physician in Savannah. She helped many people with her medical skills.

Alice Woodby McKane, Savannah's first female doctor.

• Jeannette Pickering Rankin (1880–1973): Jeannette was the first woman ever elected to the United States House of Representatives in the entire United States, not just Georgia! She was a strong voice for peace and women's rights.

Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Leaders and Visionaries

• Lillian Gordy Carter (1898–1983): Lillian was the mother of President Jimmy Carter. She was a nurse, a businesswoman, and even a Peace Corps worker, showing that you can make a difference at any age.

Lillian Gordy Carter, mother of President Jimmy Carter.

• Harriet Powers (1837–1910): Harriet was an amazing quilt maker. Her "Bible Quilt" is now in the National Museum of American History, showing her incredible artistic talent and storytelling through fabric.

Harriet Powers, a famous quilt maker.

• Rebecca Latimer Felton (1835–1930): Rebecca was the first woman to serve in the United States Senate. She was also a strong supporter of women's rights.

Rebecca Latimer Felton, the first woman in the U.S. Senate.

• Juliette Gordon Low (1860–1927): Juliette was the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA. She created an organization that has helped millions of girls learn important skills and become leaders.

Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts.

Artists and Authors

• Celestine Sibley (1914–1999): Celestine was a beloved journalist. She wrote many stories that captured the heart of Georgia.

Celestine Sibley, a well-known journalist.

• Margaret Mitchell (1900–1949): Margaret was the author of the famous novel Gone with the Wind. Her book became a worldwide sensation.

Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind.

• Flannery O'Connor (1925–1964): Flannery was a highly respected author known for her unique short stories and novels.

Flannery O'Connor, a famous author.

These are just a few of the many remarkable women recognized by the Georgia Women of Achievement. Each one has a story of courage, talent, and dedication that continues to inspire us today.

Images for kids

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  Josephine Wilkins, a social activist.

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  Sarah Harper Heard, founder of a traveling library system.

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  Bazoline Estelle Usher, Atlanta's first Supervisor of Negro Schools.

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  Beulah Rucker Oliver, an educator.

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  Susan Dowdell Myrick, a journalist and technical advisor for Gone with the Wind.

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  Eliza Frances Andrews, a botanist.

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  Helen Dortch Longstreet, a social activist.

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  Emily Barnelia Woodward, a journalist.

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  Lula Dobbs McEachern, an educator and philanthropist.

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  Ellen Axson Wilson, First Lady of the United States.

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  Moina Belle Michael, who started the idea of using poppies to remember war dead.

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  Lillian Eugenia Smith, author of Strange Fruit.

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  Lettie Pate Evans, a philanthropist and Coca-Cola board member.

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  Julia Collier Harris, a journalist and civic leader.

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  Carrie Steele Logan, who founded an orphans' home.

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  Mary Ann Harris Gay, an author.

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  Susan Cobb Milton Atkinson, First Lady of Georgia and supporter of women's colleges.

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  Nellie Peters Black, a women's issues organizer.

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  Ellen Craft, an escaped slave and educator.

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  Corra Mae White Harris, an author.

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  Selena Sloan Butler, founder of the first African-American PTA.

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  Carson McCullers, an author.

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  Viola Ross Napier, the first woman in the Georgia House of Representatives.

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  Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, a famous blues singer.

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  Martha McChesney Berry, founder of Berry College.

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  Lucy Craft Laney, an educator and hospital administrator.

See also

In Spanish: Salón de la Fama de las mujeres de Georgia para niños