Breakthrough Women Fast Facts: Business, Education, US Government and Sports

Here is a look at women in business, education, government and sports who have broken through the glass ceiling and become the first in their respective positions in the United States.

1739 - Elizabeth Timothy is the first woman newspaper publisher, of the South Carolina Gazette.

1867-1919 - Madam C.J. Walker is the first woman to become a self-made millionaire. Her business develops and sells hair care products for Black women.

1934 - Lettie Pate Whitehead is the first woman to serve as a director of a major corporation, the Coca-Cola Company.

1967 - Isabel Benham is the first female partner at a Wall Street bond house, R.W. Pressprich & Co.

1972 - Juanita Kreps becomes the first woman to serve as a director of the New York Stock Exchange. In 1977, she is the first woman appointed secretary of Commerce.

1972 - Katharine Graham is the first woman to be CEO of a Fortune 500 company, the Washington Post.