Nellie Bly (1864-1922) The Queen of Expose Journalism Daring journalist who infiltrated insane asylums, exposed slavery rings, and raced around the world in under 80 days.
Moll Cutpurse (1582-1659) London's Queen of Thieves Cross-dressing Queen of Thieves who flouted social norms and had plays written about her.
Matilda of Tuscany (1046-1115) Defender of the Pope Fiery defender of the pope who made kings kneel before her.
Sayyida al-Hurra (1482-1562) The Pirate Queen of Morocco Indomitable pirate queen who ran Morocco and ruined Portuguese trade.
Gracia Mendes Nasi (1510-1569) Savior of the Jews Jewish businesswoman who saved thousands of Jews from the Inquisition by smuggling them out of the country.
Katie Sandwina (1884-1951) Lady Hercules Champion weightlifter, suffragette, mom – this “Lady Hercules” did it all.
Ka’ahumanu (c.1768-1832) Hawaii's Queen of Controversy United Hawaii under one rule, abolished ancient taboos, and led negotiations with the fledgling United States.
Emmy Noether (1882-1935) The Most Important Mathematician You've Never Heard Of Revolutionized the field of mathematics, yet was persecuted for being Jewish and paid a pittance for her visionary teaching work.
Tin Hinan (325-450) The Queen Who Put Men in Veils The greatest leader of the nomadic Tuareg tribe of northern Africa, who put their men in veils and let their women run the show.
Jane Dieulafoy (1851-1916) The Archaeologist Who Became a Fashion Icon A phenomenally successful archaeologist who became a fashion icon for wearing men’s clothing.