5 History-Making Women From Arizona You Should Know About

There is no denying that a woman's strength is unmatched. We rock! Throughout history, inspiring women have broken glass ceilings to establish legacies that we can be proud of. Several have hailed from our great state of Arizona, so we’re celebrating them. From women's rights activists to political leaders to successful business owners, these influential women from Arizona have left their mark on history.   

1. Gabrielle Giffords

Tucson native Gabby Giffords was the youngest woman elected to the Arizona state Senate. After surviving a gunshot wound to the head in 2011 at a “Congress On Your Corner” event, Giffords has spent her time advocating to improve gun laws in America. In her efforts to continue her gun law activism, Giffords and her husband, Senator Kelly, have co-authored two books: Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope and Enough: Our Fight to Keep America Safe from Gun Violence.    

2. Joan Ganz Cooney

You might not recognize her name, but as one of the founders of Sesame Street, Phoenix-born Joan Ganz Cooney was instrumental in bringing educational programming to our homes. With lovable characters like Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, and Elmo, the show teaches children their colors, numbers, and letters. Now in its 56th season, this beloved, long-running children’s show, with its multicultural cast of characters, will remain a staple in American history and beyond. 

3. Monica Flin

Born in Tucson to French immigrants, Monica Flin opened El Charro Café, a Mexican-style restaurant, in 1922. During that era, it was uncommon for a woman to own a restaurant, but Flin pushed through war, the depression, and racial conflict to become a success. She was credited for creating the chimichanga, a deep-fried burrito with rice, cheese, beans, and meat. Today, El Charro is the “nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant" in continuous operation by the same family. After relocating several times, the original restaurant is now in its permanent home on Court Street, a property Flin inherited from her parents. Since then, the family has opened three additional locations, including one at the Tucson International Airport.  

4. Annie Dodge Wauneka

Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963, activist Annie Dodge Wauneka was a trailblazer for the people of the Navajo Nation. Born in the small town of Sawmill to the Tse níjikíní (Cliff Dwelling People) Clan, she earned a degree in public health from the University of Arizona. She dedicated her life to improving healthcare on the Navajo reservations in the region. Eventually, she became the second woman elected to the Navajo Tribal Council, and due to her advocacy, she was honored as “the legendary mother of the Navajo people.” 

5. Sandra Day O'Connor

Though she is not an Arizonan native, Sandra Day O'Connor spent most of her childhood on a cattle ranch in the tiny town of Duncan. A political leader, attorney, and jurist, O'Connor was legendary in her unwavering fight to guarantee women’s rights and equal protection. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, she was the first woman Supreme Court Justice in America. Due to her lifetime accomplishments, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, and she has truly made her mark in history. 

Inspired by these stories? Learn more about these incredible women and even visit their hometowns or business locations. And if you're looking for more things to do in the area to celebrate women, be sure to check out our itinerary planner for nearby recommendations!