5 History-Making Women From Florida You Should Know About

March is International Women's Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of women who have shaped history. Florida, known for its rich and storied past, has been home to trailblazing women who have left lasting impacts on the state and beyond. From pioneers in environmental conservation to champions of civil rights and sports, these women have broken barriers and changed the course of history.

1. Marjory Stoneman Douglas

One of Florida’s most legendary figures is Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the woman who saved the Everglades. A fierce environmentalist and journalist, Douglas fought tirelessly to protect Florida’s wetlands, writing The Everglades: River of Grass in 1947, transforming public perception of the region. Thanks to her efforts, the Everglades became a recognized and protected ecosystem rather than a swamp to be drained for development. Even in her 90s, she continued her advocacy, proving that passion has no age limit.

2. Althea Gibson

In the world of sports, Althea Gibson made history as a Florida-born athlete who broke racial barriers in tennis. Growing up in the segregated South, she shattered expectations by becoming the first Black woman to win Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Her victories paved the way for future generations of athletes like Serena and Venus Williams. Not only was she a champion on the court, but she later became a professional golfer, continuing her legacy of breaking boundaries across multiple sports!

3. Mary McLeod Bethune

Another Florida powerhouse is Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator and civil rights leader whose impact on education and equality still resonates today. Born to formerly enslaved parents, she founded the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in 1904, which later became Bethune-Cookman University. Beyond education, Bethune was a key advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and played a vital role in advocating for African American rights on a national level.

4. Shannon Lucid

If you love space exploration, you have Shannon Lucid to thank for pushing the limits of women in STEM. While not originally from Florida, she spent much of her career at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and became a pioneer in space travel. She set records for the longest time in space by a woman at the time, proving that gender has no limits when it comes to scientific exploration.

5. Zora Neale Hurston

Though not originally from Florida, novelist and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston moved to Eatonville at the age of three. Eatonville was the first incorporated all-Black town in the United States, and also served as the backdrop in many of her literary works, including Their Eyes Were Watching God. Hurston is widely known as the "Queen of the Harlem Renaissance," thanks to her prolific and authentic writing about the culture and lived experiences of Black people in the South in the early 20th century. Her books inspired — and continue to inspire — generations of female writers, including Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, and Maya Angelou.

These are just a few of the trailblazing women who shaped Florida’s history. Their legacies continue to inspire new generations to dream big, break barriers, and make history of their own. And, of course, we also want to shout out to the fearless women today who are working their way into history books, from teachers and firefighters to police officers and leaders. If the stories of these women have inspired you to learn more about women's history, head over to our itinerary planner, where you can find recommendations of museums and memorials dedicated to women in Florida!