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Marie Josefina Mathilde Durocher, the first female doctor in Latin America, overcame societal expectations and pursued her education to become a trailblazing Brazilian obstetrician, midwife, and physician. Known for her unconventional attire and groundbreaking achievements, she shattered glass ceilings and left an indelible mark on the history of medicine in Latin America.
Madeleine M. Joullié, an American-Brazilian organic chemist, was the first woman to join the University of Pennsylvania chemistry faculty and the first female organic chemist to be appointed to a tenure track position in a major American university. Her work in synthesizing organic compounds has led to the development of antibiotic and antiviral drugs.
Maria Bonita, a member of the notorious Cangaço band in Brazil, defied societal expectations and became a revered folk heroine. She joined the band at a young age, participating in their criminal activities and proving to be as brave and formidable as her male counterparts. Tragically, she was killed during a shootout with the police, but her legacy as a strong and determined woman lives on.
Anita Garibaldi, a Brazilian republican revolutionary, played a vital role in the 19th-century Age of Romanticism and revolutionary liberalism. She became renowned as the wife and comrade-in-arms of Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, embarking on a remarkable journey that left an indelible mark on history. Anita’s unwavering devotion ultimately led to her tragic end, but her legacy as a brave and revolutionary woman continues to inspire generations.
Míriam Martinho (born 1954) is one of the leading feminists in Brazil and part of the second generation of feminist journalists, who emerged in the 1980s. She was one of the first people to bring lesbianism openly into the fold of feminism and founded one of the first Lesbian-Feminist organizations in the country. She and Rosely Roth gained recognition for staging a protest, known as the “Brazilian Stonewall,” at Ferro’s Bar in 1983.
Rafaela Lopes Silva, born in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, is a Brazilian judoka who has made a significant impact on the history of Brazilian judo. Her remarkable achievements, including becoming the first Brazilian to be crowned world champion in judo and winning the gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, have solidified her place as one of Brazil’s most accomplished judo athletes. Rafaela’s journey from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro to the pinnacle of the judo world serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the power of dedication and determination.
Mayra Aguiar da Silva, a Brazilian judoka born on August 3, 1991, is a highly accomplished athlete who has made a lasting impact in the world of judo. She has achieved remarkable feats throughout her career, including winning multiple medals at the Olympics and World Judo Championships. Mayra’s success has not only inspired a new generation of judokas in Brazil but has also solidified her place in women’s judo history.
Belkis Valdman (5 May 1942 – 1 August 2011) was a Turkish-born naturalized Brazilian researcher, teacher, and academic chemical engineer who made significant contributions to the field of instrumentation and process control in chemical engineering.
Larissa Suzuki, an accomplished University Professor and computer scientist, has dedicated her career to advancing engineering and technology while advocating for increased representation in these fields. She is known for her work at Google, as well as her contributions to smart cities and early breast cancer detection. Born in Brazil, Suzuki’s exceptional talent led her to be recognized as the best student of her class by the Brazilian Computer Society.
Janeth dos Santos Arcain, one of the greatest women’s basketball players in Brazilian history, had a remarkable career both domestically and internationally. Known for her skill and versatility on the court, she played a pivotal role in the Houston Comets’ dynasty in the WNBA, winning four consecutive championships. Arcain also made significant contributions to Brazilian basketball, winning the FIBA World Championship for Women and earning medals in the Olympic Games. Her impact on women’s basketball continues to inspire future generations.
Dilma Vana Rousseff was the 36th president of Brazil, serving from 2011 until her impeachment in 2016. She made history as the first woman to hold the Brazilian presidency. Rousseff grew up in Belo Horizonte, developed socialist beliefs, and participated in left-wing groups fighting against the military dictatorship. She had a successful political career, focusing on social programs and infrastructure development during her presidency. Despite facing challenges and impeachment, Rousseff remains an influential figure in women’s history. No official awards or recognitions have been documented.
Maria Emma Hulga Lenk, a Brazilian swimmer, paved the way for women in sports. She was the first South American woman to participate in the Summer Olympic Games, set world records, and even introduced the Butterfly stroke in official competition. Lenk’s dedication to swimming remained unwavering until her passing at the age of 92. Her legacy continues to inspire female athletes worldwide.
Marta Vieira da Silva, known as Marta, born on February 19, 1986, in Dois Riachos, Brazil, displayed exceptional talent and a deep passion for football from a young age. She became a prodigious talent in her local community and was mentored by Brazilian female coach Helena Pacheco. Marta’s skills led her to a successful professional career, where she became one of the best footballers in the world. Her impact extended beyond the field, inspiring and empowering women and girls everywhere. Marta’s achievements and legacy continue to inspire generations of footballers.
Danielle Racquel Scott-Arruda is an American-Brazilian indoor volleyball player known for her exceptional career in international competitions. She achieved remarkable success in college, leading the Long Beach State 49ers to the NCAA National Championship in 1993 and earning multiple accolades. Scott-Arruda also represented the United States in five Summer Olympics, setting a new record for U.S. female volleyball athletes. Her dedication, skill, and contributions to sports diplomacy have solidified her place as one of the most influential women in the history of the sport.
Ana Beatriz Moser is a Brazilian former volleyball player who made a significant impact on the sport. Born on August 14, 1968, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Moser played as an outside hitter and became renowned for her exceptional skills and leadership abilities. Throughout her career, she represented the Brazilian Women’s National Team, serving as the team captain for over a decade and leading them to numerous victories.
Hélia Rogério de Souza, known as Fofão, is a retired Brazilian female volleyball player who achieved great success in her career. Fofão represented Brazil in five consecutive Summer Olympics, winning multiple medals and establishing herself as one of the greatest setters in the sport. Her skill, determination, and distinct appearance made her a beloved figure in the volleyball world.
Paula Gonçalves da Silva, popularly known as “Magic Paula,” was born on March 11, 1962, in Osvaldo Cruz, São Paulo. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s basketball players in Brazil, along with Hortência Marcari and Janeth Arcain. Throughout her career, Paula made significant contributions to the sport, leaving an indelible mark on women’s basketball in her country.
Hortência Marcari, known as “The Queen,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest female basketball players in Brazilian history. Her remarkable skills and talent have earned her a place in prestigious halls of fame and she has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Sonia Destri Lie, founder of Companhia Urbana de Dança, has made significant contributions to the world of hip-hop dance. Her unique style and powerful performances have gained international recognition. Sonia’s passion for dance led her to pursue formal training in jazz and modern dance. She established the dance company to bridge the gap between marginalized communities and professional dance, empowering dancers from poorer suburbs and favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Companhia Urbana de Dança has become a symbol of hope and empowerment for marginalized communities.
Mercedes Baptista, a prominent Brazilian ballet dancer and choreographer, shattered barriers and left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Brazil. Despite facing discrimination, she became the first black woman to join the ballet corps of Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro and went on to create the Afro-Brazilian ballet, showcasing the influence of African culture on Brazilian dance. Her determination and resilience continue to inspire and empower artists today.
Maria Firmina dos Reis, born on March 11, 1822, in São Luís Island, Maranhão, Brazil, is widely recognized as Brazil’s first black female novelist. Her contributions to Brazilian literature and her advocacy for the abolition of slavery marked her importance in the literary and social spheres of her time.
Isabel, Princess Imperial of Brazil, was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1846. As the eldest daughter of Emperor Pedro II, she became her father’s heir presumptive. Known for her intelligence and compassion, Isabel acted as regent during her father’s absences and made significant contributions to governance. Her most notable achievement was the enactment of the Golden Law in 1888, which abolished slavery in Brazil. Despite facing opposition, she remained steadfast in her commitment to justice and equality, earning her the nickname “the Redemptress”.
Maria Quitéria was a Brazilian lieutenant and national heroine who fought in the Brazilian War of Independence. Known for her bravery and dedication, she became the first woman to serve in a military unit in Brazil. Her remarkable story and achievements continue to inspire generations of Brazilians.
Jacqueline “Jackie” Louise Cruz Silva, OLY, was a retired female volleyball player who made a significant impact on the sport, particularly in the discipline of beach volleyball. She had a remarkable career, marked by numerous achievements and successes on both national and international stages. Silva’s contribution to the sport and her influence on women’s sports cannot be overstated as she broke barriers and achieved unprecedented success, paving the way for future generations of female athletes.
Sissi, the Brazilian footballer and coach, rose to fame as an attacking midfielder. Her talent was recognized at a young age, and she quickly became a celebrated player on the international stage. Sissi’s impressive performance in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup earned her the prestigious golden boot award. Despite facing challenges, she remains an influential figure in the history of women’s football.
Cristiane Justino Venâncio, known as Cris Cyborg, is a Brazilian-American MMA fighter. Widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters of all time, she has achieved numerous accomplishments throughout her career. Cyborg’s journey began in her early years with a passion for sports, and she eventually found success in the world of MMA, becoming a champion in multiple promotions and breaking barriers for women in combat sports. Her impact on women’s MMA will be remembered for generations.
Maria Leopoldina of Austria, the first Empress of Brazil, was a highly educated and influential figure in the country’s history. Her deep Christian faith, scientific knowledge, and cultural background prepared her to be a suitable royal consort. Historians argue that Brazil owes its existence as a nation largely to her, as she played a crucial role in advising her husband, Dom Pedro, on important political decisions. Despite her brief life, Maria Leopoldina remains a respected and revered figure in Brazilian society.
Natalie Morales-Rhodes is an accomplished American journalist who has made a significant impact in the world of broadcasting. Born on June 6, 1972, in Taiwan, she has spent over two decades in the field, working for major news networks and becoming a familiar face in American households.