Economist – Like Her

Beatrice Aitchison

Beatrice Aitchison (1908-1997) was an American mathematician, statistician, and transportation economist. She played a crucial role in shaping transportation policies in the United States and made significant contributions to her field. Aitchison’s remarkable journey from academia to government service underscored her determination, intelligence, and commitment to public service, helping to improve the efficiency of government and postal operations. Her contributions continue to inspire and influence generations of mathematicians, economists, and policymakers.

Great BritainEconomistGovernment

Maureen Colquhoun

Maureen Colquhoun, Britain’s first openly lesbian Member of Parliament, broke barriers and paved the way for LGBTQ+ representation in British politics. Her activism for gender equality and social justice continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the significance of diverse representation and the ongoing fight for equal rights.

United StatesActivistEconomist

Carole De Saram

Carole De Saram, born in Queens, New York in 1939, is an American feminist and women’s rights activist. As the former president of the New York chapter of the National Organization of Women (NOW), De Saram has played a pivotal role in advocating for women’s equality. With her focus on intersectionality with economics, she has made significant contributions to shaping women’s history and furthering the feminist movement.

BrazilEconomistPolitician

Dilma Rousseff

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.

LiberiaEconomistPolitician

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (born Ellen Eugenia Johnson, 29 October 1938) is a Liberian politician who made history as the 24th president of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. Known as the “Iron Lady,” Sirleaf was the first elected female head of state in Africa.

United StatesEconomistEducator

Katharine Coman

Katharine Ellis Coman was a trailblazing American social activist and economist who dedicated her life to promoting social change and empowering women through education. Coman’s work in understanding the economic history of the United States paved the way for future generations of female economists and social reformers. Her dedication to education, social justice, and women’s empowerment left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire to this day.

ChinaUnited StatesActivist

Mabel Ping-Hua Lee

Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, born in 1896 in Guangzhou, China, was a pioneering Chinese-American women’s rights activist and minister. Raised in New York City, Lee became the first Chinese woman in the United States to earn a doctorate in economics from Columbia University. She made her mark as a prominent figure in the suffrage movement and later dedicated her life to advocating for Chinese immigrants and women in her role as a minister. Lee’s dedication and resilience continue to inspire generations fighting for equality and justice.

United StatesAfrican AmericanEconomist

Susan M. Collins

Susan M. Collins is a distinguished American economist and leader in the field of finance. She has made significant contributions to academia, public policy, and the financial sector throughout her illustrious career. Collins currently serves as the 14th president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, a position she assumed on July 1, 2022.

United StatesActivistAfrican American

Phyllis Ann Wallace

Phyllis Ann Wallace (1921–1993) was a distinguished African American economist and activist, known for her groundbreaking work in combating workplace discrimination and promoting economic equality. She became the first woman to receive a doctorate of economics at Yale University and played a crucial role in shaping the anti-discrimination provisions of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. Wallace’s dedication to economic issues and her unwavering commitment to equal opportunity make her a significant figure in women’s history.