There are many notable women from the city of Columbus and the state of Ohio. Here are some to get you started! If you have ideas as to other women who should be mentioned, please contact us.
Notable Women from the City of Columbus
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Simone Biles (b. 1997) – A world-renowned gymnast from Columbus, Biles is celebrated for her extraordinary achievements in gymnastics, including multiple Olympic medals. She is also an advocate for mental health and athlete wellness.
Alexa Bliss (b. 1991) – A professional wrestler and WWE star from Columbus, Bliss has made a significant impact in the wrestling world, winning multiple championships and being recognized for her charismatic performances.
Jeni Britton-Bauer (b. 1973) – An entrepreneur and founder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Britton revolutionized the ice cream industry with her unique flavors and commitment to high-quality ingredients, establishing a beloved brand across the U.S.
Edna Bryce (1904-1995) – originally from Fairhope, Alabama, came to Columbus in 1926. In 1934, she set up a business, Bryce Florist, in her living room. The City of Columbus has a page featuring her story which explains that: “With no experience, training or resources Edna L. Bryce built that business into a profitable institution”. In Columbus, she was nicknamed the ‘The Flower Lady’.” See the contribution to Women of Ohio’s archive: Rob W. Jones’ painting tribute to Edna Bryce.
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Natalia Fedner (b. 1983) From Columbus, a fashion designer known for her innovative designs and materials, Fedner gained recognition in the fashion industry for her work that often blends art with wearable pieces.
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Eileen Heckart (1919–2002) – An acclaimed actress from Columbus, Heckart was known for her work on stage and screen, earning an Academy Award for her role in Butterflies Are Free. She was celebrated for her performances in both film and theater, particularly in plays by renowned playwrights.
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Aminah Robinson (1940–2015) – A renowned artist from Columbus, Robinson’s work encompasses painting, sculpture, and storytelling, often reflecting her African American heritage. She received numerous awards for her contributions to the arts. Kellie Kirksey offers a tribute to Toni Morrison and Aminah Robinson as part of the Women of Ohio archive.
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Nancy Wilson (1937-2018) was a Chillicothe-born, Columbus-schooled jazz singer. She signed to Capitol Records in 1960, and presented her own TV series, The Nancy Wilson Show (1967–1968). You can find out more about her in this Women of Ohio contribution by Medhanit (Nia Nyabinghi) who painted a tribute to Wilson.
Jacqueline Woodson (b. 1963) – A celebrated author of young adult literature born in Columbus, Woodson’s works explore themes of identity, race, and family. She has received numerous awards, including the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. As part of the Women of Ohio archive, you can read Esther Sadoff’s poem, ‘On Leaving and Coming’, which is a tribute to Woodson.
Notable Women from the State of Ohio
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Halle Berry (b. 1966) – An Academy Award-winning actress from Cleveland, Berry is known for her roles in films such as Monster’s Ball and X-Men. She has become a prominent figure in Hollywood, advocating for diversity and representation in the film industry.
Erma Bombeck (1927-1996) – Humorist and author, born in Bellbrook, Ohio, known for her relatable takes on suburban life and motherhood.
Judith Butler (b. 1956) Born in Cleveland, a philosopher and gender studies scholar.
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Cordelia Betty Cook (1919-1996)– A pioneering figure in the military, Cook served with distinction and broke barriers for women in the armed forces, contributing to the advancement of women’s roles in the military.
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Dorothy Dandridge (1922-1965) The first African American actress to be nominated for the Academy Award for best actress.
Doris Day (1922–2019) Born in Cincinnati, a beloved actress and singer known for her roles in classic films like Pillow Talk. She was also an advocate for animal rights, founding the Doris Day Animal Foundation.
Ruby Dee (1922–2014) An accomplished actress, playwright, and civil rights activist from Cleveland, Dee was recognized for her performances in film and theater, as well as her advocacy for social justice throughout her life.
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Jennifer Serene Eisenstadt (b. 1987) navy veteran, Peer Support Worker with the My Recovery Works non-profit and COVA, the Center of Vocational Alternatives based in Columbus.
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Emma Gatewood (1887-1973) (Grandma Gatewood) was an ultra-light hiking pioneer, who after a difficult life including domestic violence and divorce, became the first female solo hiker of the Appalachian Trail at the age of 65. Originally from Guyan Township, she went on to complete many more feats. You can read the Women of Ohio contribution, Angela Romines’s poem about Grandma Gatewood.
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Lucy Webb Hayes (1831–1889) – The First Lady of the United States from 1877 to 1881, born in Chillicothe, Hayes was known for her support of education and the temperance movement. She was a strong advocate for social reform during her husband’s presidency.
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Genevieve Estelle “Gennie” Jones (1847-1879) was an amateur naturalist known as the “Other Audubon”. Hailing from Circleville and unmarried, she was inspired by the work of James Audubon to catalogue nests and eggs of Ohio birds. A featured Women of Ohio contribution by Marcia Shubert is an artistic tribute to Jones
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Maya Lin (b. 1959) – An artist and architect born in Athens, Lin is best known for designing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Her work often addresses themes of landscape and memory, and she has received numerous awards for her contributions to art and architecture. See Women of Ohio poems honoring Lin: ‘The Last Memorial’ by Ariane Prinz, ‘What is Missing?’ by Diane Callahan, and ‘Land : Water : Memory’ by Emily Patterson.
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Jerrie Mock (1925–2014) – An aviator from Newark, Mock was the first woman to fly solo around the world in 1964. Her journey inspired many and showcased her skills and determination in aviation, challenging stereotypes about women in the field.
Toni Morrison (1931–2019) – Born in Lorain, Morrison was a Nobel Prize-winning novelist and a pivotal figure in American literature. Her works, including “Beloved” and “Song of Solomon,” explore African American identity and culture, earning her a place among the greatest writers of her time. Kellie Kirksey offers a tribute to Toni Morrison and Aminah Robinson as part of the Women of Ohio archive.
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Celeste Ng (born 1980) – A renowned novelist who grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio.
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Annie Oakley (1860–1926) – A legendary sharpshooter from Darke County, Oakley gained fame in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. She was known for her incredible marksmanship and broke gender barriers in a male-dominated field, becoming an icon of American history.
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Judith Resnick (1949–1986) – An astronaut and engineer from Akron, Resnick was the second American woman in space and tragically lost her life in the Challenger disaster. Her contributions to NASA and the field of space exploration are remembered as groundbreaking.
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Ruth Simpson (1926–2008) – A civil rights activist from Cleveland, Simpson dedicated her life to fighting for social justice and equality, leaving a lasting impact on her community and beyond.
Gloria Steinem (b. 1934) – Born in Toledo, Ohio, a feminist, journalist, and social political activist.
Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811–1896) – Although born in Connecticut, at the age of 21, Stowe moved to Ohio. Stowe’s significant literary contributions, particularly her novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” had lasting effects on American society and the abolitionist movement. Her work highlighted the moral dilemmas surrounding slavery.
Kathryn Sullivan (b. 1951) – An accomplished astronaut and oceanographer, Sullivan was the first American woman to walk in space. Her groundbreaking work in space exploration and science has paved the way for future generations. Sullivan studied at the Ohio State University and later became the president of COSI for ten years.
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Chief Glenna G. Wallace (b. 1960) A leader of the Seventh Generation of Shawnee in Ohio.
Frieda Warther (1891-1988) – A button artist and collector, Warther was based in Dover, Ohio. She made a home there with her husband Ernest “Mooney” Warther, and they lived an artistic life together both creating works of arts. You can read more about Frieda in this Women of Ohio article: ‘The Ohio Woman I Admire: Sylvia Liszka Durell on Frieda Warther’.
Katherine Wright (1874-1929) – The sister of Wilbur and Orville Wright, Katherine played a crucial role in managing and promoting the Wright brothers’ aeronautical achievements, contributing to the success of their pioneering work in aviation.
Women of Ohio 