That's What She Did Podcast

In the spirit of, 'we're tired and we're not gonna take it anymore,' Ms. Mary Hamilton absolutely personified what it means to demand respect. In the face of a U.S. legal system that was being used to demean her, she stood for her rights, and by extension, the rights of us all.

Standing in her truth, advocating for other women and being unapologetic about it, is just a small part of Lizelle's story.

Hazel Scott lived life on her own terms. She was a prodigy. A freedom fighter. She loved her music, her man, and her people. Be inspired!

"The Eyeagnosis system uses a 3D-printed lens and an AI-enabled smartphone app to diagnose diabetic retinopathy." That's a mouthful, and it was created by then-17-year-old science phenom, Kavya. 

Charlotte was born wealthy and free, but even in Philadelphia, PA that wasn't enough for her to be able to attend public schools. Home schooled, she taught herself four languages and read over 100 books by the time she was 16. She went on to conquer many firsts, including being the first African American to teach white students. 

Fighting spirit is exactly what Aqualtune embodies. Listen to hear her rarely told story of fighting against all odds for her freedom, the freedom of her children and her people. 

Professor Jesmyn Ward is at the forefront of showcasing the stories of Black and Brown people as literary works that are universal and relatable. After overcoming her own creative hurdles in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Professor Ward has gone on to write award-winning novels and share the humanity, trials and triumphs of her characters with audiences worldwide.

Founder of Children's LoveCastles Trust, Bhagya Rangachar is determined to ensure that the next generation has the appropriate education to compete in our ever-changing economy.

Many of us are familiar with the work of Lorraine Hansberry, including her pivotal and history-making Broadway play, "A Raisin in the Sun." However, she was an outspoken advocate for federal intervention in the school desegregation movement. 

Twenty years before becoming Vice President of Children's and Family Programs at NBC Phyllis was a young college student with a son of her own, receiving state assistance. 

 Mother Hale, was an American humanitarian who founded the Hale House Center, a home for unwanted children and children who were born addicted to drugs. After the death of her own husband, Mother Hale wanted to "work from home" in order to spend more time with her children. Providing child care for local children, she cared for over 4,000 children, many of whom were born with drug addictions. Her first 40 foster children all went on to college! 

Dr. Mathaai was an internationally renowned Kenyan environmental political activist became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for "her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace." Maathai was an elected member of Parliament and served as assistant minister for Environment and Natural resources. But wouldn't you know it, her (ex)husband and the judge had some opinions about her role as "wife."

Her Auntie purchased her freedom and she went on to be the first African American woman to receive a college degree in the U.S. BUT that was only one of the firsts that Fanny achieved. 

There's a saying, "The first person through the door catches the bullets." Well, Niloofar Rahmani caught the bullets and lived to inspire others. At the young age of 20. Niloofar Rahmani became the 1st woman to earn her wings in Afghanistan's Air Force. But, her place in history as an international symbol of female empowerment & courage has made it impossible to live safely in her own country. She has sacrificed much to realize her dream and she continues to fight.

Born to an enslaved mommy, (yep, we said 'mommy'), Maggie became the first African American woman bank president in Richmond, VA. Hear of her commercial and philanthropic endeavors on today's episode.

We've all heard of Samurai warriors. And we typically think of men when we hear the word 'Samurai.' Well, the Onna-bugeisha were a group of Japanese warrior women who you need to know about! 

Imagine teaching college at Howard University by day and then studying law by night. Now, imagine doing that during Reconstruction, as an African American woman. That is EXACTLY what Charlotte Ray did. Becoming the first Black woman in the United States to practice law. 

Can you imagine upholding laws that infringe upon your own rights to live your life and love who you want to love? Well, until the laws regarding the LGBT population in Colorado changed, that's exactly what Justice Monica Marquez was charged with doing. Hear her extraordinary story of living her life on her terms.

This is a very heavy subject, that of sexual abuse of a child. But Sherry has not let her difficult beginnings stop her from using her voice to speak up for other children, who like her, were failed by so many adults and the system.