This gallery highlights the achievements of a few pioneering women professionals in our collections. These particular women entered their respective careers at a time when women enjoyed limited access to higher education and professional opportunities. Women in historically marginalized groups (including LGBTQ communities, rural communities, and communities of color) faced additional challenges beyond gender barriers. The women we've profiled here overcame several obstacles to establish themselves as accomplished professionals in fields traditionally dominated by men. In some cases, they even invented their own discipline!