March is Women’s History Month. To celebrate, we are highlighting several trailblazing women who have made important contributions to health and wellness as we know it today. From making important innovations to paving the path for future health professionals, we celebrate these women, and all women for their strength, wisdom, and greatness.
Clara Barton, nurse/educator (1821–1912)
Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881 after serving as a nurse in the Civil War. Thanks to Barton, the organization has gone on to provide help, relief, and critical services in America and around the world.
Elizabeth Blackwell, MD, author, educator (1821–1910)
In 1849, Blackwell became the first woman to earn an MD degree from an American medical school. Thanks to her trailblazing, Blackwell encouraged and enabled women to enter the field and now half of all medical school graduates are females.
Rebecca Lee Crumpler, MD (1831-1895)
In 1864, Crumpler became the first African-American woman to receive an MD degree. Her book, Book of Medical Discourses, was one of the first publications about medicine by an African American and set a new precedent in the medical field.
Catherine Switzer, author, television commentator and marathon runner (1947-)
Switzer was the first woman to enter and run the Boston Marathon in 1967. She went on to advocate for the women’s marathon to be added to the Olympics.
Jane Fonda, actress (1937-)
Fonda revolutionized women’s fitness in the ’80s and ’90s when she released her iconic workout videos. Her first tape, released in 1982, is the best-selling home workout video of all time.
Michelle Obama, U.S. First Lady, lawyer (1964-)
First Lady Michelle Obama turned children’s healthy eating and physical activity into a national conversation. She started a vegetable garden at the White House in 2009 and launched the Let’s Move campaign in 2010.
Bonni Goldstein, doctor/educator (present)
Bonni has become one of the most well-respected and long-established cannabis doctors in the United States. Bonni opened Canna-Centers Wellness and Education in California where she specializes in treating children with intractable epilepsy, autism, cancer and other conditions.
These are just a handful of the many women whose contributions have shaped the health and wellness industry as we know it today. We continue to support and celebrate women innovators and women-owned businesses in health and beyond!