Over the years, Texasliving has shared the stories of many inspiring women across the state of Texas. Though all have incredible stories, here are a few of the noteworthy individuals. Click the links to read their full stories and discover some of the women who have shaped the history, culture, and legacy of the Lone Star State and beyond.
Edna Gladney: A venture mostly ignored before her involvement, the plight of the illegitimate, the orphaned, and the homeless child became Edna Gladney’s lifelong pursuit—a pursuit that would eventually change the face of Texas and America as well.
Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth Butt: Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth Butt was Howard Edward Butt’s wife, but also the name and face behind countless social causes benefiting Texas’s children, mentally challenged, and underprivileged.
Katherine Stinson: The famed founder of the San Antonio airfield by the same name, Katherine Stinson may have been the fourth licensed female pilot in history, but she went on to perform the first of many aviation feats. A woman in a man’s world, she bucked traditional stereotypes and became a worldwide sensation.
Mildred Ella “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias: The most gifted female athlete of the 20th century, and perhaps of all time, was a Texas woman called Babe. Mildred Ella “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias became a U.S. sensation and an international phenomenon after she won three medals in track and field at the 1932 Olympics.
Linda Pace: Artist, philathropist, and art collector Linda Pace flipped the script to make her artist’s dreams a reality. Ruby City is tangible evidence of her significant impact on the arts in her hometown of San Antonio.