It is our mission to let everyone become aware of the extraordinary accomplishments of this year's inductees along with the 176 Honorees already in the National Women's Hall of Fame. The October ceremony gives all of us an opportunity to be inspired by the diverse achievements of these women. Andersen, a pediatrician and pathologist, was the first to identify the disease cystic fibrosis. She also developed a simple, definitive diagnostic test for the disease. Professional equality was a lifelong pursuit for Andersen.
Ball is undoubtedly one of the best known and best loved television comediennes of all time.
The I Love Lucy Show, which began in 1951, is still shown in reruns in more than 70 countries around the world. She was a television pioneer who excelled both in the acting and the production aspects of television. Author and social reformer, Lydia Child spent a lifetime crusading for the abolition of slavery and supporting women's suffrage. As the author of more than 40 books and the editor of 11 publications, she was always addressing the main issues of 19th century America. Bessie Coleman was the first licensed black female aviator.