Best known for initiating the effort to free an enslaved woman named Eliza Winston in 1860, she weathered mob violence for her efforts. She rebuilt her home and business after the incident and lived in Minneapolis for the remainder of her life.
Nina Clifford, a child of immigrants who evolved into the “richest woman of the underworld,” made a name for herself as an affluent sex worker who contributed to the buildup of St. Paul’s downtown Red Light District in the late 1800s. She invited other women to establish their businesses nearby while police sanctioned an environment in which vice could thrive.
Employing the racial prejudices and fantasies of elite male clients once used against her, Ida Dorsey established herself as one of the Twin Cities’ most notorious madams, running multiple brothels between the 1880s and the 1910s.
American composer, instructor, activist, and businesswoman
1800s Canadian nurse, businesswoman, and philanthropist
Award-winning American lyricist, composer and producer
American reformer, pension agent and humanitarian
Early 1900s Australian mechanic and garage owner
In 1967 Kenney co-founded The Latino Association, which initiated a volunteer program providing educational and childcare services to migrant children. This initiative evolved into the Washington Citizens for Migrant Affairs, now known as Inspire, which secured federal funding to establish childcare centers across Eastern Washington.
Ruby Chow was dubbed a “living legend” (Rhodes) for her 50-year career as a restaurateur, Chinese community pioneer, civic activist, public official, and a major bridge between Seattle’s Chinese community and the city at large.