5 Women who Changed the World: Pt. 17

​This month, my posts will spotlight 5 women who changed the world. In the end, 100 women will be spotlighted. Today I spotlight the following women:

• Serena Williams
• Maria Sibylla Merian
• Fanny Mendelssohn
• Beulah Louise Henry
• Zora Neale Hurston

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​​Serena Williams

Athlete

Named world No. 1 on eight occasions and won 39 Gran Slam titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Seen as one of the greatest tennis players if all time and has inspired thousands of women to take up the sport.

Biography

​Maria Sibylla Merian

Artist

Had an interest in studying insects. Wrote and illustrated books documenting how these creatures looked and their life cycles. One of the first Europeans to do this. Regarded as one of the greatest in this field.

Biography

​Fanny Mendelssohn

Composer

An accomplished composer who created hundreds of songs working with pianos, orchestras, and cantatas (vocal compositions). Though a great composer and piano player, often didn't play for crowds or shows.

Biography

​Beulah Louise Henry

Inventor

A creative woman who loved to invent, creating over 110 inventions with 49 receiving patents. Seen as a role model for women for her groundbreaking creativity and designs which were aimed at improving daily life.

Biography

​Zora Neale Hurston

Author and Filmmaker

Work often depicted African-American people's struggles in the South of America. Wrote more than 50 stories, essays, and plays. While live, work went relatively unnoticed. Only after passing did the work get the attention it truly deserved.

Biography