Recognized Baby Boomers for Women’s History Month

7 Baby Boomer Women Recognized for March 2019

In honor of Women’s History Month celebrated each March, Made You Smile Back is setting aside this month to recognize seven modern day women which represents American Women’s History initiative.  This initiative amplifies women’s voices to honor the past, inform the present and inspire the future. 

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

It was a hard selection to make, but Made You Smile Back chose this seven women to be recognized.  Some names you will immediately recognize and there may be one or two that this shall be your first introduction to.  But make no mistake, each recognized baby boomer in their own right, have fought for justice and equality.  They are all noted influencers in today’s evolving modern society.

1. Erin Brockovich

Born in June 1960, Erin Brockovich is our first baby boomer to recognize this month of March 2019.  At 58 years of age, she is best known as an ‘environmental activist’.  Despite her lack of education, she persevered as a legal clerk building a case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company of California in 1993.  

22 years strong, Erin Brockovich continues to be a consumer advocate.  She is not afraid to take on ‘the big guys’  and strives to make the earth a better place for future generations and is a role model as to what you can accomplish when you strongly believe in something and tenaciously stand up for what is right!

2. Laura Bush

Next Made You Smile Back would like to recognize and honor Laura Bush as another deserving Baby Boomer.  We all know Laura Bush as the First Lady of the United States during the presidency of her husband, George W. Bush, from 2001 to 2009. 

While an avid advocate for many causes, she is widely known for her voice in raising education and literacy by establishing the semi-annual National Book Festival in 2001.  She actively encourages education on a worldwide scale.

Today, at age 72, Laura Bush is still actively involved in advancement of women’s causes through The Heart Truth and Susan G. Komen for the Cure organizations.  

3. Meryl Streep

Widely known as a celebrated Oscar award-winning actress, Meryl Streep is also being recognized as a notable woman baby boomer. 

Unknown by many, Meryl Streep was actually planning to become a lawyer.  But when she applied for law school, she overslept for the interview.  As a result, she felt this was a sign and instead pursued her passion for acting.

She is also widely acclaimed for her staunch position on women’s rights and equality.  In 2014, she was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom, an award bestowed by the President of the United States, Barack OBama.

4. Dr. Ellen Ocho

Our 4th Recognized Woman Baby Boomer for March 2019 is a former NASA Astronaut, civil engineer and the former Director of the Johnson Space Center.  Currently, at age 60, Dr. Ocho is the current Vice Chair of the National Science Board for the 2018-2020 term.

She is widely recognized as the first Hispanic female in history to be selected as an astronaut when she completed her training in 1991.  She holds several patents and serves as a role model both to the Hispanic community but to women as a whole.

5. Condoleezza Rice

Condoleezza Rice is our 5th Recognized Baby Boomer of the Month of March 2019.  From Birmingham, Alabama, Condoleeza Rice served as the 64th Secretary of State in the George W. Bush administration.

Known as a high achiever, she was an accom-plished pianist and was known for her love in international music leading to a career as a diplomat. 

She has been recognized for many awards, one being the NCCP The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People  Image Award. Winners are selected by the NAACP president in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service. 

At age 64, Dr. Rice is still actively involved in many organizations, one of which is the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

6. Oprah Winfrey

Simply known as ‘Oprah’, Ms. Winfrey is probably the most widely recognized female baby boomer in the world today.  Her roots are from the rural area of Mississippi and was raised in extreme poverty. 

She was first introduced into the media world to radio while still in high school.  By 19, she was a co-anchor for the local evening news.  She quickly rose through the ranks and became the most successful syndicated host in television history with her debut, “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 1986 based in Chicago.

Currently 65, Oprah is ranked the greatest black philanthropist in American history.  Like her fellow baby boomer, Meryl Streep, Ms. Winfrey was awarded the Presidential Medal  of Freedom in 2013.

7. Michelle Obama

Although listed 7th, make no mistake Michelle Obama is a force to be reckoned with.  Made You Smile Back is proud to include her as the last on this month’s list of Recognized Women Baby Boomers for March 2019.  

Yes, she is the first African American woman to become a First Lady of the United States, being married to her husband, Barrack Obama.  Born in Chicago, Michelle is a lawyer, university administrator and a prolific writer.

As First Lady, Obama served as a role model for women.  She worked as an active advocate for poverty awareness, education, and health.

In the most recent 2018 Gallup Poll, Michelle Obama was named as America’s most admired woman.  She recently wrote a best seller, “Becoming” which was released in November 2018 and was the best selling hardcover book in 2018, breaking the record in just 15 days.

Who Are Your Favorite Baby Boomer Women of 2019?

Join the conversation and comment below on who your favorite Woman Baby Boomer for Women’s History Month is and why.