Pittsburgh is full of powerhouse women. (We certainly have some at Shift!) This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating some of Pittsburgh’s unsung heroines— activists, artists, educators, and scientists who may not be household names. Plenty of incredible women were instrumental in shaping the city we know and love today. Some fought for civil rights and social justice, others broke barriers in science and medicine, and many changed the art world forever. Without them, and women, Pittsburgh wouldn’t be the thriving, creative, and resilient city it is today.
An Education Trailblazer
Helen Faison, born in 1924, became the first African American woman to serve as a principal in Pittsburgh Public Schools and later became the district’s first female interim superintendent. She dedicated her career to ensuring equitable education for all students, particularly those in underserved communities.
Even after retiring, she continued working to improve education through the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Urban Education.
Her leadership and dedication inspired generations of educators and students. In a 2005 commencement address, she said, “I implore you that no matter what educational experiences you have enjoyed, what educational or other privileges you may be able to provide for the children in your own family, that you become and remain concerned about the other children and other families in our nation.”
A Suffrage Champion
Hannah J. Patterson was a driving force in the fight for women’s voting rights, in Pittsburgh and beyond. Born in 1879, she played a crucial role in the suffrage movement, organizing campaigns, lobbying lawmakers, and serving as the Pennsylvania Woman Suffrage Association’s secretary.
After the passage of the 19th Amendment, she continued advocating for women’s political participation, serving in leadership roles in both state and national government. As a member of the League of Women Voters and a presidential appointee to the Women’s Advisory Committee of the Council of National Defense, she paved the way for generations of women to engage in politics and public service.
A Silent Film Pioneer
Lois Weber, born in Pittsburgh in 1879, was one of the first female film directors and screenwriters. Weber created films to tackle social issues, directing silent movies that addressed topics like poverty, women’s rights, and birth control—subjects ahead of their time. Weber was the first woman in the Motion Picture Directors Association, and in 1916 she was reportedly the highest-paid director in the industry. She is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her legacy lives on in her work including: Suspense (1913), Hypocrites (1914), and The Hand That Rocks The Cradle (1917).
A Space Science Visionary
Judith Resnik was an engineer and astronaut who made history as the second American woman in space. Born in 1949 and raised in Pittsburgh, Resnik earned a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and was one of the first women selected for NASA’s astronaut program. She flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1984 and became known for her intelligence, skill, and dedication to advancing space exploration.
Tragically, Resnik lost her life in the Challenger disaster in 1986, but her legacy lives on in the generations of women inspired to pursue careers in science, engineering, and space exploration.
Celebrating Women
Shift Collaborative, based in Pittsburgh, proudly holds certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Our partners, Cynthia Closkey and Sarah Mayer, are passionate about uplifting women and championing our city. If you’d like to learn more, connect with us this Women’s History Month, or any month.
