American Business Women’s Day, celebrated on September 22, honors the achievements of women in business. From the early pioneers to contemporary leaders, women have shaped industries and paved the way for future generations. Among these trailblazers are Mae Reeves, Anna Bissell, Estée Lauder, Maggie Lena Walker, and Sara Sunshine. Their contributions have left a lasting impact on business, empowering women to succeed in fields traditionally dominated by men. Celebrate American Business Women’s Day by discovering the below inspiring women who shaped history and revolutionized their industries.
5 Women to Know for American Business Women’s Day
1. Mae Reeves (1912–2016): A Fashion Pioneer
Mae Reeves was one of the first African American women to own a business in downtown Philadelphia. In 1941, she opened Mae’s Millinery Shop after securing a $500 loan. Her hat designs attracted iconic clients, including Ella Fitzgerald and Eartha Kitt. Beyond her fashion achievements, Reeves was a civil rights activist, using her store as a polling place. Her entrepreneurial spirit broke barriers for women of color in both fashion and business.
2. Anna Sutherland Bissell (1846–1934): America’s First Female CEO
Anna Bissell became the first female CEO in America after her husband’s death. She led the Bissell company, which produced carpet sweepers, into the international market. Bissell also pioneered progressive labor policies, offering workers’ compensation and pensions long before they were common. Under her leadership, the company became the largest of its kind by 1899, proving that women could successfully lead in the competitive corporate world.
3. Estée Lauder (1908–2004): Beauty Industry Mogul
Estée Lauder built a beauty empire from humble beginnings, launching her namesake company in 1946. Starting with just a few products, she quickly gained traction when her first order at Saks Fifth Avenue sold out in two days. Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. grew to become one of the largest cosmetics companies in the world. Lauder’s innovative marketing strategies, such as free samples, revolutionized the beauty industry, establishing her as a leader in global business.
4. Maggie Lena Walker (1864–1934): Banking Pioneer
Maggie Lena Walker was the first African American woman to charter a bank in 1903. She founded the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, creating jobs for African Americans, especially women. The bank grew and later merged through her leadership to become the Consolidated Bank and Trust Company. Walker’s vision extended beyond banking, focusing on improving the Black community’s economic independence and educational opportunities, setting a lasting legacy in financial empowerment.
5. Sara Sunshine (b. 1936): A Trailblazer in Advertising
Sara Sunshine co-founded the first U.S. advertising agency to focus on Latino audiences, the Spanish Marketing and Advertising Services (SAMS). In the 1960s, marketing agencies rarely targeted Latinos with culturally relevant campaigns, often relying on simple translations of English ads. Sunshine’s pioneering work recognized Latino Americans as a valuable and distinct audience. Her groundbreaking efforts were rewarded in 1987 when she became the first Clio Award winner for Hispanic market advertising.
