I wanted to find a woman who belonged in this category and was someone I had never heard of. I admit that I dug really deep for this. You'd be surprised at the kind of things you can learn if you try hard enough.
Hildegard of Bingen -- A medieval nun who wrote many books, including books on spirituality, medicine, botany, biology, and astronomy. She wrote the music and text for 63 hymns. She was an administrator; as abbess, she separated her convent from the control of the local monastery and made it a successful separate entity. She was in demand as speaker and preached in many of Europe's great cathedrals. She corresponded with monarchs, scholars and church leaders across Europe. She died in 1179 at the age of 81.
Christie A. Hefner -- Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Playboy Corporation. She also manages the donations and grants of the Playboy Foundation. Here are some recent ones:
National Conference on Wrongful Convictions and the Death Penalty, Chicago -
It received a contribution earmarked for sponsorship of this national gathering of the wrongfully convicted, attorneys and activists opposed to capital punishment.
God's Love We Deliver, New York -
General operating support was given for its meal delivery and nutrition support services for homebound people living with HIV/AIDS.
Broadway Theatre Institute, New York -
A contribution was given for the purchase of theater tickets and food for children of a homeless shelter.
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Washington, DC -
To provide legal assistance for lesbians and gays who are the target of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" military policy.
Paradise Productions, Inc., New York, NY -
For postproduction costs for the production of "The Abortion Pill," an exploration of the pros and cons of RU 486.
Feminists for Free Expression, New York, NY -
To preserve a woman's right to read, hear, view and produce the materials of her choice without the intervention of the state.
