Notable Women from Virginia: Journey to 250
As we continue our Virginia “Journey to 250,” we examine the lives of remarkable women from Virginia who helped shape both our Commonwealth and our nation. Their achievements in science, journalism, the arts, and athletics have left a lasting impact on our culture and opportunities. Keep in mind, these are just a few examples. Let these stories spark curiosity and thoughtful conversations in your homeschool. Explore their achievements and see how Virginia’s history continues to shape our future.
Katherine Johnson: The Mathematician Who Helped Reach the Stars
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), beginning her career at the Langley Research Center under the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (the predecessor of NASA), where her calculations helped make early U.S. spaceflight possible.
Johnson calculated flight paths for Alan Shepard’s first American spaceflight and personally verified the orbital calculations for John Glenn’s historic 1962 Friendship 7 mission. Her precise work also contributed to the success of the Apollo moon missions. Despite working in an era of racial segregation and gender barriers, she prevailed through excellence and determination. Her story illustrates how determination, curiosity, and dedication can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.
Katie Couric: A Groundbreaker in Broadcast Journalism
Katie Couric was born in Arlington, Virginia, and became one of the most recognizable figures in American journalism. Rising from local reporting roles to national prominence, she co-anchored Today before becoming, in 2006, the first solo female anchor of a Big Three network evening newscast at CBS.
Couric’s career has included interviews with world leaders, coverage of major global events, and a strong commitment to public health. After her husband died of colon cancer, she became a leading advocate for cancer screening.
For students interested in writing, media, or civics, her career reflects the growing influence of women in national media and the power of journalism in shaping public discourse.
P. Buckley Moss: “The People’s Artist”
Patricia Buckley Moss (1933–2024), better known as P. Buckley Moss, built an internationally respected art career while living and working in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Known affectionately as “The People’s Artist,” Moss earned that title through her accessible style, warm personality, and strong connection to everyday families.
Her distinctive folk-art style depicted scenes of rural life, church gatherings, schoolhouses, and quiet moments in community life. Simplicity, faith, and family were common themes in her work, reflecting the values she saw and loved in small-town Virginia. Even more important was her support for children with learning differences. Having struggled with dyslexia herself, she became a passionate supporter of arts education and established the Moss Foundation, which provides scholarships and arts support for students facing similar challenges. Her story underscores the importance of recognizing diverse learning styles and cultivating creative strength. With creativity, determination, and vision, every student can flourish.
Gabby Douglas: Olympic Excellence and Resilient Faith
Gabby Douglas, from Virginia Beach, caught the world’s attention at the 2012 London Olympics when she became the first African American woman to win the Olympic all-around gymnastics gold medal and the first U.S. gymnast to win both team and all-around gold medal and the first U.S. gymnast to win both team and all-around gold at the same Olympics. She also helped lead the U.S. team to gold in 2012 and 2016, showcasing both individual ability and teamwork.
both individual ability and teamwork.both individual ability and teamwork. She also helped lead the U.S. team to gold in 2012 and 2016, showcasing both individual ability and teamwork. Douglas’s journey required discipline, resilience, and sacrifice from a young age. After sustaining injuries and facing intense public scrutiny, she took a season off from elite competition to recover and reflect. In interviews, she has spoken openly about relying on her Christian faith during difficult seasons—gaining strength through prayer, Scripture, and family support as she worked to rebuild, both physically and mentally. She continues to encourage perseverance, strong boundaries, and spiritual grounding—showing that success isn’t measured only by medals but also by the character built through challenges.
Continuing the Journey
These women represent just a small glimpse of the many Virginians whose work shapes our culture, knowledge, and opportunities today. Scientists, artists, journalists, athletes, educators, and leaders across the Commonwealth continue to make a difference in the nation. As you continue your own Journey to 250, look for more stories of Virginia women who have made a difference. Pick someone to research, visit a museum or historic site, watch an interview, or create a project inspired by their achievements. Virginia’s story continues to unfold—and the next chapter may well begin in your own homeschool classroom. Continue the journey next month as we discover more remarkable Virginians in the world of athletics!
