Icons of Possibilities

These messages portray individuals who became role models, paving the way for others.

    • Opportunities Matter

      Valerie Thomas was born in Maryland in 1943. When she went to school, schools were being integrated. Without the landmark Brown vs Board of Education Supreme Court decision, it’s unlikely that Valerie would have had the opportunity to utilize fully the talent she had...

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    • Fighting On

      Bibian Mentel had planned to go to law school but gave up her plans to focus on snowboarding. Three years into her snowboarding career, she participated in her first world championship. She was the Dutch Champion six times. But at the championships six years into...

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    • A Champion of Progress

      Fannie Perkins was born in 1880 to a family who could trace their roots to the early days of America. She would later legally change her name to Frances. While in college she became involved in politics and women’s right to vote. This became the focus of her career...

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    • Our Social Responsibility

      Bernard Lown came to America from Lithuania with his family when he was 14. He completed his M.D. degree from Johns Hopkins University and specialized in cardiology. His specific focus was sudden cardiac death. Dr. Lown felt that patients could be resuscitated and...

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    • Truth Telling

      Murrey Marder was a depression era child who needed to start working at the age of 8 to help support his family. There was no money for college so when Marder was honored later in life with a fellowship to Harvard, it became a fitting recognition for someone who...

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    • Gifts to America

      Frederick Law Olmstead inherited a love of nature, people, and places from his father. Little did he know until later in life that this love would become his career passion. And as a result, America has benefitted from that passion. Olmstead had intended to attend...

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    • New Concepts of Justice

      Mary Bartelme was raised in a family of six children. She decided to become a teacher and taught for five years. She changed her career aspirations and decided to become a lawyer. With her background in teaching, Mary focused her legal practice on advocacy for young...

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    • Accepting Others

      Bill Tilden was born in to a family of privilege but led anything but a privileged life. Two older siblings died before he was born. His mother was an invalid and died when he was 18. His father died when he was 22. As a result, Bill suffered from depression. Tennis...

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    • Desire for a Better Life

      Elizabeth (Bet) Freeman was born a slave on the farm of Pieter Hogeboom. While she never learned to read or write, she had a strong sense of herself and would leave a legacy in the fight for civil rights. Hogeboom gave Bet to his daughter, Hannah, when she married....

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    • Healing a Nation

      Suhaila Siddiq was one of six girls born to a prominent family in Afghanistan. Her father believed in education and careers for women. Suhaila followed his guidance and became a medical doctor. In the Afghan culture this was very rare. Dr. Siddiq was highly respected...

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