Which women pioneers have inspired you, and why?

The women featured in "Fly Girls" were pioneers in their field. Which women pioneers have inspired you, and why?

Having traveled across this country over a dozen times now and seen some of the places the early Westward women walked to and settled with their husbands and children, I have such admiration for them. Seeing some of the places that unmarried women as teachers and Harvey girls traveled to alone, knowing no one at their destination makes me marvel at their self-confidence and ambition. Those early pioneer women were braver than these fliers to me. They were embarking on a whole new life in desolate places without family or friends surrounded by unwelcoming natives. That took guts.

I enjoyed reading about all of these pioneers and the sacrifices they made in the pursuit of flying. I particularly enjoyed the story of Louise Thaden. She was the only female pilot spotlighted who was able to combine marriage, motherhood and flying. I also liked the story of Olive Ann Beech and her leadership in the history of aviation.

Ruth Bader Ginsberg - I recently saw a movie about her, and she was a pioneer at the time in law. Women who fought for civil rights. Women who fought for the right to vote. Lots more - Marie Curie, Eleanor Roosevelt, Malala, Emily Dickinson, Rosa Parks, to name a few.

Prior to reading the book I had only heard of Amelia Earhart. I think all of the women in the book were inspirational. They had the courage to buck the street. Wouldn’t they have been interested in today’s climate for women?

When we moved to Georgia 20 years ago there was a female doctor who had been practicing for over 40 years. Her story appeared in the local newspaper when she retired at age 92. She faced opposition when she was in medical school, and when starting her practice, but she persevered and was very successful. She was my children's doctor and an example to them for reaching their goals. When she retired there was a great outpouring of gratitude for setting an example for young women. A portion of the highway near where her office was located has a stretch named for her.

I am always inspired by any woman who bucks the system and makes pathways for the rest of us.

When I was in the fifth grade, I had a teacher right at the end of her career. She had been the FIRST female graduate of what was then Arkansas A&M College; now it is University of Arkansas at Monticello. When I was in her class, I didn't understand that she was a pioneer. As I grew older, I did understand how much she had accomplished. She inspired me to get a college degree and a graduate degree.