Women Changing the World

In the '60s, Gloria began making a name for herself as a journalist, but she faced many obstacles along the way. "Once I was sent to Life magazine by my agent about an assignment, and they sent me home," she says. "They said, 'We want a writer, not a girl.'"

Eventually, Gloria landed a risqué assignment. She changed her name and went undercover as a Playboy bunny. For about a month, Gloria donned the infamous ears and worked at the Playboy Club. The article she wrote exposed the treatment of the women who worked in the club.

After the story went to print, Gloria's journalistic integrity was questioned. "It was already very difficult for women in general to get serious political writing assignments," she says. "And being a bunny, trust me, did not help."

Undeterred, Gloria became a well-known writer and best-selling author of books like Moving Beyond Words and Revolution from Within, but it was her controversial crusade for women's rights that made her a household name.

In 1972, Gloria made history again when she co-founded Ms. magazine, a forward-thinking magazine for women. The first issue sold out across the country, and from that groundbreaking concept came the Ms. Foundation, the group responsible for Take Your Daughter (and now son) to Work Day.

At 74 years old, Gloria is still paving the way for women everywhere.