Janet Yellen

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Janet Yellen
January 6: Economist Janet Yellen is confirmed as head of the Federal Reserve, making her the first woman to take charge of the country's monetary policy—and work hard for everyone's money.

Lupita Nyong'o

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Lupita Nyong'o
March 2: Nyong'o becomes only the sixth black woman to win an Oscar for best supporting actress. Her speech soars, tears are shed, the entire world develops a simultaneous crush.

Michelle Howard

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Michelle Howard
July 1: Full speed ahead: The U.S. Navy's Michelle Howard is promoted to four-star admiral, a rank never before held by a woman.

Maryam Mirzakhani

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Maryam Mirzakhani
August 13: The prestigious Fields Medal is awarded to Stanford mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani, the first calcu-lady to win the 78-year-old honor, for her mind-expanding contributions to geometry and dynamical systems.

Mo'ne Davis

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Mo'ne Davis
August 15: Thirteen-year-old Mo'ne Davis throws the fastball heard round the world as the first girl to pitch a winning game in the Little League Baseball World Series—and the only Little Leaguer ever to land the national cover of Sports Illustrated.

Mia Love

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Mia Love
November 4: Former Saratoga Springs, Utah, mayor Mia Love is elected to the House, becoming the first black female Republican to join the ranks of the congressional GOP. Politics as (un)usual.

Susan Morrison

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Susan Morrison
November 21: Morrison hits her sweet spot as the first woman to serve as executive pastry chef in the White House kitchen. Confectioner in chief, we hungrily salute you.

Ava Duvernay

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Ava Duvernay
December 11: Duvernay earns a Golden Globe nomination for Selma, breaking down barriers as the first black woman to receive that nod for directing. Well deserved, golden girl.

From the March 2015 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine