Dr. Ruth Simmons - 1st African-American woman to lead an Ivy League university

These are women you may not have heard of but who are definitely worth taking the time to learn more about.

They’re the women who’ve made a difference in their fields and aren’t getting national airtime for doing so!

Read about these women and their accomplishments at MSN Lifestyle

1) Rachael Scdoris: Dogsled racer

2) C. Vivian Stringer: Basketball coach

3) Maria Teresa Tula: Human rights activist

4) Sarah Chayes: Activist

5) Marie C. Wilson: Founder of The White House Project

6) Emme Aronson: First plus-size supermodel

7) Waris Dirie: Crusader against female genital mutilation

8 ) Dr. Julie Gerberding: Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

9) Dr. Wangari Maathai: 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner

10) Safiye Amajan: Afghan teacher

11) Dr. Ruth Simmons: First African-American woman to lead an Ivy League university

12) Zainab Salbi: Women for Women International

13) Kelly Perkins: Heart transplant recipient, mountain climber, organ donation advocate

14) Jody Williams: Founder of International Campaign Against Land Mines and winner of 1997 Nobel Peace Prize

15) Kathy Eldon: CEO and co-founder of Creative Visions Foundation