Women who ignored convention changed the way we live and think. Madam C.J. Walker, the first Black female millionaire, built a hair-care empire that employed thousands of African-American women. The Lowell Mill Girls were the first to go on strike for shorter hours and better pay. Ruth Handler launched Barbie through her company, Mattel Toys. The Women Air Force Service pilots proved women were as good as men flying planes during World War II. NEW!