As we head into 2023, let’s take a moment to celebrate the many ways that women made history throughout 2022. From flying around the world to award show recognition, these are just a few of the ways women broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of change makers:

1. In January, Zara Rutherford completed her five-month journey around the world. At just 19 years old, Rutherford made history two times over. She became the youngest woman to complete a solo flight around the world and the first person to complete flight around the world in a microlight aircraft.
   
2. Ketanji Brown Jackson was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Joe Biden in February. Following a series of hearings, she was finally confirmed by the U.S. Senate in April and was sworn into her new position in June. Justice Jackson is the first Black woman and the sixth woman overall to serve on the Supreme Court in its entire 233 year-history.
   
3. Turning Red was a delightful story about adolescence and coming of age, one of the few in the genre starring Asian characters. The film follows Mei Lee, a thirteen-year-old who turns into a giant red panda when overly excited. Directed by Domee Shi, Turning Red is the first Pixar movie with an all-women leadership team. 
   
4. A new neighbor arrived on Sesame Street this year: Gabrielle, a six-year-old with a pet bunny named Harriet and an older cousin named Tamir. Gabriella is played by Megan Piphus Peace, who is the first Black woman puppeteer on the series.
   
5. Katya Echazarreta’s accomplishment is out of this world–literally! As is the accomplishment of the next woman on this list. Echazarreta is an electrical engineer and science communicator, who uses her platform to inspire and empower women in STEM. In June, she became the first Mexican-born woman to go to space as a Space For Humanity ambassador.
   
6. Echazaretta isn’t the only woman space traveler who made history this year! A member of the Wailacki of the Round Valley Indian Tribes, astronaut Nicole Aunapu Mann became the first Native American woman to travel to space. Mann is currently serving as the mission commander and flight engineer on NASA’s Space Crew-5 mission.
   
7. Over the 2022 midterm elections, the United States nominated a record number of women to governor. Twelve women are expected to take office in 2023, some of which are making history themselves. For example, Tina Kotek of Oregon and Maura Healey of Massachusetts will be the first openly lesbian governors of the country.
   
8. Angela Alvarez has always had a passion for music, but her father discouraged her from pursuing it professionally as a child. Now in her 90s, Alvarez has made her official debut as a musician to much success. In November, she won Best New Artist at the Latin Grammys, becoming the award show’s eldest winner. Listen to her music on Spotify or Apple Music.
   
9. Renaissance by Beyoncé came out this summer to critical acclaim and commercial success. It was no surprise that the album received nine Grammy nominations, making it the most nominated album of the 65^th Annual Grammy Awards. With these nominations, Beyoncé has tied the record for the most nominated artist in Grammy Awards history.
   
10. The Men’s World Cup has never had women referees–at least until this year! For the first time, women referees were among those officiating the matches of the FIFA World Cup. Stephanie Frappart, Yamashita Yoshimi, and Salima Mukansanga all served as referees throughout the tournament; the trio was joined by assistant referees Neuza Back, Karen Diaz Medina and Kathryn Nesbitt.

Take Action! Remember all the HERstory made in 2022. Share their stories and find inspiration in their accomplishments as you look to the new year.