“The secret of our success is that we never, never give up.” – Wilma Mankiller

Wilma Mankiller (1945-2010) was a Native American activist, community organizer, and social worker. She was the first woman elected as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. In 1985, she worked in the federal administration of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, where under her leadership, the Cherokee government established new health clinics, early and adult education programs, and more. After her political career, she continued working as an advocate for women’s health, tribal sovereignty, and cancer awareness. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.