Barbara Lee Francisco is a lifelong resident of eastern Iowa and has worked professionally as an artist/illustrator for 35 years. She was fine art grad of Mt. Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Barbara has created award winning logos and illustrations for companies across Iowa and the Midwest. She has written and illustrated two webcomics and is known for drawing art for children's books and designing book covers.

Barbara is married and lives with her a bagpipe playing hubby, a wild Labrador puppy and a very lazy cat. She loves spending free time gardening, singing and playing acoustic guitar shows, and enjoying time with her grown children and brand new grandson.

Learn more about Barbara at her website, barbaraleeart.com.

A lifelong learner and advocate for education for both women and people of color, Ms. Yates was the first African American student to graduate from Rogers High School. She obtained her college degree with honors from Rhode Island State Normal School, then went on to get a master's degree from National University in Illinois. She was first and foremost a teacher, teaching chemistry, elocution and English literature.

"The aim of all true education is to give to body and soul all the beauty, strength and perfection of which they are capable."

Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

After graduating Training School with highest honors, Mary went on to get bachelor's degrees in both mathematics and physical science from Hampton University. In 1951, she was recruited by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, which would eventually become NASA.

Starting as a research mathematician (known as a computer) she soon moved into the area of research, analyzing air flow, thrust and drag forces that would affect space travel.

In 1979 she achieved the most senior title in NASA engineering, and throughout her career, worked to gain recognition for other women in her field.

Image courtesy of NASA.

At 10 years old, intrigued by a book on solar power, Eden designed her own solar-powered car. Though it wasn't perfect, it started her on a path exploring what this power source could offer.

In high school, she developed a tracking system to improve solar panels' efficiency up to 40%. The nonmotorized device used gravity and a water clock making it simple and affordable for people around the world. This earned her a Thiel Fellowship and led her to develop the SunSaluter organization.

Eden has received many honors, including Forbes' magazine's 30 Under 30. She is CEO of Mobot, a mobile app testing service powered by supervised mechanical robots.

Image courtesy of LinkedIn.