South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem Among Influential Women of the Century from Mount Rushmore State

It takes a strong person to live in South Dakota.

The harsh winters, the isolation of rural parts of the state, and the uncertainty of relying on Mother Nature to provide a livelihood in agriculture are all reasons some may choose to avoid living in the Mount Rushmore State. 

But for those who live here, there's beauty in the prairie, in the Black Hills, in the serenity of a cold winter day. There's also ample opportunity to make an impact on the community, and from the state's inception, South Dakota women have been making their mark.

In August, America marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, when women gained the legal right to vote. In commemoration of the occasion, the USA TODAY Network is naming 10 American women from all 50 states and the District of Columbia who’ve made significant contributions to their respective states and country as Women of the Century.

These women have a track record showing outstanding achievement in areas such as arts and literature, business, civil rights, education, entertainment, law, media, nonprofits and philanthropy, politics, science and medicine, and sports. Other requirements included U.S. citizenship and having lived between 1920 and 2020.

Via USA Today