Fulton County District Attorney's Office

From the first Miss America crowned in 1921 in Atlantic City—to Vanessa Williams breaking barriers in 1984 as the first Black Miss America, progress continues to unfold. In 2025, Willow Newell carried that legacy forward as the first Black woman to win the Miss Wisconsin title.

“She Did It First” celebrates trailblazers who changed the game and those continuing their legacy. From Ibtihaj Muhammad breaking barriers at the 2016 Summer Olympics to Lauren Scruggs making history at the 2024 Summer Olympics, these women prove representation matters.

Then — 1967: Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, defying expectations and opening the door for women in sports. Now — 2024: Simone Biles became the most decorated gymnast in history, earning 11 Olympic medals and redefining excellence.

THEN ➡️ In 1921, Alice Harrell Strickland became Georgia’s first woman mayor in Duluth—just after women won the right to vote. NOW ➡️ Women continue breaking barriers in Fulton County: Shirley Franklin, Patsy Jo Hilliard, Bianca Motley Broom, and Carmalitha Gumbs.

Women’s History Month: She Did It First! From pioneering physicist and chemist Marie Curie to modern geneticists Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, women scientists have transformed the course of discovery and innovation.

Women’s History Month: She Did It First! Today we celebrate trailblazers Sally Ride and Mae Jemison. Sally Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983, and Mae Jemison made history in 1992 as the first Black woman to travel to space.

From global pioneers like Benazir Bhutto—the first woman to lead a democratic government in a Muslim-majority nation—to leaders such as Kamala Harris, the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American Vice President of the United States.

From trailblazing Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968, to leaders carrying her legacy today, women like Janelle Bynum continue breaking barriers and shaping the future of leadership.

Women’s History Month: She Did It First! From historic pioneers like Jeannette Rankin—the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress—to contemporary leaders such as Renee Hardman, whose leadership continues to expand opportunities for women in public service.

From groundbreaking civil rights attorney Constance Baker Motley to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, women have continued to break historic barriers in the legal profession.

From legal trailblazers like Clara Shortridge Foltz—the first female deputy district attorney in the United States—to modern leaders like Fani T. Willis, the first woman elected District Attorney of Fulton County, women have continued to break barriers in the pursuit of justice.

District Attorney Fani T. Willis and the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office wishes everyone celebrating a very happy #Holi! May this festival of colors bring joy, laughter, and happiness to you and your loved ones.

“She Did It First,” celebrates the trailblazing women who broke barriers and the modern-day leaders who continue their legacy. Each weekday in March, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office will feature a historic pioneer alongside a contemporary change-maker.

This Women’s History Month, we honor the resilience, leadership, and lasting impact of women who have shaped our communities and our justice system. Hear a special message from our District Attorney, Fani T. Willis, as she reflects on the power of perseverance, and service.

Join us as we celebrate the strength, leadership, and impact of women in our community at the State Capitol for the International Women’s Day Ceremony presented by the honorable Erica Thomas Adeyemi and the honorable Miriam Paris.

As we commemorate 100 Years of Black History Month, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office honors the courage and conviction of Claudette Colvin — a young woman whose bravery helped dismantle segregation in America.

On Thursday, February 26th, Madam DA Willis spoke at the 3rd Annual Benjamin E. Mays High School Sisterhood Summit, empowering young scholars from Atlanta Public Schools through mentoring and leadership workshops.

As part of our recognition of 100 years of Black History Month, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office celebrates Lauren Scruggs, who made history at the 2024 Summer Olympics as the first Black American woman to win an individual Olympic medal in fencing.

As we commemorate 100 Years of Black History Month, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office proudly recognizes the trailblazers of the Howard University Ice Skating Team, who made history in 2024 as the first figure skating club at a Historically Black College or University.

On Feb. 15, Madam DA spoke at Big Bethel AME Church’s Blackout Social Justice Sunday and received a commemorative plaque from Rev. Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine recognizing her leadership and courage.