You know all of these inspirational women, but how well do you really know them? See if any of these facts, inspired by the beautiful portraits in Limitless, catch you by surprise!

How Well Do You Know These 5 Important Female Trailblazers?

Dolly Parton – American Singer-Songwriter

We all know and love Dolly from her iconic song “Jolene,” but did you know she also founded Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library? This super cool organization gives a book to children every month from birth until they reach kindergarten! It’s hard not to go nuts for such a literature-positive role model.

Sojourner Truth – American Women’s Rights Activist

Born into slavery and eventually escaping with a baby daughter, Sojourner was known mainly for her outspoken thoughts on Abolition and Women’s rights. She actually changed her name in 1843 from her slave name to Sojourner Truth before calling for across-the-board change.

Julia Child – American Chef

Perhaps you know her from the movie Julie & Julia, or just a genuine love of food and those who make it. But, did you know that during World War II Julia was turned away from serving in WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) and WAC (Women’s Army Corps) because she was too tall? Luckily, she ended up taking all 6 foot two inches of her to the Office of Strategic Services.

Aretha Franklin – American Singer-Songwriter

This superstar musician taught us all to demand R-E-S-P-E-C-T with her amazing take on the song by Otis Redding. (That’s right, she redid it. Not that anyone remembers that because her version is so incredible) Aretha was a child music prodigy, and learned how to play piano completely by ear!

Carrie Fisher – American Actress, Author, and Mental Health Advocate

She was more than just princess Leia; Carrie Fisher was truly a renaissance woman. Among her accomplishments as a terrific actor and author, Carrie was awarded the Annual Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism by Harvard University in 2016.