As you explore Discovery West, you’ll see the names of 19 remarkable Women of Discovery who have inspired our community through groundbreaking contributions within medicine, science, space, and beyond. From the names of our streets, to lamppost banners and commissioned artwork, their legacies are woven into the fabric of Discovery West.
This Women’s History Month, we’re excited to share their stories with a wider audience in our community. In partnership with KTVZ News Channel 21, we’re presenting segments on the Women of Discovery during Sunrise News weekly starting March 7 on KTVZ and KFXO.
To kick things off, we introduce you to two pioneering women who are featured in this week’s segment: Marie Tharp, a geologist and cartographer who mapped the ocean floor, and Annie Londonderry, an adventurer who defied expectations and became the first woman to cycle around the world.
Marie Tharp was a pioneering geologist and oceanographic cartographer whose work fundamentally changed how we view Earth’s geology. In the mid-20th century, she collaborated on the first detailed maps of the ocean floor, revealing the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and providing critical evidence for the theory of plate tectonics. Despite skepticism from many in the scientific community, her meticulous mapping demonstrated that the seafloor was not a flat expanse but a dynamic landscape shaped by tectonic forces, revolutionizing our understanding of Earth’s structure.
Annie Londonderry was a fearless trailblazer who captivated the world with her daring spirit. In 1894, she set out on an unprecedented journey: to cycle around the world. Facing skepticism and societal constraints, she embarked on her trip with determination, funding her adventure through sponsorships. Over the course of 15 months, she pedaled across continents, proving that women were capable of remarkable feats of endurance and independence. Her journey was more than just a cycling achievement—it was a bold statement on the changing role of women in society.
Join us in celebrating these incredible women—past and present—who inspire us to explore, innovate, and discover by tuning into the segment! Find it here.