Northern Virginia has been home to — or closely connected with — many remarkable women throughout history. Here are seven notable women with ties to the region.
Katie Couric
This distinguished broadcast journalist was born in Arlington and is known for her work on NBC’s Today and for becoming the first woman to serve as a solo anchor at CBS. She attended the University of Virginia, where she got her degree in American studies.
Madeleine Albright
Albright’s roles as US Ambassador to the United Nations and as the first woman to serve as US Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001 brought her to the Washington, D.C. area.
Kathryn Sullivan
This American oceanographer and astronaut was the first woman to walk in space in 1984. Her work with Accenture Federal Services in Arlington brought her to Northern Virginia.
Sandra Bullock has connections to Northern Virginia. | Photo via Flickr
Sandra Bullock
Born in Arlington, this actress is renowned for her performances in hit films like “Miss Congeniality.” She earned the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “The Blind Side.”
Hilarie Burton
Born in Sterling, this actress is famous for her role in the TV show “One Tree Hill.” She’s also been in other well-known shows such as “The Walking Dead” and “White Collar.”
Shirley MacLaine
This award-winning actress, dancer, singer, and author was born in Richmond and raised in Arlington. Her debut movie was Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Trouble with Harry” in 1955. One of her many awards includes the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in “Terms of Endearment.”
Emmylou Harris
This country music icon spent her teenage years in Northern Virginia, attending Gar-Field Senior High School in Woodbridge. Over the course of her career, she has won 14 Grammy Awards, including Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
