Gen Z Making History: Trailblazers and history makers you should know

Every generation makes a lasting impression. Those born between 1997 and 2012 are considered Generation Z commonly called “Gen Z” which is packed with young and
influential individuals. The impact that Gen Z is making can be seen in a variety of
industries and they are just getting started.

In honor of Women’s History Month, here are a few influential Gen Zers whose accomplishments and contributions are taking the world by storm.

Naomi Osaka – Professional Tennis Player

Osaka has received many accolades within her tennis career. Her quiet demeanor and kind heart are a few reasons her fans are in awe of her. In 2021, Osaka made history and won the Australian Open against her opponent Serena Williams.

Osaka recently received a new title, mother, and took a brief hiatus, but is returning back to tennis soon.

Halle Bailey – Musician and Actress

Halle entered the entertainment industry as a child acting in various movies. She grew up in front of the camera and has not slowed down her success. Bailey made history as the first African American actress to play Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. She also appeared in the latest rendition of The Color Purple. Halle has recently entered another role of a lifetime as a new mother.

Simone Biles – Gymnast

Biles sprung into fans’ hearts due to her gymnastic skills and bubbly personality. She is a four-time Olympic gold-medal winning gymnast and has made history as the most decorated in her sport. As a former foster child, Biles’ journey to success is full of trials and tribulations but she never let that hold her back. Biles’ resiliency is part of her legacy. She recently stuck her landing into becoming a wife to NFL player Jonathan Owens. Biles is such an inspiration and a beacon of hope to people all over the world of how defying the odds
can be in your favor.

Amanda Gorman – Poet and Activist

Gorman’s voice echoed around the world when she became the youngest poet to speak at the 2021 United Stated Presidential Inauguration. She spoke eloquently and powerfully and instantly made history. A Harvard grad with the ability to artfully string words together as a poet has placed her in many rooms around the world. She uses her platform to inspire and ignite change. Her writings have been widely published and frequently awarded. She is truly a force, receiving the Woman of The Year award from Glamour Magazine. Gorman continues to show just how powerful words can be.

Marsai Martin – Actress & Entrepreneur

Martin is known by many from the hit show, Black-ish. She made history by being the youngest Hollywood executive producer at the budding age of 16 for the movie Little. She then went on to launch her own production company, Genius Productions. Martin has also used her platform to promote health after she developed an ovarian cyst which she shared and educated her fans about. Mari by Marsai is another business venture for Martin which is a false nail brand that has grown tremendously in a short amount of time.

Zendaya – Actress

Zendaya was introduced to many of us in her Disney channel days. Since then, she has created a career full of exceptional roles. She made Emmy history as the youngest two-time acting winner. She can be seen as the main character in Euphoria.

Zendaya also stars in the movie Dune: Part 1 and part two is set to release in March of 2024. She is a fashion icon that many fans look up to.

Yara Shahidi – Actress & Activist

Shahidi is a familiar name and face many have seen on various shows and movies over the years. At a young age she stole the hearts of many in the movie Imagine That. She is most notably known for her role in Black-ish and the spin-off Grown-ish. Shahidi made history by being the first Black woman to play Tinker Bell in Disney’s movie, Peter Pan & Wendy. She is a recent Harvard grad and a proud activist. Her activism brings awareness to STEM, feminism, and self empowerment.

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Dani Azul

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