March 21

Born in 1501 to a prominent English family, Anne Brooke became Baroness Cobham through marriage and held a respected position in Tudor society. She was known for her patronage of the arts and involvement in political affairs of her time. Anne maintained correspondence with key figures at court and managed her estates with notable acumen. Though much of her life remains obscure, records suggest she was respected for her intelligence and leadership. She died in 1558, leaving behind a legacy as a significant noble figure during a turbulent era in English history.

In 1809, Mary Dixon Kies received the first U.S. patent granted to a woman for her innovative method of weaving straw with silk and thread, which revolutionized the hat-making industry. Born in Connecticut, she pursued inventive ideas despite the social constraints on women in the early 19th century. Kies’s technique helped revive the American straw hat industry during the Embargo Act and contributed to domestic manufacturing. Although little is known of her later life, her patent represents a milestone for women in innovation and intellectual property history.

Alice Henry was born in 1857 in Victoria, Australia, and began her career as a newspaper journalist. She became a prominent organizer in the National American Woman Suffrage Association after emigrating to the United States. Henry served as the associate editor of the Women’s Trade Union League’s journal, advocating for labor rights and gender equality. Her lectures and writings on factory conditions and women's working lives influenced progressive legislation. She helped establish sewing conferences and supported the passage of protective labor laws for women. Alice Henry died in 1943, remembered for her tireless efforts to improve women’s social and economic status.

George Owen Squier was born on March 21, 1865, in Dryville, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served in the Army Signal Corps, rising to the rank of major general. Squier pioneered the use of wired radio telephone technology and held numerous patents related to telephony and audio transmission. In 1922, he founded Wired Radio, the company that later became Muzak, supplying background music to businesses via electrical lines. His inventions transformed commercial audio and set the standard for in-store music services. Squier retired from active duty in 1923 and continued his work as an inventor until his death in 1934.

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. was born on March 21, 1867, in Chicago and became one of the most influential producers of Broadway revues. In 1907, he launched the Ziegfeld Follies, a series of extravagantly staged variety shows celebrating beauty, music, and humor. His productions introduced stars like Fanny Brice and featured the iconic chorus girls known as 'Ziegfeld Girls.' Ziegfeld’s flair for opulent costumes, elaborate set designs, and grand staging set new standards for American theater. He ventured into film production and continued to support emerging talent throughout his career. Ziegfeld passed away in 1932, but his visionary work reshaped popular entertainment and left a permanent mark on Broadway.

Maurice Farman began his career as a successful race car driver in the early 1900s, competing in prestigious events like the Paris–Madrid motor race. He later turned to aviation, earning one of Europe's earliest pilot certificates after training with the Wright brothers. In 1908, he and his brother Henri founded Farman Aviation Works, which produced influential aircraft used during World War I and in civil aviation. Farman's designs were celebrated for their reliability and innovative control systems. He also popularized flight through exhibitions and long-distance record attempts. His contributions helped lay the foundations of the European aviation industry.

Morris H. Whitehouse was a prominent American architect whose innovative designs shaped the built environment of the Pacific Northwest in the early 1900s. After completing his architectural education, he opened a practice in Portland, Oregon, where he designed significant public buildings, educational facilities, and private residences. His work combined Beaux-Arts principles with regional materials and styles, resulting in enduring landmarks such as university halls and civic structures. Whitehouse's attention to detail and commitment to quality earned him a reputation for excellence. He also mentored young architects and helped to professionalize the field in the region.

Born into the Rockefeller dynasty, John D. Rockefeller III dedicated his fortune to educational, cultural, and international initiatives. He served as president of the Rockefeller Foundation and established the Asia Society in 1956 to foster mutual understanding between Asia and the West. A committed supporter of the United Nations and global population studies, he funded research on birth control and social welfare. Rockefeller also played a key role in developing cultural institutions, including Lincoln Center in New York. His vision shaped modern philanthropy and his contributions continue to influence international affairs.

Ann Clwyd was a Welsh journalist-turned-politician known for her passionate advocacy on human rights. Before entering politics, she worked as a foreign correspondent covering conflicts in the Middle East. Clwyd was elected Member of Parliament for Cynon Valley in 1984 and served until 2001, and again from 2005 to 2019. She held the role of Shadow Secretary of State for Wales and championed devolution and social justice. Clwyd led campaigns on issues such as Kurdish rights, visiting northern Iraq in 1993 to investigate chemical weapon attacks. Her fearless reporting and dedication to her constituents made her a respected figure in British politics.

Anthony Grabiner, Baron Grabiner, is a leading English Queen's Counsel who specializes in complex commercial and public law cases. He was appointed a life peer in 1997, taking an active role in the House of Lords on legal and constitutional matters. Grabiner has served as Master of Clare College, Cambridge, and as chairman of several arts and media organizations. His expertise in litigation has led to involvement in landmark UK legal decisions. He is also recognized for mentoring young lawyers and contributing to legal education.

Raivo Puusepp was born on March 21, 1960 in Tartu, Estonia. He graduated from the Estonian Academy of Arts with a degree in architecture. Puusepp founded his architectural firm in the early 1990s, focusing on modernist residential and commercial projects. His notable works include innovative public buildings and urban redevelopment schemes in Tallinn. He is known for blending minimalist aesthetics with functional design to create sustainable spaces. Puusepp continues to influence the field through teaching and participation in international architecture competitions.

Benito Archundia is a Mexican football referee born in 1966. He began officiating at professional level in the early 1990s and quickly rose through the ranks of the Mexican Primera División. Archundia became one of FIFA's most trusted referees, selected for the 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014 FIFA World Cups. He holds the record for the most matches refereed at World Cup tournaments. Aside from his sports career, Archundia earned degrees in law and economics, balancing his academic pursuits with the demands of international officiating. Known for his calm demeanor and firm control of the game, he has been praised for fairness and consistency. Since retiring from active refereeing, he has served as a referee instructor and consultant for football organizations worldwide.