May 12

Transported to Australia as a convict at age 13, Mary Reibey turned her life around after her pardon in 1800. She and her husband built a thriving trading and shipping business, becoming one of the colony's wealthiest merchants. Reibey invested in properties and supported the local community, earning respect for her acumen and philanthropy. Her image appears on the Australian $20 note, celebrating her legacy as a pioneer of Australian commerce. She remained active in business until her death in 1855, leaving a lasting mark on colonial society.

Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury was born in 1863 in Bengal and became a key figure in the Bengal Renaissance. He founded a printing press and introduced innovative photolithographic techniques to Indian publishing. As a writer, he created beloved children’s stories and fairy tales that remain popular in Bengal. A talented artist, he illustrated his own works and composed music for the violin. He also engaged in entrepreneurial ventures, promoting modern printing technology in India. His legacy continued through his son, Sukumar Ray, and grandson, Satyajit Ray, both of whom became celebrated artists. Upendrakishore died in 1915 but left an enduring impact on literature, art, and printing in India.

He managed the family businesses and oversaw their operations in Germany and Switzerland. During World War II, he and his family went into hiding in Amsterdam to escape Nazi persecution. He was the only member of the hidden family to survive imprisonment in concentration camps. After the war, he found and arranged for the publication of his daughter Anne's diary. He dedicated his life to promoting her message of tolerance and human rights. He founded the Anne Frank House museum in Amsterdam to preserve her legacy.

Mary Kay Ash (1918–2001) was an American entrepreneur best known for founding Mary Kay Cosmetics in 1963. She started the company with a vision to empower women through business opportunities and leadership training. Under her guidance, Mary Kay Cosmetics grew into a global direct sales powerhouse. Her innovative reward system, including the iconic pink Cadillac, became a hallmark of her business model. She authored several books on entrepreneurship and motivation, including 'Mary Kay: You Can Have It All'. Ash was also a philanthropist who supported women's education and community programs. Her legacy continues through the Mary Kay Foundation and the ongoing success of the company she built.