Wilma Mankiller was known for her contributions as first female Chief of the Cherokee Nation from 1985 to 1995. During her tenure she was able to triple Cherokee enrollment and build health care and educational resources for the tribe.

From an interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air, Gross said Mankiller's life "embodies many of the changes and continuing traditions of contemporary Native American culture…. Mankiller describes her job as 'part head of a small country, part CEO of a corporation, and part social worker.'"

Mankiller is profiled in two University of Nebraska Press books, Red Power: The American Indians' Fight for Freedom, Second Edition  and New Warriors: Native American Leaders Since 1900, both of which chronicle men and women who have played a significant role in the affairs of their communities and of the nation over the course of the twentieth century.

See a full story on her accomplishments and listen to the full interview on NPR's Fresh Air.