8. Claudine Gay

In July of 2023, Claudine Gay took up her position as the first black president of Harvard University. The unfortunate history Harvard University has with diversity is important to acknowledge as it makes this achievement even more admirable. When discussing the success of people like Gay in spaces where many odds are against them, their perseverance and dedication to their passions such as education become all the more commendable. Gay’s tenure was short – she resigned in January 2024, some say she was pushed out by conservative politicians – but her status as a barrier-breaker remains.