by Eliza von Zerneck 

Betty Friedan (1921-2006) was a native Peorian and one of the most influential women ever to have lived. Her book The Feminine Mystique was published in 1963 and immediately became a bestseller, attracting millions of women to the feminist cause and helping to spur a wave of anti-discrimination legislation. She cofounded the National Organization for Women and served as its first president, organized the nationwide Women’s Strike for Equality, and went on to write five more books. She helped change the world, and she credited her Peoria roots for teaching her about the power of community and the ability to come together to make change.