The list below tries to get beyond just the senators and members of Congress you all know to highlight some lesser-known women who serve as top political staff members, in state legislatures and even at the municipal level.

The Senate has passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Diane Allen and Joseph Vitale prohibiting correctional facilities from placing restraints on inmates during or immediately after childbirth.

As a proud member of National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL), I am excited to announce that this organization is partnering with the National Rifle Association to sponsor an academic scholarship for female students who will be attending college or are currently attending college.

State Senator Elaine Bowers (R-Concordia) encourages young women to enter a $3,000 scholarship essay contest.

Longtime state Sen. Diane Allen, R-7th of Edgewater Park, also has visited half a dozen states over the last several weeks to speak about the challenges and successes of female legislators and the support available from the National Foundation for Women Legislators, which is holding its annual conference in September in Oklahoma City.

Baltimore City Councilwoman Helen Holton tells NPR’s Scott Simon she’s celebrating the indictment of six police officers in the death of Freddie Gray.