Edna St. Vincent Millay, born on February 22, 1892, was an American poet and playwright, known for her lyrical prose and feminist stance. She gained recognition in the literary world by winning the 1923 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for her work "Ballad of the Harp-Weaver," making her the first woman to achieve this honor. Despite initial critical acclaim, her reputation waned in the 1930s due to her use of traditional forms and subject matter in contrast to modernist trends. However, the rise of feminist literary criticism in the 1960s and 1970s renewed interest in her work. Millay's early life was marked by poverty and illness, yet she displayed literary talent at a young age, winning poetry prizes and publishing her work in various magazines. Her emerging fame began in 1912 when her poem "Renascence" gained attention in a poetry contest. Despite facing controversy and challenges, Millay's contributions to American poetry and her feminist stance continue to be celebrated.

Edna May Oliver (1883-1942) was a prominent American stage and film actress known for her portrayal of tart-tongued spinsters in the 1930s. Born in Malden, Massachusetts, she left school at 14 to pursue a stage career and achieved her breakthrough on Broadway in Jerome Kern's musical comedy Oh, Boy! in 1917. Oliver's notable stage roles included Parthy in the original 1927 production of Show Boat and Aunt March in the 1933 version of Little Women. She made her film debut in 1923 and gained recognition for her appearances in Wheeler & Woolsey comedies and mystery-comedies as Hildegarde Withers. Oliver's career flourished at RKO Radio Pictures before transitioning to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, where she starred in film adaptations of Charles Dickens' novels and featured in Shirley Temple's Little Miss Broadway. Her performance in Drums Along the Mohawk (1939) earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Oliver's life was tragically cut short by abdominal cancer, and she was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California.

Edna Birch, portrayed by Shirley Stelfox, is a beloved fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale. She is known for her proud and independent nature as a Christian woman who often judges her neighbors' lifestyles. Edna is recognized for her signature pudding-basin hat and her beloved dogs, including Batley the Yorkshire Terrier and Papillon Tootsie. Throughout her storylines, Edna forms friendships with characters of a similar age and is notably paired with Sandy Thomas, generating comedic scenes. Her family dynamics, including the introduction of her estranged sister Lily Butterfield, add depth to her character. Edna's portrayal by Stelfox was widely praised, and her final scenes were broadcast prior to the actress's death in December 2015. Edna's storylines explore themes of pride amidst financial difficulties, as she faces challenges such as medical bills for Tootsie, a burglary, and debts. Her character's endearing qualities and Stelfox's performances earned acclaim from viewers and critics. Edna Birch remains a cherished and memorable figure in the history of Emmerdale.

Edna Browning Kahly Gladney (January 22, 1886 – October 2, 1961) was a pioneering advocate for children's rights and the improvement of living conditions for underprivileged children. Her impactful life was brought to the screen in the 1941 film "Blossoms in the Dust," with her character portrayed by Greer Garson, who received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Gladney.Born as Edna Browning Jones in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gladney's early life was marked by challenges, but she persevered and became deeply involved in community and social work. Her efforts led to significant changes, as she played a crucial role in the transformation of the Grayson County Poor Farm and the establishment of the Texas Children's Home and Aid Society. Her dedication and commitment to child welfare led her to lobby for important legislative changes, including the removal of stigmatizing language from birth certificates of adopted and abandoned children.Gladney's legacy continues through the Gladney Center for Adoption, formerly known as the Edna Gladney Home, which she played a pivotal role in establishing. Her unwavering dedication and contributions have left a lasting impact on the welfare of children and families, cementing her as a true trailblazer in the realm of child advocacy and social reform.

Edna Lewis (April 13, 1916 – February 13, 2006) was a celebrated American chef, teacher, and author known for revolutionizing the perception of Southern cooking. Born in Freetown, Virginia, she was the granddaughter of an emancipated slave and grew up in a community of freed slaves and their descendants. Lewis left Freetown during her teenage years and eventually settled in New York City, where she embarked on a diverse career that ranged from working in a laundry to becoming a renowned seamstress and political activist.In 1948, Lewis became the cook at Café Nicholson in Manhattan, which quickly gained popularity among notable figures such as William Faulkner, Marlon Brando, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Her culinary skills and dedication to Southern-inspired dishes garnered widespread acclaim. Lewis later authored several influential books, including "The Taste of Country Cooking," which not only featured recipes but also provided insights into Southern and African-American culinary traditions.Throughout her life, Lewis remained dedicated to preserving and promoting the flavors of the past, founding the Society for the Revival and Preservation of Southern Food and authoring "In Pursuit of Flavor." Her impact on American cuisine and her commitment to preserving Southern culinary heritage solidify her legacy as a pioneering figure in the culinary world.