Minerva Josephine Chapman (1858–1947) was an influential American painter known for her talent in miniature portraiture, landscape, and still life. Born in Sand Bank, which is now called Altmar, New York, Chapman grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where she developed her passion for art. Her father's success as a banker and tannery owner provided her with the financial independence to pursue her education and art career. Chapman's artistic journey took her to prestigious art academies in the United States and France, including the Mount Holyoke College, the University of Chicago, and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She also studied in Europe, where she honed her skills under renowned artists and embraced Impressionist painting techniques.Throughout her career, Chapman created a diverse body of work, including portraits, miniatures, landscapes, and genre paintings. Her art was exhibited extensively in the United States and Europe, earning her recognition and accolades. Notably, her oil painting "Garden of the Tuileries, Paris" is part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum collection. Chapman's legacy lives on through retrospectives of her work and inclusion in significant art exhibitions, showcasing her contribution to the art world. She passed away in Palo Alto, California, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that continues to be celebrated through various exhibitions and retrospectives.Chapman's artistic achievements and dedication to her craft have cemented her status as a significant figure in American art history

Minerva Garza Carcaño, born on January 20, 1954, in Edinburg, Texas, made history as the first Hispanic woman elected to the episcopacy of The United Methodist Church (UMC), the second-largest Protestant denomination in the United States. Her commitment to advocating for and serving marginalized communities stems from her upbringing in humble economic circumstances. Carcaño's extensive ministry has involved working with the poor, farm workers, immigrants, and refugees, reflecting her dedication to social justice and equality.After graduating from the University of Texas-Pan American in 1975 and obtaining a Master of Theology from Perkins School of Theology of Southern Methodist University in 1979, she was ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church. Throughout her career, Carcaño has held various leadership roles within the church, including serving as a pastor in multiple churches and becoming the first Hispanic woman appointed as a United Methodist district superintendent.In addition to her leadership within the church, Carcaño has also been an outspoken advocate for comprehensive immigration reform and has actively supported the LGBTQ+ community. She has authored publications and spoken at various platforms, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive and welcoming spaces within the church and society at large.Currently serving as the Bishop of the California-Nevada Annual Conference of the UMC, Carcaño continues to inspire and lead through her unwavering dedication to social justice, equality, and advocacy for marginalized communities.

Minerva Parker Nichols (May 14, 1863 – 1949) was a pioneering American architect, renowned for being the first woman to establish an independent architectural practice in the United States. Born in Chicago, Illinois, she honed her skills at the Philadelphia Normal Art School and under the tutelage of renowned architect Seth A. Doane. Nichols began her career as a draftsman before assuming control of the firm of Frederick G. Thorn in Philadelphia. In 1896, she embarked on a successful private practice, leaving a lasting impact with her designs for homes, schools, churches, and clubhouses. Notable among her creations is the iconic Woman's New Century Club in Philadelphia and the Buckingham Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A trailblazer in her field, Nichols was a key figure in breaking gender barriers, establishing herself as a prominent architect without the partnership or assistance of a man. Her legacy continues to inspire aspiring architects and women in the field of architecture.

Minerva Ruffin Cain Caldwell (1820-1890) was an influential American political hostess and the First Lady of North Carolina from 1871 to 1874 as the wife of Governor Tod Robinson Caldwell. Born in Hillsborough, North Carolina, to Mary Ruffin and William Cain, she was the niece of Judge Thomas Ruffin. Minerva married Tod Robinson Caldwell in 1840 and together they had at least four children. During the Reconstruction Period, she played a significant role as the first lady of North Carolina. Minerva Caldwell passed away in 1890 due to heart disease in Morganton, North Carolina.This summary provides a brief overview of Minerva Ruffin Cain Caldwell, highlighting her influential role as a political hostess and her tenure as the First Lady of North Carolina.

Minerva Brace Norton (1837-1894) was an American educator, writer, and dedicated pastor's wife. Born in Rochester, New York, she hailed from a lineage of American Revolutionary and New England ancestry. After graduating from the Baraboo Female Seminary in 1861, Norton embarked on a multifaceted career. She taught, served as an editor, and traveled extensively, authoring works such as "In and Around Berlin" and "Service in the King's Guards" with her husband, Rev. Smith Norton. Notably, she was a correspondent for various journals and a prolific writer, contributing to esteemed periodicals of her time. Norton's legacy lives on through her writings, including "A Great Mother," "A True Teacher," and "A Great Mother; Sketches of Madam Willard." She passed away in Beloit, Wisconsin, leaving behind a rich collection of papers now preserved at the Western Reserve Historical Society. Minerva Brace Norton's impactful contributions to literature and her unwavering dedication to education and missionary work continue to inspire and enrich historical and literary discourse.