In the wake of the 2016 election, artist and activist Kimothy Joy found herself poring over the biographies of brave women throughout history. Day after day she researched women who persisted in the face of daunting circumstances, gaining wisdom and perspective from their experiences.

Channeling her feelings through paintbrush and canvas, Joy began painting portraits of these strong women, bringing them to life in bold watercolors framed by inspirational hand-lettered quotes. As she mused over the power of each woman’s words, she found solace and hope—and felt compelled to share their stories.

Now, in this beautiful gift book, Joy has paired these illustrations and quotes with surprising, illuminating biographies to inspire women of all ages and backgrounds. That’s What She Said honors a powerful and diverse group of more than fifty women, from Maya Angelou, Gloria Steinem, and Virginia Woolf to Sojourner Truth, Malala Yousafzai, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg—role models whose words and insights remind us that we must never give up the fight for a more just and equitable society.