Helen Thomas was a trailblazing journalist, known for her fearless questioning of U.S. presidents from Eisenhower to Obama. Born to Lebanese parents in Kentucky in 1920, she grew up in Detroit and graduated from Wayne State University. Thomas began her career at the Washington Daily News before moving to United Press International and later Hearst Newspapers.

A pioneer for women in journalism, she was the first female officer of the National Press Club, the White House Correspondents Association, and the Gridiron Club, where she eventually served as president. She was also the first woman to serve as president of the White House Correspondents Association (1975-76). Throughout her career, Thomas received numerous honors, including the Newspaper Woman of Washington award, the Matrix Award from Women in Communications, and recognition as one of the twenty-five most influential women in America by World Almanac. She also received 42 honorary doctorates and was named Woman of the Year in communications by Ladies Home Journal.

Thomas authored five books, including Listen Up, Mr. President (2009), and a children’s book, The Great White House Breakout (2008). Forced into retirement in 2010 after controversial comments on U.S. policy in the Middle East, she continued her activism, speaking around the country. Helen Thomas passed away on July 20, 2013, in Washington, D.C., leaving a lasting legacy as a courageous voice in American journalism.