South Florida PBS Premieres She Was First with Soledad O’Brien During Women’s History Month – A Groundbreaking Docuseries Celebrating Trailblazing Women in the Arts
Miami, FL —This Women’s History Month, South Florida PBS is proud to present She Was First, a powerful new docuseries that profiles pioneering women whose creativity, courage, and leadership transformed the arts and reshaped culture.
Distributed by American Public Television (APT), the series releases on public television stations in the USA as of March 20th, celebrating women who broke barriers, challenged expectations, and created lasting legacies that continue to inspire future generations.
She Was First embarks on an intimate journey with trailblazing creative artists, offering a multidimensional look at their achievements, creative processes, lesser-known work, and commitment to mentorship. Through personal storytelling and behind-the-scenes access, the series elevates voices that have too often gone unrecognized while honoring the profound impact these women have made across disciplines.
“She Was First reflects the very heart of public media,” said Dolores Fernandez Alonso, President and CEO of South Florida PBS. “This series not only celebrates extraordinary women in the arts, but also underscores the importance of representation, access, and storytelling that educates, inspires, and connects audiences nationwide.”
Hosted by award-winning journalist and documentarian Soledad O’Brien, the series brings depth, insight, and authenticity to each story. O’Brien guides viewers through thoughtful conversations and meaningful locations, revealing not only professional milestones, but the personal experiences that shaped each woman’s path forward.
The series features six iconic figures whose influence spans ballet, film, television, music, literature, and culinary arts:
- Episode 101: Jacqueline Woodson, celebrated author whose storytelling centers community, home, and belonging.
- Episode 102: Misty Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, reflecting on her historic career and a powerful final performance.
- Episode 103: Sonia Manzano, the first Latina cast member on Sesame Street, revisiting her Bronx roots and lifelong impact on children’s education.
- Episode 104: Cat Cora, the first female Iron Chef, whose journey of resilience, mentorship, and wellness extends far beyond the kitchen.
- Episode 105: Marin Alsop, the first woman to lead major orchestras worldwide, mentoring the next generation of conductors.
- Episode 106: Ruth E. Carter, the most Oscar-nominated African American woman of all time and legendary costume designer, showcases how her artistry, cultural vision, and imagination brought Afrofuturism to life.
Premiering during Women’s History Month, She Was First is both a celebration and a call to action, encouraging audiences to honor the women who came before us while uplifting those shaping the future.
Fridays, starting on March 20th at 9:00PM on WPBT, and on Mondays, starting on March 23rd at 9:00PM on WXEL. The full series is available for streaming on the PBS App starting on March 20th.”
Funding for She was First was provided by Felicia Taylor, a journalist who dedicated much of her life’s work to honoring and celebrating the accomplishments of women.
ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA PBS:
South Florida PBS is Florida’s largest public media company, including Public Broadcasting stations WXEL-TV, serving the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast and WPBT2, serving Miami Dade and Broward counties, and the Health Channel, the only 24/7 channel dedicated to health in the nation. South Florida PBS connects organizations and institutions across our region and preserves South Florida's history. Leading the way in this global society, South Florida PBS is committed to creating and presenting award-winning programs focused on kids, education, arts and culture, health, environment, science, and civic engagement.
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