In Irvington, N.Y., there stands Madam C. J. Walker’s “Villa Lewaro,” a restored, elegant historic residence that embodies the optimism and perseverance of American entrepreneurship. This newly designated National Treasure reveals Madam Walker’s unparalleled accomplishments in the face of a 20th-century segregated America and at a time before women had the right to vote. With the rising success of Oprah Winfrey, Ursula Burns, Queen Latifah, Tyra Banks, Indra Nooyi, Mary Barra, and other businesswomen, it’s important that we preserve the past to enrich the future.

Born Sarah Breedlove in 1867 in Delta, La., where her parents and elder siblings were enslaved, Madam Walker would transcend plantation life to become a cosmetics and business pioneer.