The National Women’s History Museum presented the de Pizan Honors in a gala celebration at the Ronald Reagan Building Nov. 16. Catherine de Pizan was born in Venice and the first Western woman to write about women’s history in 1405. The evening celebrated the legend of pioneering women by showcasing their achievements alongside the contributions of their modern inheritors. Marissa Mayer, Cathy Hughes and Helen Greiner were the honorees. Actress Meryl Streep, the museum’s spokesperson, served as host of the gala before departing directly for China. Retired Sen. John Warner, recipient of the Henry Blackwell Award, advised women to “always sleep with one eye open.”