Marion Donovan

Marion O'Brien Donovan (October 15, 1917 – November 4, 1998) was an American inventor and entrepreneur. Recognized as one of the era's most prominent female inventors, she secured a total of 20 patents for her creations. In 1946, she created a reusable, impermeable diaper cover. Ultimately, this led to the invention of the disposable paper diaper, which was eventually commercialized by Victor Mills, the creator of Pampers. Donovan also innovated various solutions around the home and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2015.

Early life and education Donovan was born on October 15, 1917, in South Bend, Indiana,

At the age of 22, Donovan earned her B.A. in English from Rosemont College in Pennsylvania.

After graduation, Donovan was employed as an Assistant Beauty Editor at Vogue magazine in New York. This design got rid of the standard rubber pants of the era by using breathable yet leak resistant fabric. This design also allowed for snap fasteners instead of safety pins, reducing risk of accidental pricks. Thus, sales increased, revealing a strong market demand for a product that greatly reduced laundry loads and improved infant hygiene.

Honors Donovan was elected to the National Inventors Hall of Fame in May 2015 and has a picture on the Hall of Fame wall.