Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to honor women who have significantly impacted American political history. The month is a time to recognize their achievements and the paths they paved for future generations.
Lucile Atcherson was the first woman to apply for the U.S. Foreign Service in 1920. Despite passing her tests, her appointment was initially rejected by the Senate due to societal norms at the time. However, after advocacy from women's and political groups, she was approved in 1923 as a diplomat in Bern, Switzerland.
Alaska Packard Davidson became the first female special agent in the FBI on October 11, 1922. Hired by Director William J. Burns, she worked on cases related to the Mann Act and investigated internal corruption within the Bureau.
Frances E. Willis joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1927 and became its first female career ambassador. Her diplomatic service spanned several countries including Chile, Sweden, Belgium, Spain during WWII, England, Finland, Switzerland, Norway, and Sri Lanka.
Ruth Baird Bryan Leavitt Owen Rohde made history as Florida's first female U.S. Representative in 1929 and later became America's first female ambassador when appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Denmark and Iceland in 1933.
Frances Perkins broke new ground as Secretary of Labor under Roosevelt's presidency starting in 1933. She championed labor reforms such as minimum wage laws and unemployment compensation during her twelve-year tenure.
Patti Morton entered history as the first female Diplomatic Security Special Agent in 1972. Known for drafting Embassy Saigon’s evacuation plan used during its fall, Morton reflected on her role: “When I think of being the first woman security officer...I hope I have done the best job I can.”
Ambassador Jeane Jordan Kirkpatrick served as Ronald Reagan’s foreign policy adviser before becoming America’s first female Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Her "Kirkpatrick Doctrine" supported anticommunist regimes aligned with U.S interests.
Dr. Madeline Albright made history as America’s first female Secretary of State when sworn into office in 1997. Advocating for human rights globally and expanding NATO membership were among her key initiatives; she also became known for visiting North Korea—a historic trip for a sitting Secretary of State—and received a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in May 2012.