Kamala Harris and a history of female firsts
There’s a first time for everything and as Vice President-elect Kamala Harris famously stated, “While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last.”
Amen to that.
Here are a handful of the many historic female firsts in the United States. Take note of how several of these women did not live for more than 50 years.
We’re looking forward to more future female firsts, seconds, thirds, and beyond.
Kamala Harris, U.S. Vice President–elect
Born 1964
In 2003, Kamala Harris became the District Attorney of the City and County of San Francisco and started a program that gives first-time drug offenders the chance to earn a high school diploma and find employment.
Harris was elected as the first African-American and first woman to serve as California’s Attorney General and worked tirelessly to hold corporations accountable and protect the state’s most vulnerable people.
Phillis Wheatley Peter, poet
1743–1784
Although she was an enslaved person, Phillis Wheatley Peters was one of the best-known poets in pre-19th century America.
Margaret Corbin, American soldier
1751–1800
In 1776, Margaret Corbin dressed as a man and joined her husband in the Battle of Fort Washington on Manhattan Island. She helped him load his cannon, and when he was killed, she took over firing the cannon against the British.
She was eventually struck by enemy fire, which nearly severed her left arm and severely wounded her jaw and left breast. Corbin was unable to use her left arm for the rest of her life.
Arabella Mansfield, lawyer
1846–1911
In 1869, Arabella Mansfield became the first female lawyer in the United States, admitted to the Iowa bar; she made her career as a college educator and administrator.
Victoria Woodhull, women’s rights activist
1838–1927
Victoria Woodhull was the first woman to own a brokerage firm on Wall Street, the first woman to start a weekly newspaper, and an activist for women’s rights and labor reform.
In 1872, Woodhull became the first woman candidate for the United States presidency. She ran for the Equal Rights Party, supporting women’s suffrage and equal rights.
Maggie Walker, banker
1864–1934
Maggie Lena Walker was an African-American businesswoman and teacher. Walker was the first African-American woman to charter a bank and serve as its president in the United States.
Alice Dunnigan, journalist
1906–1983
Alice Allison Dunnigan was the first African American female correspondent at the White House and the first black female member of the Senate and House of Representatives press galleries.
Joanne Conte, politician
1933–2013
Joanne Conte was the first openly transgender person to be elected to a city council in the United States. She served on city council from 1991–1995 in Arvada, Colorado.
