The Denver Democrats are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Madeleine Albright, who broke incredible barriers to become our country’s first female Secretary of State. A brilliant international affairs scholar with roots in Denver, Madeleine’s expertise and bold leadership gave voice to important issues such as increased human rights and democracy throughout the world. Since coming to the United States in 1948, Madeleine made waves wherever she went. Among her many accomplishments – accomplishments that have inspired women across the globe to explore careers in public policy – include:
A professorship specializing in Eastern European Studies at Georgetown University, serving as a foreign policy advisor for the Democratic Party
A role as the National Security Council’s congressional liaison during the Carter presidency
Appointment as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
Her most well-known role as the 64th U.S. Secretary of State – the first female to hold the office and the highest ranking woman in history of the U.S. government at the time
Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
The formation of an international strategy consulting firm
Service on the board of directors of the New York Stock Exchange
Chairperson of the National Democratic Institute for international Affairs
Co-Chair of the Commission on the Legal Empowerment of the Poor
Author of several New York Times best-selling books
Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
And so much more
Madeleine’s ties to Denver
Madeleine and her family immigrated from Prague, Czechoslovakia in the late 1940s and moved to Denver when Madeleine was 12. She attended the Kent School for Girls where she founded the school's international relations club and was its first president. After graduating from Wellesley College, Madeleine interned at the Denver Post, where she met her husband. In 2010, she was inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame.