Madeleine Albright: See Photos Of The First Female Secretary Of State

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March 23, 2022 4:54PM EDT

Madeleine Albright was the first female Secretary of State and an Ambassador to the U.N. for the United States. See photos of her from throughout her life.

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Madeleine Albright

Madeleine Albright
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Madeleine Albright was one of the most important women in recent history for the United States. She’d had a long-spanning political career that began when she was part of the National Security Council during President Jimmy Carter’s administration. After Carter’s term, she became a professor at Georgetown University and didn’t return to the spotlight until President Bill Clinton was elected, and he appointed her as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. She was appointed as the Secretary of State in 1997, becoming the first woman in the country’s history to hold that position. After Clinton left office in 2001, she returned to Georgetown as a distinguished professor and also founded a global strategy firm. She also went on to author many books, both about foreign policy and her experience in office. She died on March 23, 2022, at age 84, after a battle with cancer.

Scroll through our gallery to see photos of Madeleine Albright.

March 23, 2022, 3:53PM
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Madeleine Albright At A Book Signing

Madeleine Albright At A Book Signing
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Madeleine Albright spoke about her 2018 book ‘Facism: A Warning’ at a 2018 event in Las Vegas. She continued writing books about politics well after her time as Secretary of State.

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Madeleine Albright At The 2016 Democratic National Convention

Madeleine Albright At The 2016 Democratic National Convention
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Madeleiene Albright was one of many speakers to give a rousing speech at the 2016 DNC. She proudly endorsed Hillary Clinton, who was one of two other women to be Secretary of State. 

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Madeleine Albright At The White House Correspondent’s Dinner

Madeleine Albright At The White House Correspondent’s Dinner
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Madeleine Albright continued to hold a presence in the political sphere well after her time as Secretary of State. She sported a black dress, while attending the Correspondent’s Dinner in April 2016.

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Madeleine Albright At The Glamour Women of the Year Awards

Madeleine Albright At The Glamour Women of the Year Awards
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Madeleine Albright seemed in good spirits while she went to the Women of the Year awards in 2015. She sported a black dress for the occasion.

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Madeleine Albright In North Korea

Madeleine Albright In North Korea
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Madeleine Albright went to North Korea in 2000. It was a historic visit and she became one  of the earliest U.S. leaders to meet with then-Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Il.

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Madeleine Albright Speaking to the U.N. General Assembly

Madeleine Albright Speaking to the U.N. General Assembly
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Madeleine Albright continued to stay connected to her prior position, and she addressed the U.N. on some occasions as Secretary of State. Before she was the Secretary of State, she had been the United State Ambassador to the U.N.

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Madeleine Albright Meeting With The Security Council

Madeleine Albright Meeting With The Security Council
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Before she was made Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright met with the National Security Council, where she had begun her political career. She was appointed by President Bill Clinton shortly after.

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Madeleine Albright At The State of the Union

Madeleine Albright At The State of the Union
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As a member of the Cabinet, Madeleine Albright was a key part of the State of the Union during Clinton’s presidency. She’s shown here in a black outfit, shaking hands with representatives.

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Madeleine Albright & Bill Clinton In The Netherlands

Madeleine Albright & Bill Clinton In The Netherlands
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During her time  as Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright discussed foreign affairs with then-President Bill Clinton. One of her most well-known positions was her attempt to expand NATO.

March 23, 2022, 3:53PM