A barrier-breaker for women in politics, Condoleezza Rice has spent her life advocating for liberty with professionalism—in the political science department at Stanford University and as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor under President George W. Bush. 

Condoleezza Rice grew up in a hostile, segregated environment in Birmingham, Alabama, with limited opportunities. But her reliance on her faith and family helped her pursue a PhD and reach positions that other women could not.  

Throughout her career in high-stress roles, she has maintained a calm presence under pressure and political scrutiny, especially during 9/11 and the Iraq War. 

In her book, Democracy: Stories from the Long Road to Freedom, Rice illustrates the transformative power of democracy through her stories of influencing foreign leaders. Rice has continued to use her positions to achieve rights for women across all nations by being a voice for the voiceless.  

This blog was written by NeW Ambassador Katherine Mickelson