“Some leaders are born women.” - 

Geraldine Ferraro

Geraldine Ferraro - First Female Vice President Representative

Geraldine Ferraro was an American attorney, a Democratic Party politician, and a member of the United States House of Representatives. She was the first female vice presidential candidate representing a major American political party. Geraldine Ferraro was born on August 26, 1935.

Ferraro was an amazing student, skipping from the sixth to the eighth grade and graduating from high school at age sixteen.  She won a full scholarship to Marymount Manhattan College, where she was the editor of the school newspaper. While still attending Marymount, she also took education courses at Hunter College. From her graduation, Geraldine decided to try to get into office.

In 1978, James Delaney, a representative in New York retired, leaving his office up for grabs. Ferraro was labeled as a liberal feminist and did not have the Democratic backing she needed. She faced large problems when she sought Delaney’s vacant seat. She supported the elderly and neighborhood preservation. Because of her support in these areas, she secured the party nomination with 53 percent of the vote.

Ferraro moved on to a campaign in the general election against former Republican State Assemblyman Alfred DelliBovi. She quickly went on the offensive, using the slogan, “Finally, A Tough Democrat.” She ultimately defeated DelliBovi with 54 percent of the vote earning a seat in the 96th Congress (1979–1981). As the first Congresswoman from Queens, she also was re–elected to two Congresses, winning in 1980 and 1982 with 58 and 78 percent of the vote.

Ferraro’s rise within the Democratic ranks was clearer as Secretary of the Democratic Caucus in 1980 and again in 1982. She achieved automatic delegate status to the 1984 Democratic National Convention for ⅗ of the Democrats serving in the House and the Senate. Ferraro became the first woman to chair the Democratic platform committee. Although she faced the harsh task of creating a unified platform for the upcoming presidential contest, the position allowed Ferraro  the much-needed media exposure in the Democratic Party.

During the 1984 presidential campaign, political strategists and feminist groups influenced the Democratic Party to allow a woman to take part. Rumors circulated that presidential candidate, Walter Mondale, decided to select a female running mate. In July 1984, Mondale selected Ferraro as his running mate, making her the first woman to run for election for a major party on a national ticket, and the first Vice-presidential candidate.

Geraldine Ferraro is an inspiration for women everywhere. Her hard work through tough times shows the true identity of what strength can be. The obstacles she faced did not intimidate her, and she got past these challenges with flying colors .Determination was a key characteristic that Geraldine had that allowed her to achieve all her goals. Geraldine Ferraro is a great inspiration for young women today, as she led the world to believe that a woman can be in power, and with this other women have tried to do as she did today.