Geraldine Ferraro
Geraldine Ferraro
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Geraldine Anne Ferraro was an American politician, lawyer, and diplomat who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 9th Congressional District.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: May 26, 1935, in Newburgh, New York
Died: March 26, 2011, at the age of 75, in Boston, Massachusetts
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Ferraro was an American of Italian descent. She worked as a lawyer before entering politics and later became a diplomat.
Early Life and Background
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Geraldine Ferraro was born to a working-class family in Newburgh, New York. Her father, Dominick Ferraro, was a grocer, and her mother, Maria Ferrara, was a homemaker. Ferraro grew up in a modest household with two younger sisters. She developed an interest in politics at a young age, influenced by her parents' involvement in local Democratic politics.
Ferraro attended Marymount College (now part of Fordham University) on the GI Bill, which allowed veterans to attend college tuition-free. After graduating from Fordham Law School in 1956, she worked as a lawyer before entering politics.
Major Accomplishments
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First Female Vice-Presidential Candidate: Ferraro made history in 1984 when she became the first woman nominated for vice president by a major party (the Democratic Party) alongside presidential candidate Walter Mondale.
U.S. House of Representatives: Ferraro served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 to 1985, representing New York's 9th Congressional District.
* Diplomatic Posts: Ferraro was appointed by President Jimmy Carter as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly and later as a member of the U.S. delegation to the 1996 United Nations Conference on Women.
Notable Works or Actions
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Ferraro wrote her memoir, _Ferraro: My Story_, in 1985, which became a bestseller. She also wrote _Give Me Liberty: A Memoir of Life and Politics in St. Petersburg, Florida_ in 2001.
Impact and Legacy
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Geraldine Ferraro's trailblazing career paved the way for future generations of women in politics. Her nomination as vice presidential candidate broke down barriers for women in public office and inspired countless young women to pursue careers in politics.
Ferraro's legacy extends beyond her own achievements, however. She continued to advocate for women's rights and social justice throughout her life, using her platform to raise awareness about issues such as equal pay, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ equality.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Geraldine Ferraro is widely quoted and remembered for her pioneering achievements in politics. As a trailblazer for women's rights and social justice, she continues to inspire people around the world with her courage, determination, and commitment to creating positive change.
Her legacy serves as a reminder that women can and should be leaders in all aspects of society. Ferraro's impact on American politics is immeasurable, and her dedication to advancing equality and justice has left an indelible mark on our country's history.
Quotes by Geraldine Ferraro
Geraldine Ferraro's insights on:
I readily admit I was not an expert on foreign policy but I was knowledgeable and I didn’t need a man who was the Vice President of the United States and my opponent turning around and putting me down.
I’m a happy camper because by doing this I have an opportunity to be on the cutting edge of research.
You don’t deliberately submit people you love to something like that. I don’t think I’d run again for vice-president. Next time I’d run for president.
I’d call it a new version of voodoo economics, but I’m afraid that would give witch doctors a bad name.
When a guy gets elected to the Senate or the governor’s mansion, he wakes up the next morning and says to himself, ‘You’re presidential material,’
The polls indicated that I was feisty, that I was tough, that I had a sense of humor, but they weren’t quite sure if they liked me and they didn’t know whether or not that I was sensitive.