Condoleezza Rice

Born: 1954 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Earned Ph.D in International Studies.

Was key figure as special assistant to Pres. George H.W. Bush during dissolution of Soviet Union and German reunification.

Was National Security Advisor under Pres. Bush, the first African American woman (only 2nd woman) to serve in that position.

Was first African American woman to serve as U.S Secretary of State (2005-09).

Has written a number of books including No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington.

Said: “The day has to come when it’s not a surprise that a woman has a powerful position.”