Condelezza Commendable Congress(wo)man

The African American's Dream:

“The essence of America, that which really unites us - is not ethnicity, or nationality or religion - it is an idea - and what an idea it is: That you can come from humble circumstances and do great things”. The latter part of this statement by Condelezza Rice echoes the sentiments of women across the world. This week all three of the inflencial women profiled by Good Girl Global are from different countries, continents and they all came from humble beginnings and have all achieved great things.

As a black woman who grew up in Alabama the extremely segregated southern state in the United states of America Condelezza faced extreme discrimination. She once told of how her parents were very strategic in the way that they raised her. They were focused on preparing a young black woman, who would perform the same deeds, revered in white society, so well because she was strengthened from the injustices of racism. Oprah Winfrey once said that “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength”, similary Condelezza was determined to turn her trial into triumph. She had told herself that she would confront white society on its own terms and to prove herself worthy of advancement; How would she achieve this, simply by being "twice as good" as her white counterparts. Condelezza is revered by Good Girl Global for her incredible determination and work ethic. Janne Nolan, a colleague from Stanford University once commended her by saying that she has a solid track record for proving herself. "I've watched it over and over again and she always kicks everyone's butt."

Stanford: - Her Stepping Stone to Significance:

Condoleezza Rice earned her bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Denver at the age of nineteen, two years later she earned her master's degree. She completed her academic career at the age of twenty seven years with a Ph.D in international studies. She joined the faculty at Stanford University to which she has since returned to pursue her passion of education. In her time at Stanford, she became the first woman and first African-American person to serve as a principal of Stanford University. Her political career began in the mid 1980’s. In 1989 she was promoted as the special assistant to President George H.W. Bush for the dissolution of the Soviet Union and German reunification. She held numerous posts throughout the 1990’s and in 2001, she became the first black woman to be appointed as a national security adviser by President George W. Bush. In 2005 she became the first black woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State.

Good Girl Global recognizes Condelezza Rice as this weeks AlphaBest as her achievements serve as an inspiration for millions of women today. The focus of her story is her unwilling relentless to succeed despite opposition which she seems to bulldoze effortlessly to take pole position. Condelezza has proven to be a significant leader during a time of extraordinary and riotous global affairs. We recognize her courageous contribution towards freedom through foreign policy, education and the empowerment of women. As I write her story, I am reminded of how I give up too easily. From the opposition she faced in Alabama, to the opposition she faced by wanting to become an academic, the opposition she faced in her race to be in the White House, the opposition she faced as a Black female Republican. (These are just a handful of many oppositions) We are reminded that there is a reason as to why throughout her life and career she has achieved so many ‘firsts’ which were probably were not served on a silver platter.

In August 2012, Condelezza achieved yet another first by becoming (together with Darla Moore) the first women to (simultaneously) become members of the Augusta National Golf Club, this club is notorious for its refusal to admit female Golf members. Inspiring

Acclaimed Accolades:

• Most powerful woman in the world 2004, 2005

• Rice's books include Germany Unified and Europe Transformed (1995) with Philip Zelikow, The Gorbachev Era (1986) with Alexander Dallin and Uncertain Allegiance: The Soviet Union and the Czechoslovak Army (1984).

• New York Times best-sellers, Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family (2010) and No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington (2011).

Fun Facts:

Nick Name: "Warrior Princess"

Most Likely wearing: Giorgio Armani She is usually spotted with a tailored blazer and skirts just above the knee

Favorite Make up Brand: Yves Saint Laurent.

Workout Routine: Wakes up 4.30 every morning 45 minutes on a treadmill or an elliptical trainer six days a week and lifts weights three times a week