Geraldine Davis

Geraldine Ferraro was an American politician, attorney, and journalist who made history as the first woman nominated for vice president by a major political party. Born in New York, she began her career as a teacher before becoming a lawyer. She served in the Queens County District Attorney's Office, heading the Special Victims Bureau, and was later elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she focused on legislation promoting gender equity.

In 1984, she was selected as the Democratic vice-presidential running mate for Walter Mondale. This nomination made her a significant figure in American politics, though the campaign faced challenges related to her and her husband's finances. Following her time in Congress, Ferraro pursued further political ambitions, including unsuccessful Senate campaigns, and served as the Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. She continued her career in journalism and business until her death in 2011.

Born Geraldine Anne Ferraro in Newburgh, New York, she was the daughter of Italian immigrants. After her father's early death, her family faced financial hardship, relocating to the Bronx. Despite these challenges, Ferraro pursued higher education with determination, attending Marymount Manhattan College on scholarship and working multiple jobs. She became the first woman in her family to earn a college degree. Initially working as a teacher, she later attended Fordham University School of Law at night while teaching during the day, graduating with honors. She was admitted to the New York bar in 1961. Ferraro married John Zaccaro in 1960, and they had three children. While raising her family, she worked part-time as a civil lawyer and became involved in local politics. In 1974, she was appointed Assistant District Attorney for Queens County, eventually heading the Special Victims Bureau, where she advocated for victims of sex crimes and child abuse.

In 1978, Ferraro successfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 9th Congressional District. As a newcomer, she quickly gained prominence, becoming a protégé of House Speaker Tip O'Neill and rising through the Democratic Party ranks. She held leadership positions such as Secretary of the House Democratic Caucus and served on influential committees. Her political career reached a national level in 1984 when Walter Mondale chose her as his running mate for the presidential election. This selection marked a historic moment, making her the first woman to be nominated for vice president by a major American political party and the first widely recognized Italian American to achieve such a nomination. Despite initial positive attention, the campaign faced scrutiny over financial matters.

After the 1984 election, Ferraro continued her public service. She ran for the U.S. Senate from New York in both 1992 and 1998, though she did not secure the nomination. From 1993 to 1996, she served as the Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights under President Bill Clinton. She also maintained her career as a journalist, author, and businesswoman. In 2008, she was involved in Senator Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. Geraldine Ferraro passed away in 2011 after a battle with multiple myeloma.