The first woman to serve as Secretary of State in the United States was Madeleine Albright. Appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1997, she served until 2001. Albright was a pioneering figure, breaking significant gender barriers in U.S. foreign policy. As Secretary of State, she emphasized the importance of democracy and human rights on the global stage, often addressing issues such as genocide and international conflicts. Albright's tenure not only highlighted women's capabilities in leadership roles but also illustrated the evolving role of the U.S. in world affairs, establishing her as a prominent diplomatic leader.