Women’s Equality Day - August 26 - is a day to commemorate the adoption of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote. In honor of the day and its historical significance, we’ve compiled a list of the strongest female leaders OUTSIDE of Washington. You’re welcome!
New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez
Like other leaders on this list, Gov. Martinez is the first female governor of her state. And in 2013, Time included Martinez to its list of “100 Most Influential People in the World.” Although Martinez is term limited, we have no doubt there’s more in store for the Governor down the road.
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin
Is it possible to have a more impressive resume than Gov. Mary Fallin? She served as a legislator in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, as Lt. Governor from 1995 to 2007, and in the U.S. House of Representatives. What’s more, as a member of Congress, she was the first woman in the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation since 1923. Elected to the governorship in 2010, Fallin is (surprise!) Oklahoma's first female governor.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds
Similar to Gov. Ivey (See #4), Reynolds has only been in the governor’s mansion for a few months – following the appointment of IA Gov. Terry Branstad to the role of U.S. Ambassador to China. Prior to becoming the state’s FIRST female governor, Reynolds served as Lt. Governor and a State Senator.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey
Ivey’s only been Governor of Alabama for a few short months, but don’t make the mistake of misinterpreting her short tenure for a lack of experience. In 2002 she was elected to serve as State Treasurer, and in 2010 the voters of Alabama made her Lt. Governor. In April of this year, Ivey became the state’s second female governor - cementing her place in Alabama state history AND on this list.
Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley
Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives. First female governor of South Carolina. Second Indian-American governor ever in the United States. Selected as one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People” in 2016. Haley’s accomplishments were impressive even before she became the Ambassador to the U.N. under President Trump.
