Friday Speaking

'Hillary effect' cited for increase in female ambassadors to U.S. - Washington Post

“Women remain a distinct minority — there are 182 accredited ambassadors in Washington — but their rise from a cadre of five in the late 1990s to five times that is opening up what had been an elite’s men club for more than a century.

A key reason is the increase in the number of top U.S. diplomats who are women, what some call the ‘Hillary effect.’

‘Hillary Clinton is so visible’ as secretary of state, said Amelia Matos Sumbana, who just arrived as ambassador from Mozambique. ‘She makes it easier for presidents to pick a woman for Washington.’

Three of the last four secretaries of state — the office that receives foreign ambassadors — have been women.

Madeleine Albright became the first female U.S. secretary of state in 1997. Condoleezza Rice served from 2005 to 2009.”

Hillary and Madeleine - my fellow alumnae! Wellesley, Hoo-ah :) !