Who was the first woman to serve as the United Nations Ambassador?

• A. Hillary Rodham Clinton
• B. Susan Rice
• C. Jeane Kirkpatrick
• D. Condoleezza Rice

Answer: (C)

Jeane Kirkpatrick was the first woman to serve as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, appointed in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan. In that role she represented the U.S. at the UN, helping shape American diplomacy on international issues during the early 1980s. This historic appointment set the precedent for women in the post, with later ambassadors such as Susan Rice serving in the same role years afterward. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Condoleezza Rice are notable for other top positions (Secretary of State and related roles) rather than serving as UN ambassador.