Hillary Clinton Biography

Find out how one of the most influential women of this century got her start with this Hilary Clinton biography. From public advocate to Secretary of State, she has spent the majority of her life in public service and the political arena. How did she get her start? What are some of the highlights of her career? Learn the basic biography facts on Hilary Clinton and take a look at her journey.

Childhood: HiIlary Rodham Clinton was born on October 26, 1947 in Chicago. Her father was a small textile supply owner and her mother looked after her and her two younger brothers. Clinton grew up in the suburbs of Chicago in a normal, middle-class environment. While growing up she worked as a babysitter and was involved in her church.

Young Republican: Although any Hilary Clinton biography would recognize this woman's strong identity as a Democrat, she did spend time as a young Republican. In 1964 she campaigned for Barry Goldwater, who was running for President as a Republican candidate.

Beyond Chicago: After high school, Clinton attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts, where she was Senior Class president. Next, she went to law school at Yale, graduating with honors in 1973. During this time she worked at different jobs during summer breaks, including working at a canning factory in Alaska. She started working for the Children's Defense Fund in 1970. A year later she spent the summer in Washington, D.C. and worked for a Democratic Senator, researching the problems of migrant workers.

Her Family: After graduating from law school Clinton worked at the University of Arkansas Law School, along with Bill Clinton, her then boyfriend and former classmate. They were married in 1975. The couple moved to Little Rock soon after where Bill Clinton began campaigning for the US Congress and their only child, Chelsea, was born.

First Lady: Even while acting as First Lady of the State of Arkansas and later the United States, Clinton remained very active, creating a formidable legacy. She served on the board of the Legal Services Corporation, was Chairwoman of the Arkansas Education Standards Committee and served on the board of the Arkansas Children's Hospital and the Children's Defense Fund. While her husband was President she worked on health care reform and championed international women's rights.

Senator and Secretary: In 2000, Hilary Clinton became a New York State Senator and continued to build up her impressive resume. She ran for President in 2008 and although she lost, she was a Democratic favorite. Instead of becoming President, she was named Secretary of State. Since 2009, she has traveled to dozens of countries representing the United States, focusing on issues in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.