10 American Women Who Are Shaping Politics and Policy

Women have been making significant strides in American politics and policy-making in recent years, breaking barriers and shaping the landscape for generations to come. From Congresswomen to policy advocates, these 10 women are changing the face of American politics and are worth keeping an eye on in the years to come.

1. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is an American politician, activist, and Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York’s 14th congressional district. She is a member of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and has been a strong advocate for Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and criminal justice reform.

2. Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris was the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American to serve as the Vice President of the United States. Prior to her vice presidency, she served as a Senator for California and was the Attorney General of California.

3. Stacey Abrams

Stacey Abrams is a politician, lawyer, and voting rights activist who served as the Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017. She ran for Governor of Georgia in 2018, narrowly losing, but has continued her advocacy for voting rights and access, particularly for people of color and marginalized communities.

4. Elizabeth Warren

Elizabeth Warren has been a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts since 2013 and is known for her progressive policies and advocacy for consumer protection. She has also been a strong voice for student loan debt forgiveness and reforming the financial industry.

5. Gretchen Whitmer

Gretchen Whitmer is the current Governor of Michigan and has been a vocal proponent of public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also been a strong advocate for expanding access to healthcare and improving education in Michigan.

6. Ayanna Pressley

Ayanna Pressley is a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts’ 7th congressional district and is known for her progressive policies and advocacy for justice reform. She has been a strong voice for issues such as ending cash bail, expanding access to affordable housing, and reforming the criminal justice system.

7. Deb Haaland

Deb Haaland is the first Native American woman to serve in Congress and is the current Secretary of the Interior in the Biden Administration. She has been a strong advocate for environmental justice and protection, as well as for Native American rights and representation.

8. Lori Lightfoot

Lori Lightfoot is the current Mayor of Chicago and the first Black woman and openly gay person to hold the position. She has been a vocal advocate for gun control and police reform in Chicago, as well as for expanding access to affordable housing and public education.

9. Tammy Duckworth

Tammy Duckworth is a Senator from Illinois and a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives. She is also a veteran of the Iraq War and lost both of her legs in combat. She has been a strong advocate for veterans’ issues, as well as expanding access to healthcare and protecting the rights of marginalized communities.

10. Susan Rice

Susan Rice is a former U.S. National Security Advisor and ambassador to the United Nations under President Barack Obama. She has been a vocal advocate for foreign policy initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security, as well as expanding access to healthcare and economic opportunities for marginalized communities.

These 10 American women are changing the face of American politics and policy-making, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of leaders. Their actions and advocacy have made a significant impact on issues ranging from healthcare to criminal justice reform, and their influence is likely to continue to be felt for years to come.