Hillary Clinton's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Hillary Clinton. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is an American politician, lawyer, and diplomat. She served as the 67th U.S. Secretary of State under President Barack Obama, a U.S. Senator representing New York, and First Lady during Bill Clinton's presidency. As a member of the Democratic Party, she secured the party's nomination in the 2016 presidential election, making history as the first woman to win a presidential nomination from a major U.S. party and the only woman to win the popular vote in a U.S. presidential election. Notably, she is the only former First Lady to have run for elected office.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1969: Graduation from Wellesley and Commencement Speech

In 1969, Hillary Rodham graduated from Wellesley College with a Bachelor of Arts and delivered a commencement speech, becoming the first student in Wellesley College history to speak at the event. Her speech garnered significant attention and was featured in Life magazine.

1977: Appointed to the Legal Services Corporation board

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter appointed Hillary Rodham to the board of directors of the Legal Services Corporation.

1978: Held position at the Legal Services Corporation

From 1978 until the end of 1981, Hillary Rodham held the position on the board of directors of the Legal Services Corporation. From mid-1978 to mid-1980, she served as the first female chair of that board.

1979: First Woman Partner at Rose Law Firm

In 1979, Hillary Clinton became the first woman partner at Little Rock's Rose Law Firm.

1980: Served as first female chair

From mid-1978 to mid-1980, Hillary Rodham served as the first female chair of that board of the Legal Services Corporation.

1988: Named one of the 100 most influential lawyers in America

In 1988, Hillary Clinton was named by The National Law Journal as one of the 100 most influential lawyers in America.

1991: Named one of the 100 most influential lawyers in America

In 1991, Hillary Clinton was named by The National Law Journal as one of the 100 most influential lawyers in America.

1997: Initiated and shepherded the Adoption and Safe Families Act

In 1997, Hillary Clinton initiated and shepherded the Adoption and Safe Families Act, which she regarded as her greatest accomplishment as the first lady.

1997: Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album

In 1997, Hillary Clinton received the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for the audio recording of her book "It Takes a Village: And Other Lessons Children Teach Us".

It Takes a Village, and Other Lessons Children Teach Us

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November 7, 2000: Election to the U.S. Senate

On November 7, 2000, Hillary Clinton won the election for U.S. Senator from New York, defeating Rick Lazio with 55 percent of the vote.

2000: "It Takes a Village" Sales Milestone

By 2000, Hillary Clinton's book, "It Takes a Village: And Other Lessons Children Teach Us" had sold 450,000 copies in hardcover and another 200,000 in paperback.

It Takes a Village, and Other Lessons Children Teach Us

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2000: Election to the U.S. Senate

In 2000, Hillary Clinton was first elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first female senator from New York.

2000: Whitewater Controversy Final Report

In 2000, the final report regarding the Whitewater controversy was issued, stating that there was insufficient evidence that either Bill or Hillary Clinton had engaged in criminal wrongdoing.

January 3, 2001: Sworn in as U.S. Senator

On January 3, 2001, Hillary Clinton was sworn in as a U.S. Senator for New York. As George W. Bush was still 17 days away from being inaugurated as president, from January 3–20, she simultaneously held the titles of First Lady and Senator – a first in U.S. history.

2003: Publication of "Living History"

In 2003, Simon & Schuster released Hillary Clinton's memoir "Living History". The book set a first-week sales record for a nonfiction work, sold over one million copies in the first month, and was translated into twelve foreign languages.

Living History

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November 7, 2006: Clinton wins Senate election

On November 7, 2006, Hillary Clinton won the Senate election in New York with 67 percent of the vote against John Spencer.

2008: Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire Primary

In 2008, Hillary Clinton placed third in the Iowa Democratic caucus on January 3 behind Obama and Edwards but secured a surprise win in the New Hampshire primary on January 8, becoming the first woman to win a major American party's presidential primary for delegate selection.

January 21, 2009: Clinton Confirmed as Secretary of State

On January 21, 2009, Hillary Clinton was confirmed as Secretary of State by the full Senate with a vote of 94-2. She resigned from the Senate later that day, becoming the first former first lady to be a member of the United States Cabinet.

2011: Honorary Founding Chair of the Institute for Women, Peace and Security

In 2011, Hillary Clinton was appointed the Honorary Founding Chair of the Institute for Women, Peace and Security at Georgetown University.

June 5, 2016: Presumptive Nominee

By June 5, 2016, Hillary Clinton had earned enough pledged delegates and supportive superdelegates to be considered the presumptive nominee.

July 26, 2016: Nominated for President

On July 26, 2016, Hillary Clinton was formally nominated at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, becoming the first woman to be nominated for president by a major U.S. political party.