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 a prominent American politician and diplomat. She served as the 67th United States Secretary of State under President Barack Obama (2009-2013), a U.S. Senator for New York (2001-2009), and First Lady during Bill Clinton's presidency (1993-2001). As a member of the Democratic Party, Clinton secured the party's nomination in the 2016 presidential election, marking her as the first woman to achieve this milestone from a major U.S. party. Although she won the popular vote, she did not win the election. Notably, she remains the only First Lady to have pursued elected office.

Sections (6)

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

1969: Graduated Wellesley College and Spoke at Commencement

In 1969, Hillary Rodham graduated with honors from Wellesley College and became the first student in Wellesley College history to speak at commencement. She received a standing ovation, was featured in Life magazine, and appeared on television talk shows.

1977: Appointed to Legal Services Corporation

Later in 1977, Hillary Rodham was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the board of directors of the Legal Services Corporation.

1978: First Female Chair of Legal Services Corporation

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

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: Chair of Legal Services Corporation

Hillary Rodham served as the first female chair of the Legal Services Corporation board until mid-1980.

1986: Board of Wal-Mart Stores

In 1986, Hillary Clinton joined the corporate board of directors of Wal-Mart Stores, becoming the first female member.

1988: One of the 100 most influential lawyers in America

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

1988: Chairman of the board of the Children's Defense Fund

In 1988, Hillary Clinton became chairman of the board of the Children's Defense Fund and on the board of the Arkansas Children's Hospital's Legal Services.

1991: One of the 100 most influential lawyers in America

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

September 1995: Speech Before the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing

In September 1995, Hillary Clinton argued against practices that abused women around the world and declared, "it is no longer acceptable to discuss women's rights as separate from human rights".

1997: Initiated Adoption and Safe Families Act

In 1997, Hillary Clinton initiated and shepherded the Adoption and Safe Families Act.

1999: Passage of Foster Care Independence Act

In 1999, Hillary Clinton was instrumental in the passage of the Foster Care Independence Act.

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

On November 7, 2000, Hillary Clinton won the election to become a U.S. Senator for New York, receiving 55 percent of the vote.

2000: Elected to U.S. Senate

In 2000, Hillary Clinton was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first female senator from New York and the first First Lady to simultaneously hold elected office.

November 7, 2006: Re-election to the U.S. Senate

On November 7, 2006, Hillary Clinton won re-election to the U.S. Senate with 67 percent of the vote.

2008: New Hampshire Primary Win

In 2008, Hillary Clinton had a surprise win in the New Hampshire primary, narrowly defeating Barack Obama. It was the first time a woman had won a major American party's presidential primary for the purposes of delegate selection.

2011: Appointed Honorary Founding Chair

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

2013: Support for National Right to Same-Sex Marriage

2013 marked the first time Hillary Clinton expressed support for a national right to same-sex marriage.

June 5, 2016: Presumptive Nominee Status

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

July 26, 2016: Nomination at Democratic National Convention

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

2016: Won Presidential Nomination

In 2016, Hillary Clinton became the Democratic Party's nominee for president, marking the first time a woman had won a presidential nomination from a major U.S. political party.