Madeline Albright is an American success story.  The daughter of a diplomat the family immigrated to America from Prague, when her father lost favor with his government’s policies on communism. In Denver, where the family relocated, Madeline founded the school’s international relations club.  Next was a full scholarship to Wellesley College, with advanced degrees from John Hopkins and Columbia University to follow.

Her government work began as an aide to Senator Ed Muskie. This led her to a position on the National Security Council under President Jimmy Carter.  Upon Carter’s departure from office she taught at Georgetown University and was a foreign policy advisor to Democratic candidates.  In 1992, she again worked on the National Security Council and in 1997 was tapped by President Bill Clinton for Secretary of State.  She was the first woman to hold that position.  President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.

At 83, she continues to write and advise on foreign policy.  She is a six -time New York Times bestselling author and her latest book is Hell and Other Destinations.