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March 26: Nancy Pelosi born (1940)

Nancy Pelosi (born March 26, 1940) is a historic political leader and advocate for social justice, best known for serving as the first woman Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. A Democrat from California, Pelosi has been a driving force in shaping U.S. policy, particularly in healthcare, economic reform, and civil rights.

One of her greatest legislative achievements was her leadership in passing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, expanding healthcare access to millions of Americans. She has long fought for protections for people with pre-existing conditions, lower prescription drug costs, and expanded Medicaid coverage. Pelosi has also championed women’s healthcare rights, advocating for reproductive freedoms and funding for preventative care.

Beyond healthcare, Pelosi has played a key role in climate action, LGBTQ+ rights, and workers’ protections, shaping modern progressive policies. In her book, The Art of Power (2008), Nancy Pelosi shares insights into her political journey, leadership philosophy, and the strategies she used to break barriers as the first woman Speaker of the House, offering a behind-the-scenes look at navigating power in Washington. As one of the most influential women in U.S. politics, she remains a symbol of resilience, strategic leadership, and historic firsts in government.

Challenge

  • Watch “Nancy Pelosi: The Art of Power" where she talks about the book on Real Time with Bill Maher.
  • Choose a major policy or law that Pelosi helped pass (e.g., the Affordable Care Act, climate change legislation, COVID-19 relief). Write a short case study or create an infographic explaining:
    • The challenges and opposition she faced 
    • The strategies she used to rally support
    • The impact of the policy on the country. 

Further Reading