The Honorable Elaine Chao, was the U. S. Secretary of Labor from 2001 to 2009 is the first Asian Pacific American woman to be appointed to a president’s cabinet. As Secretary, she focused on increasing the competitiveness of America’s workforce in a global economy and achieved record results in workforce health and safety. A leader in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, Secretary Chao has served as President and CEO of United Way, Director of Peace Corps, Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission and Vice President at Bank of America. She is a Fox News contributor and Distinguished Fellow with a Washington think tank, speaking frequently about jobs and the economy. She is a graduate of Harvard Business School and the recipient of 34 honorary doctorate degrees.
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Our Best Diplomats: Women in the Peace Corps
Women are now the majority of Peace Corps volunteers. Here’s how they’ve been uniquely committed to international work