37 Facts About Geraldine Ferraro

Early Life and Education

Geraldine Ferraro's journey began long before she made history as a trailblazing politician. Her early life and education set the stage for her future achievements.

1. Born on August 26, 1935, in Newburgh, New York, Ferraro was the daughter of Italian immigrants.
2. Her father, Dominick Ferraro, died when she was just eight years old, leaving her mother to raise the family alone.
3. Ferraro excelled academically, graduating from Marymount Manhattan College in 1956 with a degree in English.
4. She later earned a law degree from Fordham University School of Law in 1960, one of only two women in her graduating class.

Career Beginnings

Before entering the political arena, Ferraro built a solid foundation in law and public service.

5. Ferraro started her career as a public school teacher in Queens, New York.
6. She transitioned to law, working as an assistant district attorney in Queens in 1974.
7. In this role, she focused on cases involving child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual offenses.
8. Ferraro's work in the district attorney's office earned her a reputation as a tough and dedicated prosecutor.

Political Ascent

Ferraro's political career took off in the late 1970s, leading to her historic vice-presidential nomination.

9. In 1978, Ferraro was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York's 9th Congressional District.
10. She served three terms in Congress, from 1979 to 1985.
11. Ferraro was a member of the House Budget Committee and the House Public Works and Transportation Committee.
12. She co-sponsored the Economic Equity Act, aimed at addressing gender-based economic disparities.

Historic Vice-Presidential Nomination

Ferraro's most notable achievement came in 1984 when she broke new ground in American politics.

13. In 1984, Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale selected Ferraro as his running mate.
14. Ferraro became the first woman to be nominated for vice president by a major American political party.
15. Her nomination was announced at the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco.
16. Ferraro's acceptance speech emphasized the importance of gender equality and social justice.

Campaign Challenges

The 1984 presidential campaign presented numerous challenges for Ferraro and the Democratic ticket.

17. Ferraro faced intense scrutiny over her finances and those of her husband, John Zaccaro.
18. Despite the challenges, Ferraro remained a strong advocate for women's rights and social justice throughout the campaign.
19. The Mondale-Ferraro ticket ultimately lost to the incumbent Reagan-Bush ticket in a landslide.
20. Ferraro's candidacy, however, inspired many women to pursue careers in politics.

Post-Campaign Career

After the 1984 election, Ferraro continued to make significant contributions to public life.

21. Ferraro returned to practicing law and became a partner at the law firm of Blank Rome.
22. She remained active in politics, serving as a U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights from 1993 to 1996.
23. Ferraro authored several books, including her memoir "Ferraro: My Story," published in 1985.
24. She also worked as a political commentator for CNN and Fox News.

Legacy and Impact

Ferraro's legacy extends beyond her historic vice-presidential nomination, influencing future generations of women in politics.

25. Ferraro's nomination paved the way for future female vice-presidential candidates, including Sarah Palin and Kamala Harris.
26. She was a founding member of the National Organization for Women's Legal Defense and Education Fund.
27. Ferraro received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to public service and gender equality.
28. Her work inspired many women to pursue careers in law, politics, and public service.

Personal Life

Ferraro's personal life was marked by her dedication to family and public service.

29. Ferraro married John Zaccaro, a real estate developer, in 1960.
30. The couple had three children: Donna, John Jr., and Laura.
31. Ferraro balanced her career with her responsibilities as a mother and wife.
32. She was known for her resilience and determination in both her personal and professional life.

Later Years and Death

Ferraro's later years were marked by continued advocacy and personal challenges.

33. Ferraro was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, in 1998.
34. Despite her illness, she remained active in public life and continued to advocate for cancer research.
35. Ferraro passed away on March 26, 2011, at the age of 75.
36. Her funeral was attended by numerous political figures, reflecting her impact on American politics.
37. Ferraro's legacy lives on through the many women she inspired to pursue careers in public service.

Geraldine Ferraro's Legacy

Geraldine Ferraro broke barriers and made history. As the first woman to run for Vice President on a major party ticket, she paved the way for future generations. Her career as a lawyer, congresswoman, and diplomat showcased her dedication to public service. Ferraro's work on gender equality and social justice left a lasting impact on American politics.

Her legacy isn't just about her achievements but also about inspiring others to dream big. Ferraro showed that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. Her story reminds us that progress often comes from those willing to challenge the status quo.

Remembering Geraldine Ferraro means honoring a trailblazer who changed the political landscape. Her contributions continue to influence and inspire, proving that one person's courage can make a difference. Let's celebrate her life and the doors she opened for future leaders.