Pioneer

Patsy T. Mink, a Japanese American woman, was the first woman of colour elected to the U.S. Congress in 1964. She served a total of 12 terms and gained a reputation as a champion of women’s and civil rights, education and labour unions. She is perhaps best known for her role as a principal author and sponsor of Title IX, a piece of legislation that prohibits gender discrimination by federally funded institutions like public universities and government agencies. She was a woman who paved the path for women in public offices.