ABSTRACT
Born in 1927 in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, Patsy Mink was a third-generation Japanese-American who faced discrimination throughout her life that later inspired her to fight for equality as a lawyer, state and federal legislator, and advocate in the private sector. Mink was a pioneer for women in politics and a strong voice for marginalized communities. Throughout her career, Mink held the title of “first” multiple times, cementing her place in history as a political trailblazer who changed history by captivating and inspiring audiences. She is best-known for co-authoring and advocating for the Title IX Amendment of the Higher Education Act as well as later introducing the Women's Educational Equity Act. President Obama posthumously awarded Mink the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014, further positioning her in American history. Mink faced discrimination throughout her life due to her race and gender, but her experiences inspired her to become an advocate for equality and civil rights.
