After serving as a foreign policy advisor for many politicians, Madeleine Albright’s first major role was as the United States’ ambassador to the United Nations. President Bill Clinton nominated her for the role in 1993. AP
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As UN ambassador, Albright saw many of the most tumultuous events of the early 90s, including the breakup of Yugoslavia. Here, Albright speaks to reporters after presenting photographic evidence of mass graves in Bosnia to the UN Security Council on August 10, 1995. Associated Press
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In 1997, President Clinton appointed Albright Secretary of State. She was the first woman to become the nation’s top diplomat and at the time the highest ranking woman in the United States government’s history. AP
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Throughout the 90s, Albright was involved in negotiating the Israeli-Palestinian peace process in both her roles as Secretary of State and UN Ambassador. Here, she meets with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat at a 1997 summit in Switzerland. AP
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Albright’s tenure as Secretary of State also saw increased tensions between North and South Korea. Here, General Richard B. Myers (right) briefs Albright on the situation at the border between the two countries in February, 1997. AP
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Albright and the Clinton administration were heavily involved in the Balkans peace process, which included deploying a peacekeeping force to Bosnia. Here, Albright greets soldiers at Air Base Eagle in Tuzla, Bosnia in 1998. AP
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Due to her success as a diplomat, Albright became one of very few Western leaders to ever meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il. Here, Kim toasts Albright at a state dinner in Pyongyang, North Korea in October, 2000. AP
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President Barack Obama awards Madeleine Albright the Presidential Medal of Freedom on May 29, 2012. AP
