Janet Yellen’s career has been a journey of firsts, breaking barriers in the male-dominated field of economics. As the first woman to serve as Chair of the Federal Reserve (2014–2018) and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (2021–present), Yellen has exemplified the power of expertise, persistence, and leadership in shaping global economic policy.
Born in Brooklyn in 1946, Yellen’s passion for economics began early. She graduated summa cum laude from Brown University in 1967 and earned a Ph.D. in economics from Yale University in 1971, where she was the only woman in her class. Her academic rigor and sharp analytical mind propelled her to Harvard University and later the London School of Economics, before she joined the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. There, she received numerous teaching awards and became a leading voice on macroeconomics and employment dynamics.
Yellen’s career in public service began with her appointment to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in 1994. In 2014, she became the first woman to lead the Fed, where she oversaw a period of economic recovery, steering the country out of the 2008 financial crisis. During her tenure, the U.S. experienced steady job growth and low inflation, thanks to her balanced focus on reducing unemployment while maintaining financial stability.
In 2021, Yellen shattered another glass ceiling by becoming the first female Treasury Secretary under President Joe Biden. She now plays a pivotal role in managing the U.S. economy, addressing challenges like inflation, tax reform, and economic inequality.
Yellen’s journey is a powerful reminder of how women can rise to the highest levels of leadership, proving that knowledge, tenacity, and vision can create lasting impact in traditionally male-dominated arenas. Her legacy continues to inspire women to pursue careers in economics, finance, and public policy.
