Patsy Mink was the first Asian American woman in congress, and during her career in politics she advocated for the expansion of opportunities through Title IX and other legislation.
Mink, born Patsy Matsu Takemoto in Maui, Hawaii, was a third generation Japanese American. After graduating as class president and valedictorian of her high school, she initially wanted to become a doctor. However, after she was rejected from several medical schools she decided to become a lawyer instead. She enrolled in the University of Chicago’s law school. She experienced discrimination in her job search and ended up starting her own private practice.
In 1956, Mink was elected to Hawaii’s territorial House of Representatives. Two years later she won election to the territorial senate. In 1964, Mink was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She achieved this despite receiving no local party support, a recurring obstacle in her career. When she was sworn in she became the first Asian American woman, the first woman of color, and the second woman from Hawaii to serve in Congress.
