Nancy Pelosi grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. Her father, the citys powerful mayor, taught her the importance of public service. After moving to California, Pelosi became an influential political leader, winning her first election to Congress in 1987. As she climbed into the ranks of House leadership, Pelosi earned a reputation as one of Washingtons most liberal lawmakers, supporting gay rights, abortion rights, and funding for the arts. Making history in 2007 as the first woman to serve as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Pelosi has shepherded her agenda through Congress, forging a progressive energy initiative, finding compromise with her opponents on an economic stimulus plan, and opening talks with Americas enemies in an effort to find a peaceful solution to the Iraq War. Read about this formidable woman of the U.S. Congress in "Nancy Pelosi."