Condoleeza Rice is the first female and the second African American, after Colin Powell, to hold the position as National Security Advisor. She has always been the youngest and smartest person in the room. Rice has held many leadership positions in her many careers. She is known as "Bush's secret Weapon" and has been called "the most powerful woman in the world." She is known for her expertise on Russian affairs and arms control. She has achieved several firsts in her life. As a faculty member at Stanford University, she became the youngest provost in the institution's 110-year history and the first woman and the first African American to hold the position. As national security adviser, she holds a powerful position during a time when the United States is considered at war and she is reported to be one of President Bush's closest advisers. Her unique name is derived from an Italian musical term that means "with sweetness." .
Family Background.
Rice was born in 1954 In Birmingham, Al to Angelena, a music and science teacher and John, was a pastor and dean of Stiilman College, a historically black college and later the vice chancellor of the University of Denver. Even in spite of the racism and segregation she grew up around, her parents instilled in her a can-do attitude that led her on a lifelong path to success. For the Rice family education and faith in God were not only forms of personal enrichment but weapons for rising up and overcoming.
Education/Career Background.
By age 3, Condi was playing the piano, figure skating and learning French. At age 11 she was skipped to the eighth grade. She enrolled at the University of Denver at age 15 and graduated cum laude at age 19. The following year, she received a master's degree from Notre Dame, and Ph.D. from the University of Denver in 1981. Rice joined the political science faculty of Stanford University in 1981. For the next six years, she served as Provost for Stanford University.