About Carol Moseley Braun
Carol Moseley Braun, the first African American woman to serve in the U.S. Senate, was a candidate for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination. A native of Chicago, she has served her country as a United States Senator from Illinois (1993-99) and U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand (1999-2001), as well as Cook County recorder of deeds, state representative, and assistant United States attorney.
The hallmark of her public service has been dedication to the harmony of the community. An advocate of diversity, she has consistently worked to build an inclusive society. Her extensive and constructive legislative record reflects this commitment to social justice and good government. Since her return in 2001 from her ambassadorial posting, she has taught law and political science at Morris Brown College and DePaul University while maintaining a business law practice and business consultancy in Chicago.
The Senator Wynona Lipman Chair in Women’s Political Leadership was created to honor the legacy of the late state Senator Wynona Lipman, the first Black woman to serve in the New Jersey State Senate. The Lipman Chair is intended to celebrate Senator Lipman, remind people of her achievements, and encourage others to follow in the footsteps of this path-breaking Black woman leader. CAWP is grateful to the governor and the state legislature for their commitment to honoring Senator Lipman's memory and advancing women's leadership.