Olympia Snowe

Often saying she's been a minority within a minority within a minority as a moderate Republican woman who's served in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate, Senator Olympia Snowe recounts how she has been no stranger to challenges in life, both political and personal. She speaks of how, having lost both her parents before the age of 10, she realized early in life that there are two choices: either become overwhelmed by tragedies, or view them as temporary and not permanent. It's a lesson that re-emerged in her mid-20's when her first husband, who was serving in the Maine Legislature at the time, was killed in a car accident and she came to the conclusion that she would run to fill his seat. And she relates how her loss also brought home the importance of women's issues as she asked herself, "What do other women do, especially women with children?"

Drawing on a remarkable 34 years of experience in Washington, Senator Snowe offers audiences a rare glimpse into how she and other women in the House and Senate have been able to combine forces regardless of their party labels, to overcome hurdles and make a difference for women across America. She brings a unique perspective on how women can succeed and contribute even in one of the most exclusive, male-dominated institutions and how their contributions and collaborations in Congress actually offer a template for making government work again. At the same time, her entire life's story is an incredible and inspiring testament to the fact that any obstacle in any sphere of life can be overcome and truly anything is possible.