Sandra Day O'Connor
Born in Texas in 1930, Sandra Day O'Connor moved to Arizona as a child.  After graduating from law school she entered politics as a Republican, and became the first woman to be majority leader of the Arizona state senate.  In 1981, President Regan appointed her to be the first woman on the US Supreme Court.  She served as a justice for 24 years and was known as a moderate and influential "swing voter"  in 5-4 opinions.  She resigned from the court in 2005. 
>> Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_Day_O'Connor