Elaine Chao
Awards & Honours
6
Awards Won
6
Honours
5
Rankings
4
Covers
3
Records
Elaine Chao's career is marked by a series of historic firsts. She was the first Asian-American woman to lead a federal regulatory agency (Federal Maritime Commission, 1988) and the first Asian-American woman appointed to a presidential cabinet (Secretary of Labor, 2001). She is one of only a few individuals to hold two different cabinet positions under two presidents. Her induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2024 recognizes her lasting impact on public service and as a role model for immigrant women.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
National Women's Hall of Fame Inductee
Inducted for her trailblazing career in public service.
Ellis Island Medal of Honor
Awarded for her contributions to the nation as an immigrant.
James Madison Award for Public Service
Recognized for her dedication to public service.
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Honorary degree for her public service career.
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Honorary degree from her alma mater.
Kennedy Center Trustee
Appointed to the board of trustees.
Rankings & Lists
World's 100 Most Powerful Women
World's 100 Most Powerful Women
50 Most Powerful Women in Business
50 Most Powerful Women in Business
Time 100
Magazine Covers
Time
March 2001
The New Cabinet
Forbes
October 2004
The World's 100 Most Powerful Women
The New York Times Magazine
March 2001
Profile on Chao's role as Labor Secretary
The Washington Post Magazine
March 2017
Elaine Chao: The Transportation Secretary Who Will Drive Trump's Infrastructure Plan
Records & Feats
First Asian-American Woman to Serve in a Presidential Cabinet
Appointed as U.S. Secretary of Labor in 2001, she became the first Asian-American woman to hold a cabinet position.
First Asian-American Woman to Lead a Federal Regulatory Agency
Became Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission in 1988.
First Cabinet Member to Resign After January 6 Attack
Resigned as Transportation Secretary on January 7, 2021, citing the assault on democracy.