Geraldine Ferraro was an American politician and attorney who made history as the first woman to run for vice president on a major party ticket in the United States. She was the Democratic nominee for vice president in 1984, alongside presidential candidate Walter Mondale. Ferraro served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 to 1985, representing New York's 9th congressional district. Born on August 26, 1935, in Newburgh, New York, Ferraro was a strong advocate for women's rights and social justice. After her political career, she became a prominent speaker and author, contributing to discussions on gender and politics until her passing on March 26, 2011.