Hillary Rodham Clinton opened her 1996 book It Takes a Village with the snowflake wisdom above, a tribute to the strength of synergy and community. An advocate for women and children’s issues, she was born on this day in 1947. Raised in Park Ridge, Illinois, she credited her parents for nurturing her independent spirit and enduring passion for service.

After graduating from Wellesley and Yale Law School, Clinton built a career devoted to justice and opportunity for others. As First Lady, she worked to expand healthcare access and remind a generation that “it takes a village” to raise strong communities. Elected to the U.S. Senate from New York in 2000, she earned bipartisan respect for her diligence and command of policy.

Appointed Secretary of State in 2009, Clinton represented the United States on the global stage, promoting diplomacy, human rights, and peace. Her tireless travel—over one million miles—symbolized her belief in the power of connection and the necessity of listening to every voice.

In 2016, she made history as the first woman nominated for U.S. president by a major party, winning the popular vote by nearly three million. Her campaign carried forward themes of equality and the shared belief that “love trumps hate.” Though she did not take office, her run changed what is possible for women and girls worldwide.

Today, Clinton continues her work through The Clinton Foundation and Onward Together, encouraging civic participation and new leadership rooted in hope and compassion. Her journey embodies persistence through adversity and the power of collective strength—snowflakes joining to form an avalanche of change.