Portia, 66, started her career as a public servant in local government in 1974. Two years later she was elected to the Jamaican Parliament.

In 2006 she made history, becoming the first woman to be elected Prime Minister of Jamaica. She was re-elected in December 2011. While she has worked for many years as a public servant representing all Jamaicans, there is a great sense that her leadership will expand far beyond her island nation. In addition to her call this year to break with the British monarchy and make the island a republic, Portia is promoting full civil rights for gays and lesbians, a courageous move in a country with a violent history of homophobia.

I can say from personal experience that her presence is already inspiring a new generation of women, particularly from the Caribbean diaspora, to get involved in public service and to make a difference. Sister P is a woman to watch.

Clarke is a Congresswoman for New York’s 11th District

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