Timeline
Childhood & Family
Secretary Chao's immigration and transition to the United States, early family life, college and business school.
Early Career
Secretary Chao's early career as a young banker and subsequent public service as a White House Fellow, Chairwoman of the Federal Maritime Commission, Deputy Maritime Administrator and Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Peace Corps
Secretary Chao’s work as Director of the Peace Corps, including the Agency’s establishment of the first programs in the newly liberated Baltic nations of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia and the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union.
United Way of America
Secretary Chao’s tenure as President and CEO of United Way of America and her leadership in restoring public trust and confidence to one of America’s premier charitable organizations after it had been tarnished by scandal and financial mismanagement.
U.S. Department of Labor
Secretary Chao's contributions as the nation’s 24th U. S. Secretary of Labor, the first Asian Pacific American woman to be appointed to the President's Cabinet in American history, the longest serving U. S. Secretary of Labor since World War II, and the only member of the Cabinet to have served all eight years of President Bush’s Administration.
Today
Secretary Chao's current activities, media appearances and life in Kentucky.
“I think America's strength lies in its freedoms and the opportunities that are available in this country, anyone, and I mean anyone who has...dreams can excel. They can if they work hard, if they believe in themselves and they never give up.”
Elaine Chao
Learn more about Secretary Chao's official Department of Labor portrait.
