Hillary's appointment as Secretary of State has put an end to speculations about the prospects of the former Democratic rivals joining hands to guide the United States foreign policy amid steep challenges at home and abroad.
The decision to offer the second most powerful job in the administration to 61-year-old Clinton followed days of intense vetting and negotiations intended to clear any potential obstacles to her taking the job, due to her husband Bill Clinton's global business and philanthropic activities.
Over nearly four decades in public service, as an attorney, First Lady, Senator, and presidential candidate, Hillary has been one of United States' foremost champions for children and families and advocates for women's rights and human rights.
During the Clinton Administration, she transformed the role of First Lady, fighting for universal health care and helping to lead successful bipartisan efforts to improve the adoption and foster care systems, reduce teen pregnancy, and provide health care to millions of children through the Children's Health Insurance Program.
Image: US Democratic presidential candidate Illinois Senator Barack Obama and New York Senator Hillary Clinton wave to supporters during a rally at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.
Photograph: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images
Also see: Five Challenges before Obama
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