Who was the first female cabinet member in the United States?

Frances Perkins was the first female cabinet member in United States history, serving as Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Her appointment was groundbreaking, as she not only broke gender barriers but also played a significant role in shaping key labor policies during the Great Depression. Perkins was instrumental in the establishment of social security, unemployment insurance, and various labor laws that provided protections for workers. Her legacy is marked by her commitment to social reform and the welfare of the working class, making her a pivotal figure in American labor history.

The other individuals mentioned in the options, while significant figures in American politics, were not the first female cabinet members. Hillary Clinton served as Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright was also Secretary of State and the first woman to hold that position, while Condoleezza Rice was the first African American woman to serve as Secretary of State. Each made important contributions to their respective roles, but it was Frances Perkins who set the precedent for women in the cabinet.