Catherine Crier is the youngest elected state judge in Texas history; later she is an award-winning journalist and Court TV host.
Novelist, poet, and MacArthur Fellowship recipient Sandra Cisneros publishes her first work of fiction, The House on Mango Street. Much of her work is inspired by her Mexican American heritage.
Molecular biologist Flossie Wong-Staal is the first person to clone the HIV virus, a major research advance in the treatment of AIDS.
Designer Donna Karan founds the fashion house Donna Karan.
Runner Joan Benoit wins the gold medal in the first-ever women’s marathon at the Summer Olympics; she wins by more than a minute over her nearest rivals.
Broadcast journalist Diane Sawyer becomes the first woman reporter on television’s 60 Minutes.
Geraldine Ferraro is named Democrat Walter Mondale’s running mate. This is the first time a major American political party has nominated a woman for the vice presidency.