Kathleen Blanco was an American politician who served as the governor of Louisiana from 2004 to 2008. She was born on December 15, 1942 in New Iberia, Louisiana, and held a bachelor’s degree in business education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Prior to becoming governor, Blanco served in the Louisiana House of Representatives and as lieutenant governor of the state. She was the first woman to be elected governor of Louisiana and the first Democrat to hold the position in over 20 years. Blanco’s tenure was marked by significant challenges, including Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, for which she faced criticism for the state’s response. After leaving office, she focused on education and public speaking, raising awareness about women’s issues and advocating for coastal restoration in her home state. Kathleen Blanco passed away on August 18, 2019, at the age of 76 after battling cancer.