The first time I met Bill Clinton was actually 1988.

Almost all first ladies have had tremendous power on personnel issues, whether the public realized it or not, whether it was Barbara Bush or Nancy Reagan or whoever.

When I joined Bill Clinton's start-up presidential campaign in 1991, I was confident that women would play an ever more important role, but I never gave a minute's thought to what would happen if we won. When we did - and I became the first woman to serve as White House press secretary - it changed my life. But it didn't change the world.

Women's particular experiences continue to shape not just their points of view but their actions, in the United States and around the world.

Trying to negotiate getting a couple of kids to watch the same TV show requires serious diplomacy.

Having a sense of humor has served me more than it has hurt me - just in the sense that it has allowed me to keep my sanity.

I don't think women hold all the answers, but with their skills, their strengths, we can get to a better place.