Biography:

A native of New Jersey, Betty Castor graduated from college and, inspired by John F. Kennedy, took her first job teaching in Uganda in the British-American Aid for International Development program.

It was there that Castor, then 23, was asked to help lead 40 girls up Kilimanjaro.

"The idea was to break down barriers between Asian, Africa and Europeans to get to the summit," she said. "It's not unlike what we are doing (now) trying to provide leadership and build teamwork."

Castor returned to the United States, settling in Tampa where she staged her first run for office in a successful bid for a county commission seat. She later was elected to the Florida Senate.

In 1986, she became the first woman elected to the Florida cabinet when she won the race for education commissioner. In 1994, Castor became the first woman to head the University of South Florida in Tampa.

Past Campaigns:

Betty Castor served as a Hillsborough County Commissioner in Tampa, Fla., from 1972-1976.

She later was elected to the Florida Senate, serving from 1976-1978 and 1982-1986.

She was elected Florida education commissioner in 1986, serving from 1987-1993.

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