USA TODAY recognizes outstanding individuals in law, sports, advocacy, and wine industry.

Maureen O'Connor, the longest-serving woman in Ohio's statewide elected office, has been recognized as one of USA TODAY's Women of the Year. O'Connor served as lieutenant governor and then won election to the Ohio Supreme Court in 2002, becoming the first woman to serve as chief justice in 2011. Despite facing criticism from her own party for rejecting Republican-drawn political maps, O'Connor remains committed to doing what's right and encourages others to try new things and not get locked into a single career path.