Carol Moseley Braun (August 16, 1947-present) - The first and only African-American woman elected to the United States Senate, Braun served Illinois from 1993 to 1999. Braun started her career as prosecutor in the office of the United States Attorney in 1973. From 1978 to 1988, Braun served in the Illinois House of Representatives. After her time in the Senate, Braun was appointed as an ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa from 1999-2001.