Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Gabby Giffords
June 8, 1970
Tucson, Arizona, US
56 Years Old
Gemini
Who Is Gabby Giffords?
Gabrielle Dee Giffords is an American retired politician and prominent gun violence prevention advocate. Known for her remarkable resilience, she has transformed personal tragedy into a national mission.
Her career in the public eye began with her service in the US House of Representatives, but a 2011 assassination attempt brought her national attention. Her courageous recovery and subsequent advocacy inspired many across the country.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Gabrielle Giffords grew up in a household that encouraged diverse religious understanding, with her father being Jewish and her mother a Christian Scientist. Her family ran a local tire business, where she later served as president and CEO.
Giffords attended University High School in Tucson before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Latin American History from Scripps College. She furthered her studies with a Master's degree in Regional Planning from Cornell University, also spending a year as a Fulbright Scholar in Mexico.
Notable Relationships
Gabby Giffords married former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly in 2007, a partnership that has since grown into a powerful force in public advocacy.
She is a stepmother to Kelly's two daughters, Claudia Kelly and Claire Kelly, and together they navigate a life of public service and family commitment.
Career Highlights
Gabrielle Giffords served as a US Representative for Arizona from 2007 to 2012, recognized as a centrist Democrat focused on immigration reform, renewable energy, and border security.
Following her congressional tenure, Giffords co-founded the gun violence prevention organization, Giffords, which has become a leading national advocate for gun safety legislation. Her work was recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022.
Signature Quote
“I will get stronger. I will return.”