Women's ascension into American politics -- Defining the who and what that emboldens the ascension of women to higher political office -- Deciding to run for higher office: females' perspectives on their political journeys -- Determinants of women's ascension to the U.S. House of Representatives -- Climbing higher: women's ascension to the U.S. Senate -- Moving across the Capitol: women's ascension to state governorships -- Female politicians: role models advancing their gender's representation.