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Notable Achievements at Age 54
Signed Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act
On June 25, 2019 signed legalization and regulation of adult-use recreational cannabis; law effective Jan 1, 2020; expungements and community reinvestment provisions included.
Inaugurated as 43rd Governor of Illinois
Sworn in on January 14, 2019 as governor; began administration priorities on fiscal policy, education, healthcare and criminal justice reform.
Suspended 2016 presidential campaign
Ended his presidential bid on Nov 2, 2015, citing Democratic Party rule changes that prevented debate participation.
Announced formal 2016 presidential campaign
Declared candidacy for the Democratic nomination on Sept 6, 2015, aiming to make campaign finance reform the centerpiece of his run.
Awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama
Received the 2013 National Humanities Medal at the White House (awarded in July 2014) for work delving into mysteries of human existence.
Founded Possible Financial Services (later Starling Bank)
Founded an online-only bank originally named Possible Financial Services, tagline 'Bank Possible'.
Assassinated after Rawalpindi rally (Dec 27, 2007)
Shot and then a suicide blast occurred after she left a campaign rally in Rawalpindi; she died en route to hospital. Attack also killed dozens of bystanders.
Founded The Huffington Post (HuffPost)
Co‑founded The Huffington Post with Andrew Breitbart, Kenneth Lerer and Jonah Peretti; launched May 9, 2005 as a commentary/blog/news aggregation site.
Sworn in as 78th U.S. Attorney General (first woman)
Reno was sworn in on March 12, 1993, becoming the first female U.S. Attorney General and overseeing the Department of Justice.
Confirmed by U.S. Senate as Attorney General (98–0)
The Senate confirmed Reno on March 11, 1993 by a 98–0 vote.
Keynote speaker, 1988 Democratic National Convention
Delivered the keynote address in Atlanta; speech brought national prominence (notable lines about George H.W. Bush and women in politics).
Fatal car crash on Ahmedabad–Mumbai highway
While returning from Udvada on 4 September 2022, the Mercedes-Benz GLC in which they were travelling crashed into a road divider on a bridge over the Surya River near Charoti (Palghar). Mistry and Jehangir Pandole, seated in the rear without seat belts, were killed instantly.
Survived 2021 gubernatorial recall election
Recall election held Sept 14, 2021 — only 38% voted to recall Newsom, so he remained governor.
Signed minimum wage increase to $15 by 2025
Signed legislation on Feb 19, 2019 raising Illinois' minimum wage to $15/hour phased in by 2025; includes tax credits for small businesses.
SEC revoked Rappler's license to do business
In January 2018 the SEC revoked Rappler's certificate of incorporation/operating license (later remanded to SEC by Court of Appeals).
Completed 27 marathons in 27 days in South Africa; raised £1.35M
Finished challenge at Mandela statue in Pretoria; had to run two marathons on final day due to hospital stay; raised over £1.35 million for Sport Relief.
Launched presidential exploratory committee
Announced on Aug 11, 2015 that he had launched an exploratory committee for a possible 2016 Democratic presidential bid, seeking $1M by Labor Day.
Laquan McDonald shooting occurred
Dash-cam video captured the Oct 20, 2014 police shooting of Laquan McDonald; controversy later erupted over withholding the video.
💡 What this means for you
At age 54, you're at a pivotal point where many successful entrepreneurs made their breakthrough. Whether you're building your first company or scaling an existing one, these examples show what's possible with focus and execution.
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