Economist Janet Yellen became the first woman to head the Treasury Department since it was founded in 1789. Economist Janet Yellen became the first woman to head the Treasury Department since it was founded in 1789. Yellen was also the first woman to serve as chair of the Federal Reserve. In addition to being the first woman to serve as treasury secretary, Yellen would be the first person of any gender to have led the Federal Reserve, the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and the Treasury Department. Which woman making history inspires you? Credit: Business Insider