Donna Shalala is an American public servant and academic known for her role as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton. She has also served as the president of the University of Miami. Shalala's work in health policy and education has had a significant impact on public administration and higher education. Her leadership and contributions to public service continue to be recognized and valued.

"The dog doesn't know the difference between Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, so I have to walk the dog early those days too."



"I think President Bush tried to step up on Social Security even though the polls showed that was unpopular. He has not been successful and backed off, but I admire people who take on big problems."



"Sure, it is apparent that presidents are looking at polls, but they are also stepping up on issues. President Clinton stepped up on tobacco. He shaped the polls on the tobacco issue."



"We have to mainstream everybody. No matter what their circumstances when they were growing up. Part of that is knowing that after they're finished with school, everybody in this country gets up and goes to work."



"Asking the government to help you for short periods of time is different than asking the government to take care of you for the rest of your life."



"I am interested in getting people to use the healthcare system at the right time, getting them to see the doctor early enough, before a small health problem turns serious."



"I have to admit, in January and February I was in an absolute fuzz. I had no one on board. It wasn't that I didn't know what I was doing, but we didn't have all the pieces put together."

