Who was the first female justice appointed to the Supreme Court during Ronald Reagan's presidency?

During Ronald Reagan's presidency, Sandra Day O'Connor was appointed as the first female justice to the Supreme Court. Her appointment in 1981 marked a significant moment in history as she broke the gender barrier in the highest court of the land, paving the way for future female justices. O'Connor's legal career prior to her appointment included serving as a state senator and as a judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals, which contributed to her qualifications for the role. She became known for her centrist decisions and often played a pivotal role in cases that required a swing vote.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, although a prominent and influential figure in the fight for gender equality and women's rights, joined the Supreme Court later in 1993. Elena Kagan was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2010, long after O'Connor's historic appointment. Clarence Thomas, while a Supreme Court justice, was not the first female justice nor a female, as he was appointed in 1991. Thus, Sandra Day O'Connor remains a landmark figure in the history of the Supreme Court as its first female justice during Reagan's administration.