You know the obvious names and their "firsts": Hillary Clinton, the first major party female presidential primary candidate. Sarah Palin, the first female Republican vice-presidential candidate. But there are dozens of women who made meaningful triumphs in the year 2008.

In order to let the light shine on women worldwide who made "female firsts" in endeavors great and small, we teamed up with the research team at findingDulcinea, the "librarian of the Internet," to vet and find deep background on the women on our list.

Click here for the complete list - and pictures - of these fabulous women!

Hillary Rodham Clinton: As if you weren’t aware, Hillary Rodham Clinton’s the first woman listed as a presidential candidate in every primary and caucus around the country. We’re sure she’ll break even more records in the years ahead!

Sarah Palin: This self-proclaimed maverick shot straight out of Alaska’s frontier this year to become the Republican Party’s first female vice-presidential running mate. She didn’t win, but Palin’s now secured her spot as a household name.

Jeanne Shaheen: Shaheen may have thought her political career was over when she ended her six-year tenure as New Hampshire’s governor in 2003, but this fierce lawmaker simply couldn’t resist a senatorial run. And her win this year makes her the state’s first female senator.

Lt. Gen. Ann Dunwoody: Ann Dunwoody joined the Army in 1975 with the intention of staying for only two years. Obviously she liked the experience, because this year she became our nation’s first four-star female general. That’s something we salute!

Danica Patrick: To say that Danica Patrick is driven would be an understatement. This 26-year-old beauty made history this year when she became the first woman to win a race on Japan’s IndyCar circuit!

Dara Torres: Dara Torres deserves tides of kudos for becoming the first woman over 40 to swim in the Olympics. She took home a total of three silver medals, bringing her grand total up to 12.

Eri Yoshida: Eri Yoshida hit it out of the park this year when she became Japan’s first professional female baseball player.

Pamela Jelimo: Even the Road Runner can’t keep up with runner Pamela Jelimo, who this year became the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic track-and-field gold. She ran the 800-meter dash in an incredible one minute and 54.87 seconds. We’re winded just thinking about it.

Dr. Peggy Whitson: Dr. Peggy Whitson proved she’s truly stellar this year when she became the first lady to command the International Space Station. Her tour of duty lasted only six months, but no doubt left an indelible mark on the space program.

Fahmida Mirza: We love a girl with something to say, and Fahmida Mirza’s no exception! This fabulous gal broke new ground this year when she became the very first female speaker of Pakistan’s parliament.

Beverly Perdue: In 2000, Beverly Perdue became North Carolina’s first female Lt. governor. Now, eight years — and a reelection — later, Perdue has kicked it up a notch to become the first woman to fill the gubernatorial slot.

Rashida Tlaib: Whoa! We need to give this lady – Rashia Tlaib – a round of applause. She beat out eight other primary contenders and eventually became Michigan’s first Muslim and female state legislator. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, Tlaib won 44 percent of that primary vote.

Cammie Granato: Nearly a decade after winning gold at the Nagano Olympics, hockey player Cammie Granato got what she deserves: a spot in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Score!