Anne Wexler, legendary Washington insider and lobbyist, lost her fight to cancer last week at the age of 79.

Wexler’s career spanned five decades, and touched some of the biggest names in politics and business. In 1970, as campaign manager to then-Connecticut Senate candidate, Joseph Duffey, Wexler brought on two young volunteers — Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham. Duffey lost that race, but gained a partner for life, Anne Wexler, who he later married. And Wexler also gained lifelong friends with the former President and current Secretary of State.

In the mid-70s, Wexler served as an associate publisher for Rolling Stone magazine, overseeing its presence in Washington. During the Carter Administration, she served as Under Secretary at the Commerce Department until President Carter brought her to the White House to improve his relationship with business and other key constituencies.

The day after President Reagan was sworn into office in 1981 Wexler started a lobbying consulting firm, joined by two other Carter veterans, Gail Harrison and Bob Schule. The old boys in town quickly panned the notion of a woman-led lobbying firm, but those catcalls soon turned to admiration. Through hard work, tenacity, and political smarts she landed some of the biggest client names in business, including General Motors, American Airlines, and the Motion Picture Association of America.

In 1983, she brought on a new partner, who happened not only to be another high-powered woman, but a Republican — Nancy Clark Reynolds. Reynolds was a former senior aide to Ronald Reagan when he was Governor of California.

Together, Wexler and Reynolds were not only turning heads, but they were turning the powerful lobbying industry on its head. They were the first major lobbying firm in town to be run by two women, and the first one to recognize the importance of bipartisan government relations. They were breaking down long-established walls — and enjoying every minute of it.

I know first-hand because my husband worked for Wexler at her firm (known today as Wexler & Walker) for 12 years from 1989-2000. “Anne is a class act” he was fond of saying, and he had the very highest respect for her, and so did I.

Washingtonian magazine listed Wexler as one of the 10 most powerful lobbyists in DC, noting: “She is easily the most influential female lobbyist in a world still dominated by men.” Upon learning of her death, President Jimmy Carter issued a statement, calling Wexler a “remarkably effective” public servant. Through “her integrity” she brought a “good image” to lobbying.

A memorial service for Wexler will be held on October 20 at the Kennedy Center.

Trailblazers like Anne Wexler come along only once in a while to help chart a new course for others to follow. Her impact on the business of Washington should serve as a guidepost for every business. Set out to blaze your own trail, be willing to embrace change, and innovate — and enjoy every bit of the journey.