Frances Perkins

First female U.S. Cabinet member and architect of the New Deal.

Frances Perkins (1880-1965) was an American sociologist and workers-rights advocate who served as the U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945, the first woman appointed to the U.S. Cabinet. Her influence as a visionary behind the New Deal helped shape modern American social safety nets.

Born Fannie Coralie Perkins in Boston, she graduated from Mount Holyoke College and Columbia University. Perkins was a prominent figure in progressive politics before her Cabinet appointment, working on labor legislation in New York.

As Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, she was central to policy initiatives such as the Social Security Act, unemployment insurance, and minimum wage laws. Her tenure was marked by significant advancements in workers' rights and welfare.

Perkins' time in office was historically significant for her role in New Deal policies that not only aimed to recover the economy from the Great Depression but also addressed underlying social issues. Her diligent work laid the groundwork for future labor rights advancements.

A particularly notable humanitarian effort she championed includes reforms to eliminate child labor and improve working conditions, showcasing her commitment to social justice.

Explore further at Biography of Frances Perkins at DOL.gov.