About

She became the first woman to serve in the U. S. Cabinet, holding the position of Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1945. Perkins played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of numerous labor and social welfare policies during the New Deal era, including the establishment of the Social Security system, the minimum wage, and the 40-hour workweek. Born in 1880, Perkins grew up in a middle-class family in Massachusetts and attended Mount Holyoke College, where she studied physics and chemistry. However, her experiences on a social work assignment in New York City's impoverished neighborhoods sparked her interest in social issues and spurred her to pursue a career in reform and advocacy. After completing graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, she became involved in various social work projects and joined the Progressive Party, advocating for worker rights and safety regulations. In 1911, Perkins witnessed the devastating Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which resulted in the deaths of 146 garment workers due to unsafe working conditions. This event had a profound impact on her and further motivated her efforts to enact labor reforms. Perkins later became the head of the New York State Industrial Commission and played a significant role in implementing various groundbreaking labor laws, including workers' compensation and maximum working hours for women and children. Perkins's expertise and dedication caught the attention of President Roosevelt, leading to her appointment as Secretary of Labor. As part of Roosevelt's "brain trust," Perkins pushed for significant labor reforms and spearheaded important legislative initiatives. She played a critical role in drafting the groundbreaking Social Security Act of 1935, which established the foundation for the U. S. welfare system. Throughout her tenure, Perkins faced significant opposition and criticism from business interests and conservative politicians. However, her determination and resilience allowed her to navigate these challenges and advance important social and labor reforms. After leaving office, Perkins continued to be involved in labor activism and lectured at Columbia University. She also wrote a memoir, "The Roosevelt I Knew," in which she reflected on her experiences with President Roosevelt and her years as Secretary of Labor. Frances Perkins's contributions to labor and social policy have had a lasting impact on the United States, improving the lives of countless workers and establishing a more equitable and secure social safety net. Her pioneering role as a woman in government and her commitment to reform and social justice make her a prominent figure in American history.