Frances Perkins changed history. As Secretary of Labor and the first woman to sit in the US Cabinet (1933-1945), Perkins was a key figure in the development of many of the New Deal programs, including Social Security, unemployment insurance, and the minimum wage. She was also instrumental in improving working conditions for women and children. As the most influential woman in politics in the first half of the 20th century, Perkins was passionate that social justice and economic success could—and must—go side by side.
Tom Levitt is a writer and consultant on responsible and sustainable business, serial charity chair, social entrepreneur, and director of Sector 4 Focus in West London, UK. Levitt is motivated by the idea of “using the tools of business to create public good,” and works with leaders in all sectors to help create a sustainable and responsible society and economy. This work led to his interest in and research on the work of Frances Perkins, culminating in the publication of The Courage to Meddle: The Belief of Frances Perkins. Levitt, a former member of the British Parliament, argues that driven by politics, faith, and scientific training, Perkins is a woman for our times and examines how her policies are faring globally today.
