Frances Perkins (Secretary)

Frances Perkins was the first woman to serve as a U.S. Cabinet member, appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as Secretary of Labor in 1933. She played a key role in creating social safety nets during the Great Depression, advocating for workers' rights, unemployment insurance, and Social Security. Perkins helped design landmark legislation, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, which established minimum wage and child labor laws. Her work significantly shaped modern labor policies and improved conditions for millions of American workers, making her an influential figure in U.S. history and women's rights.