Kirsten Downey

Kirsten Downey, author of 'The Woman Behind the New Deal', sheds light on Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in U.S. history. They discuss Perkins' transformative journey after witnessing the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which propelled her commitment to labor rights. Downey reveals how Perkins shaped critical policies like Social Security and the minimum wage, navigating a male-dominated political landscape. Listeners learn about her enduring legacy and influence on American social safety nets that continue to impact lives today.