Born July 11, 1887
Oxford, Mississippi

Died September 23, 1971
Washington, D.C.

Administrator

Ellen Woodward. AP/Wide World Photo. Reproduced by permission.

"Woodward's grassroots approach to the administration of programs to promote economic security and social betterment brought significant change to the lives of many women."

From Ellen S. Woodward: New Deal Advocate for Women

Ellen Woodward's energetic work on behalf of women and children spanned several decades, from 1925 to 1953. Many consider Woodward one of the most important women in the New Deal, second only to Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins (1882–1965; see entry). The New Deal was a collection of legislation passed during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's (1882–1945; served 1933–45; see entry) administration. The legislation established programs that were designed to bring economic relief to those most affected by the Great Depression, the worst economic slump in U.S. history. One of Woodward's key goals during the Depression was to...