In September we observe Labor Day, which is a good time to acknowledge the path-breaking work of Frances Perkins, the first woman cabinet member, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Secretary of Labor. She is probably more responsible than anybody for the New Deal, which was only a campaign slogan when FDR asked her to serve in his cabinet. Her agenda included minimum wage, maximum hours, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, Social Security, National Labor Relations Board, and the end of child labor. Her commitment to women, children, and working people grew from deep moral and spiritual values and is still inspiring.