Before Ella Grasso became the first woman elected Governor of a U.S. state in her own right, she was a bright young student at Mount Holyoke College, and institution that has nurtured generations of first-of-their-kind women. Through the lives of other notable Mount Holyoke alumnae and faculty, such as Frances Perkins and Shirley Chisholm, we can trace a legacy of leadership and determination epitomized in Ella Grasso.

From her early political career in Connecticut’s legislature to her groundbreaking victories as Secretary of State, U.S. Representative, and ultimately Governor, Grasso’s rise was fueled by fierce intelligence, unwavering values, and an unmatched ability to connect with voters- all until her untimely death after resigning during her second term as Governor.

Presented by Linda J. Melconian, former Massachusetts State Senator and the first woman Majority Leader in the history of the Massachusetts Senate.