July 16 …

Alexis Herman was a public servant and political leader whose trailblazing career advanced workers’ rights, diversity in the workplace, and broader inclusion in American government and civic life.

Born July 16, 1947 in Mobile, AL, Herman was raised in a devout Catholic family during the Jim Crow era and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1969. Her early career as a social worker and community organizer focused on school desegregation and improving apprenticeship access for Black workers, efforts that eventually led to regional diversity-placement programs and paved the way for her transition into federal service.

Herman’s political career encompasses multiple administrations. At just 29, she was appointed by President Jimmy Carter as the Director of the Women’s Bureau (1977–1981). She later served as the chief executive of the 1992 Democratic National Convention, and as Assistant to President Bill Clinton and the Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison (1993–1997).

Notably, Herman became the 23rd U.S. Secretary of Labor (1997–2001), being the first African American individual to hold this cabinet position. During her tenure as Labor Secretary, she played a crucial role in managing the 1997 UPS strike, advocated for workforce development, supported minimum wage increases, and led initiatives focused on workforce preparation and worker security at a time of low national unemployment.

Herman’s inspirations and mentors include notable civil rights and political figures, such as Ronald H. Brown, former chair of the Democratic National Committee, Jesse Jackson, whom she supported during his 1988 campaign, and established civic leaders like Dorothy I. Height, with whom she shared a dedication to advancing Black women’s leadership.

While Herman is primarily recognized for her institutional leadership, she has also mentored many younger political operatives and public servants through her various roles and board memberships.

Herman’s numerous honors and accolades reflect both civic and corporate recognition. She has received over 30 honorary doctorates, been inducted into the Minority Business Hall of Fame and other state and national halls of honor, and received accolades from the National Women’s History Project.

Additionally, Alexis Herman held appointments to several corporate and nonprofit boards, including advisory roles with Coca-Cola and Toyota. She garnered broad praise from labor and civil rights organizations for her contributions to policy and diversity.