Esther Peterson facts for kids
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Esther Eggertsen Peterson (born December 9, 1906 – died December 20, 1997) was an important American leader. She worked hard to protect consumers (people who buy goods and services) and support women's rights. She helped make sure people got fair deals and that women had equal opportunities.
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Early Life and Education
Esther Eggertsen grew up in a Mormon family in Provo, Utah. She loved learning and graduated from Brigham Young University in 1927. She studied physical education. Later, she earned a master's degree from Teachers' College, Columbia University, in 1930.
During the 1930s, she taught at several places. One special place was the Bryn Mawr College Summer School for Women Workers in Industry. This school brought women who worked in factories, like those making hats or clothes, to learn on a college campus. She later moved to New York City and married Oliver Peterson. In 1932, they moved to Boston, where she taught at the Winsor School and volunteered at the YWCA.
A Career for Change
Esther Peterson spent her life working for important causes. She helped workers and consumers.
Helping Workers and Unions
In 1938, Peterson started working for the American Federation of Teachers. She traveled around New England to help teachers. In 1944, she became the first woman to work for the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, D.C.. This board helps make sure workers' rights are protected.
In 1948, her husband got a job as a diplomat in Sweden. The family moved there and lived abroad for several years. They returned to Washington D.C. in 1957. Peterson then joined the Industrial Union Department of the AFL-CIO. This was a big step because she became its first woman lobbyist. A lobbyist tries to convince lawmakers to support certain ideas or laws.
Working in Government
Peterson held many important roles in the United States government. She was the Assistant United States Secretary of Labor and the Director of the United States Women's Bureau under President John F. Kennedy. In these jobs, she worked hard to improve conditions for workers and women.
One of her biggest achievements was helping to pass the Equal Pay Act of 1963. This law made it illegal for employers to pay men and women differently for doing the same job.
In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson created a new job just for her: Special Assistant for Consumer Affairs. In this role, she helped protect the rights of everyday people who buy things. She later served as President Jimmy Carter's Director of the Office of Consumer Affairs.
Continuing Her Advocacy
Even outside of government, Peterson continued her work. She became the Vice President for Consumer Affairs at Giant Food Corporation, a large grocery store chain. She also served as president of the National Consumers League, a group that works for consumer rights.
Her dedication was recognized with many honors. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981. This is one of the highest awards a civilian can get in the United States. In 1993, she was named a delegate to the United Nations as a UNESCO representative. In 2013, Esther Peterson was honored again when she was added to the US Department of Labor's U.S. Department of Labor Hall of Honor.
Death
Esther Peterson passed away in December 1997.
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