Phyllis Ann Wallace facts for kids
Phyllis A. Wallace (1921–1993) was an amazing African American economist and activist. She was the first woman to earn a PhD in economics from Yale University. Phyllis Wallace worked to fight against unfair treatment based on race and gender in jobs.
Quick facts for kids
Phyllis Ann Wallace
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| Born | June 9, 1921 Calvert County, Maryland
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| Died | January 10, 1993 (aged 71) Boston, Massachusetts
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| Awards | National Economic Association's Westerfield Award (1981) |
Contents
Early Life and Education
Phyllis Ann Wallace was born on June 9, 1921. Her birthplace was Calvert County, Maryland. Her parents were John and Stevella Wallace.
She went to Frederick Douglass High School. This was a good school, but it was segregated, meaning only Black students could attend. She graduated in 1939.
Even though she was the top student, she couldn't go to the University of Maryland. This was because state laws at the time only allowed white students.
Instead, she went to New York University. She earned a bachelor's degree in economics in 1943. She graduated with high honors.
She then studied at Yale University. She received her master's degree in 1944. In 1948, she earned her PhD. She was the first woman to get a PhD in economics from Yale.
Career Highlights
Phyllis Wallace first studied economic growth in the Soviet Union. Later, she focused on economics in the workplace.
Fighting Discrimination
In 1965, she joined the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This group works to stop unfair treatment in jobs. She became a strong voice against discrimination.
She played a key role in the parts of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that dealt with jobs. This law helped make sure everyone had a fair chance at work.
Later, she worked for the Metropolitan Applied Research Center (MARC). Here, she focused on economic issues affecting young people from minority groups in cities.
Teaching at MIT
In 1972, Wallace became a visiting professor at MIT. She taught at the Sloan School.
By 1974, she became a full professor. This made her the first woman to earn a permanent teaching position at Sloan. She stopped teaching in 1986.
Major Achievements
Phyllis Wallace achieved many important things. She was the first African American president of the Industrial Relations Research Association. She was also the first woman to hold this position.
She received several awards for her work. In 1981, she won the Westerfield Award from the National Economic Association. She also received awards from universities like Yale in 1980 and Brown in 1986.
