Hon. Margaret M. Heckler

(1931 - )

Margaret M. Heckler advanced the interests of women and minorities during her long tenure in federal government. For 16 years, she served in the U.S House of Representatives, where she co-sponsored the Equal Rights Amendment and founded the Congresswoman's Caucus, a bipartisan group to promote equality for women. In 1983, Ronald Reagan appointed her Health & Human Services Secretary. She used her office to support AIDS awareness, aid for disabled Americans, and better health care for minorities. She resigned in 1985 and became Ambassador to Ireland. She now serves on various corporate boards and practices law at a private firm.