Feminist activist, co-founder of the National Women’s Political Caucus and Ms. magazine, Gloria Steinem, will address the 61传媒 graduating seniors at commencement exercises on Sunday, May 16, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. on the campus’s Elm Tree Lawn.
More than three decades after co-founding Ms. magazine in 1971, Steinem remains America’s most influential, eloquent and revered feminist, best-known for her advocacy on behalf of women and her outspoken writings and activism. Undeniably one of the most important voices of the modern feminist movement, Steinem’s name is synonymous with the advancement of women’s social equality in America and throughout the world. Now in her 60’s, Steinem continues her mission to help others have the freedom to pursue their dreams.
In 1960, Steinem began working as a writer and journalist in New York City, and gained attention in 1963 with the Esquire article, “I was a Playboy Bunny,” which recounted her experience as a waitress at Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Club. By 1968, her writing had become overtly political with her column, “The City Politic,” for New York magazine.
In 1969, when many women in New York began openly to discuss their experiences, Steinem became an activist and spokesperson for the feminist movement. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she continued to be a key player, helping a variety of organizations with advocacy and action.
In 1971, in addition to co-founding Ms. magazine, the first magazine dedicated to providing women’s viewpoints on political, social, cultural and other issues, Steinem convened the historic National Women’s Political Caucus with Betty Friedan, Bella Abzug,and Shirley Chisholm. She later helped found the Coalition of Labor Union Women and the Women’s Action Alliance. She also established the Ms. Foundation for Women, whose mission is to help women achieve the goals of economic security, leadership, and health and safety. Currently, Steinem is chair of Liberty Media for Women, LLC, the present corporate owner of Ms. magazine.
Steinem’s publications include Moving Beyond Words: Age, Race, Sex, Power, Money, Muscles: Breaking the Boundaries of Gender (1994), Revolution from Within (1992), and Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions (1983). She is a graduate of Smith College in Massachusetts.