Frances Perkins

Born in Boston to a devout Congregationalist family, Frances Perkins's Puritanical roots might explain her ironclad resolve, if not her penchant for progressive policy. While her peers were busy navigating tea parties and high society, Perkins was busy, well, not doing that. Instead, she was out in the streets, witnessing the grim realities of industrial labor firsthand.

Her dedication to social justice wasn't just a hobby; it was a calling, leading her directly to the forefront of the New Deal. As Secretary of Labor under FDR, she didn't just warm a seat; she crafted legislation that fundamentally reshaped American society, including Social Security, minimum wage, and child labor laws. Essentially, she was the architect of modern American labor policy, making life measurably better for millions.

Despite her remarkable achievements and a legacy that continues to impact every working American, Perkins's connection to the tribe remains firmly at zero. No hidden menorahs, no whispered prayers in Yiddish, just pure, unadulterated Yankee Protestantism. However, her tireless work for the welfare of others certainly brings a certain nachas, even if it's not strictly kvell-worthy for the mishpocheh.