After spending last week at the WBENC Conference in Baltimore in the company of great female leadership, I thought it fitting to recognize some of our great historical women leaders.
“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” – Rosalynn Carter, former first lady
Eleanor Rosalynn Carter is the wife of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. She served as the First Lady of the United States from 1977 to 1981. During that time she sat in on Cabinet meetings and served as an envoy abroad. Rosalynn also served as an active honorary chair of the President’s Commission on Mental Health. A cause she was already familiar with, as prior to her husbands presidency she was elected to the board of directors of the National Association of Mental Health. Rosalynn’s agenda was to change how the government gave assistance to the mentally ill, she wanted people to be able to come forward with their disabilities without the fear of labeling.
When the Carter’s left their presidency in 1981 they co-founded the Carter Center. A nongovernmental non- profit organization working to advance human rights around the world. Rosalyn has continued her efforts to educate and champion for the mentally ill , instrumental in the passing of legislation requiring health insurance coverage increases in treatment of mental illness.
Rosalynn Carters leadership and dedication continue to improve the lives of many.
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