Millicent Fenwick, a woman ahead of her time, was born on February 25, 1910. Hailing from a wealthy tobacco family in New Jersey, she defied societal expectations and built a career focused on public service and advocacy. Known for her sharp wit, unwavering integrity, and progressive views, Fenwick had a profound influence in Congress. She championed civil rights, labor protections, and women’s equality, earning her the title of “the conscience of Congress.”

Before her political career, Fenwick sharpened her intellect as a fashion editor at Vogue, where she developed a keen sense of style and a voice advocating for strong women. She served as a U.S. Representative from New Jersey from 1975 to 1983, during which time she was known for her efforts in promoting civil rights, labor protections, and ethics reform. Her sharp intellect and no-nonsense attitude were so influential that Garry Trudeau, the creator of Doonesbury, modeled the character Lacey Davenport after her, highlighting her political acumen and independent spirit.