Ella Grasso: The First of the Firsts

with Former Massachusetts State Senator, Linda Melconian

Linda Melconian, former American state legislator who served as the first woman Majority Leader in the history of the Massachusetts Senate, will discuss her book, Ella Grasso: The First of the Firsts

Linda Melconian, former American state legislator who served as the first woman Majority Leader in the history of the Massachusetts Senate, will discuss her book, Ella Grasso: The First of the Firsts. Grasso served as the 83rd governor of Connecticut, was the first woman elected governor in Connecticut, and was and the fourth woman to be elected governor of a U.S. state.

Registration is appreciated but not required.

About the book:

Ella Grasso: The First of the Firsts tells the story of a trailblazing woman who shattered political glass ceilings – all on her own terms and in her own way.Before Ella Grasso became the first woman elected governor of an American state in her own right, she was a bright young student at Mount Holyoke College, an institution that has nurtured generations of first-of-their-kind women. Through the lives of other notable Mount Holyoke alumnae including Frances Perkins and Shirley Chisholm along with college founder Mary Lyon and contemporary president Danielle Holley, the book traces a rich legacy of leadership and determination, which Ella Grasso epitomized.

From Grasso’s early political career in the Connecticut’s legislature to her groundbreaking victories as Connecticut Secretary of State, U.S. Representative, and ultimately Governor, Grasso’s rise was fueled by fierce intelligence, unwavering values, and an unmatched ability to connect with voters – all until her untimely death after resigning during her second governor term.

Today, Grasso is remembered for her unrelenting love and hard work on behalf of the people she represented and governed, and she remains an icon of dedication, confidence and perseverance.

Both a biography and a tribute to women’s history, Ella Grasso: The first of the Firsts is a compelling read for anyone who believes in the power of firsts and women who lead the way as agents of change.

About the Author:

Linda J. Melconian, the first woman majority leader of the Massachusetts state Senate, is herself a manifestation of the vibrant women’s leadership phenomenon emerging from Mount Holyoke College. Linda first met Ella Grasso while working as a key staffer for the now historically notable master legislator U.S. House Speaker “Tip” O’Neil. Ella and Linda would often meet for tea and chat about their beloved alma mater, Mount Holyoke College.In addition to her political public service, Linda has prolifically spoken and written about leadership in the political arena. She is author of the 2021 book Lay It on the Table: A Change Agent in Action, which provides an insider’s account of master legislator “Tip” O’Neil’s pivotal role in and strategies for the legislative effort to end the Vietnam War. 

In 2012 Mount Holyoke College honored Linda as one of its 175 alumnae “Women of Influence.”

Upcoming Events