Eleanor Roosevelt (USA) Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 – 1962) was a
rebel woman. She is an icon for all women striving for
meaningful lives. Although born into New York upper class wealth
and privilege, she experienced hardship as a child losing both
parents at young age. She believed herself to be ugly,
untalented and lacked confidence. She married young, had six
children, was dominated by her mother in law, and was crushed by
her husband’s infidelity yet rose to global prominence for her
humanitarian efforts. Eleanor was a social worker, diplomat,
educator, writer, businessperson and policy maker. She had
established a career before her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt
(FDR) was elected president of the United States. FDR served as
President from 1933 to 1945 with Eleanor a key advisor. She
redefined the role of First Lady and traveled extensively,
earning the nick name Eleanor Everywhere. She promoted the New
Deal to alleviate the suffering of people living in poverty. She
was a champion for a similar New Deal for