THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Cindy Marano

May 27, 1947 – April 28, 2005

“The displaced homemaker is caught in a changing scene. Suddenly, because of a divorce or being widowed, she’s told she’s worthless, that what she did at home doesn’t count at all. There isn’t a person who has been a homemaker who doesn’t have skills that can’t be brought into the current job market.”

Economic justice activist. Fought for equal pay, economic self-sufficiency and access to nontraditional jobs for women. Joined Peace Corps, 1960s, serving two years in Ecuador. Director of public affairs, National Federation of Business and Professional Women, Washington, 1969 – 1975. Executive director, Wider Opportunities for Women (1985 –1987). Advocate for affordable child care, working mothers, 1988. Director, National Workforce Network, president of Wider Opportunities for Women. Developed outreach for women to become involved in the construction trade and other jobs not often filled by women. Worked to create women’s literacy programs. Contributed to four federal laws, including the Nontraditional Employment for Women Act of 1992. Founder, leader or board member of numerous national groups and coalitions, including Equal Rights Advocates, the National Displaced Homemakers Network, OWL, the National Coalition on Women, Work and Welfare Reform and the National Women’s Vote Project. Started her own business, Marano and Associates, helping low-income people move out of poverty. Joined National Economic Development and Law Center in Oakland, 2001. Awarded the Ms. Foundation for Women’s Gloria Award for Women of Vision and National Award for Women’s Economic Justice. Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, George Mason University, 1972.