THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Jeanne Paquette Atkins

“I had no idea what I was going to do with this law degree except hopefully make the revolution happen.”

Former Secretary of State, Oregon. State Director, US Senator Jeff Merkley. A division director for reproductive and women’s health for the Oregon Department of Human Services. Served as Chief of Staff for the Oregon House Democratic Caucus. Worked for Planned Parenthood, the United Way of America, and the Women’s Equity Action League (WEAL).

Interviewed by Judy Waxman, Oral Historian, December 2024

Photo. Jeanne Paquette Atkins “Today Show” appearance in early 1985.