THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Kathy Spillar

“I’ve been able to jump in with both feet and dedicate my professional life to this movement. I feel very fortunate in so many different ways that I can do that, that I can get up every morning and know that I can keep working on some aspect of all of this, with the ultimate goal of equality.”

Executive Director, Ms. Magazine. Executive Director, Feminist Majority Foundation & Feminist Majority. Founded The Feminist Majority with Peg Yorkin, Toni Carabillo, Judith Meuli and Eleanor Smeal, 1987. Four terms as President, National Organization for Women, Los Angeles. Commissioner on the Los Angeles County Women & Girls Initiative.

Interviewed by Carol King, July 2024

Photo. During a visit to Texas Christian University (TSU), Katherine Spillar said Wonder Woman made the cover of Ms. magazine’s first edition in 1972 because she represents “the use of power for good.” Wonder Woman returned to the cover to mark the magazine’s 45th anniversary. [Photos of Kathy Spillar by Leo Wesson for TSU]