THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Margaret “Midge” Costanza

November 28, 1932 – March 23, 2010

“I’m not a woman who just happens to be an assistant to the president. I’m an assistant to the president who just happens to be a woman.”

Presidential advisor, social and political activist. Outspoken advocate for LGBT rights. Executive director, Robert F. Kennedy senate campaign, 1964. First woman elected to Rochester NYC Council; served as vice mayor of the city, 1974-1977. Co-chair, Carter presidential campaign, 1976. Joined administration as Presidential Assistant for Public Liaison, first woman to hold the title assistant to the president, 1976. Invited members of National Gay Task Force to the White House; hosted a group of 30 women in protest of President Carter’s opposition to federal abortion funding, 1977. Worked on several political campaigns, directed training seminars for prospective political candidates, San Diego, 1990s. Special assistant, liaison to women’s groups, Gov. Gray Davis, California, 2000-2003. Adjunct professor, San Diego State University, political science and women’s studies departments. Founded the Midge Costanza Institute for the Study of Politics and Public Policy, women’s studies department at San Diego State University, 2003. Public affairs officer, San Diego District Attorney’s Office, 2005.

Photo. Midge Costanza with President Jimmy Carter.