Linda Melconian in Person

Join us on Thursday, April 23 at 7 PM as Linda Melconian presents her new book, Ella Grasso: The First of the Firsts.

Before Ella Grasso became the first woman elected governor of an American state in her own right, she was a bright young student at Mount Holyoke College, an institution that has nurtured generations of first-of-their-kind women. Though the lives of other
notable Mount Holyoke alumnae including Frances Perkins and Shirley Chisholm along with college founder Mary Lyon and contemporary president Danielle Holley, the book traces a rich legacy of leadership and determination, which Ella Grasso epitomized.

From Grasso’s early political career in the Connecticut’s legislature to her groundbreaking victories as Connecticut Secretary of State, U.S. Representative, and ultimately Governor, Grasso’s rise was fueled by fierce intelligence, unwavering values,
and an unmatched ability to connect with voters – all until her untimely death after resigning during her second governor term.

Today, Grasso is remembered for her unrelenting love and hard work on behalf of thepeople she represented and governed, and she remains an icon of dedication, confidence and perseverance.

Both a biography and a tribute to women’s history, Ella Grasso: The first of the Firsts is a compelling read for anyone who believes in the power of firsts and women who lead the way as agents of change.

Linda J. Melconian, the first woman majority leader of the Massachusetts state Senate, is herself a manifestation of the vibrant women’s leadership phenomenon emerging from Mount Holyoke College. Linda first met Ella Grasso while working as a key staffer
for the now historically notable master legislator U.S. House Speaker “Tip” O’Neil. Ella and Linda would often meet for tea and chat about their beloved alma mater, Mount Holyoke College.

In addition to her political public service, Linda has prolifically spoken and written about leadership in the political arena. She is author of the 2021 book Lay It on the Table: A Change Agent in Action, which provides an insider’s account of master legislator “Tip” O’Neil’s pivotal role in and strategies for the legislative effort to end the Vietnam War.

In 2012 Mount Holyoke College honored Linda as one of its 175 alumnae “Women of Influence.”

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