November 19, 1896Leo Griffin Spofford born in Tiptonville, Tennessee1917graduated from the University of Tennessee, receiving her B.A. in sociology and home economics19321936Leo was a field worker for government relief work under the Unemployment Relief Committee in Shreveport, Louisiana19361939Leo worked as the State Director of the Women's and Professional Projects Division, where she supervised the activities of 10,000 non-construction workers, and the art, music and writers' projects of the WPA19391942Leo was the Chief Regional Supervisor for the Employment for Eligible Unemployed, WPA, New Orleans19421943Leo was the Regional Supervisor of the War Public Services Division, Federal Works Agency, Fort Worth, Texas1943Leo worked as the Special Assistant to Assistant Commissioner, Federal Works Agency, Washington, D.C.19431946Leo was the Director of the New Orleans Department of War Emergency Children's Service, where she created a plan for child care centers under federal supervision, making it possible for mothers to work in war plants.
Leo was the Regional Director of UNRRA (United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Association) in Hunan Province for 8 months. Arriving in May 1946, she helped establish, at its highest point, 20 refugee camps and orphanages.1947Leo returned to her home to New Orleans1949Leo opened a gumbo restaurant and a praline shop in New OrleansFrom the guide to the Leo Griffin Spoffod papers, 1942-1992, 1946-1947, (Claremont Colleges. Library. Special Collections, Honnold/Mudd Library.)