Epstein, Dorothy, 1913-2006

Dorothy Epstein (1913-2006) was a labor, political, and community activist and organizer. After graduating from Hunter College in 1933, Epstein worked at the New York City Department of Welfare, where she organized the department's first sit-down strike. Epstein later became the first female local president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), District Council 37. She was also involved in Russian War Relief, the American Labor Party, the Unemployment Committee of the Greater New York Industrial Union Council, and the American Jewish Labor Council. Later in life, Epstein worked in the private sector and was the first female president of a vitamin production company, Synergy Plus. After retiring, Epstein was a senior activist, serving as president of the Hudson Guild Senior Center and the founding director of the Institute for Senior Action.

From the guide to the Dorothy Epstein Papers, circa 1930-2009, (Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Labor Archive)