Iconic Newsmaker #10: Gloria Steinem

Much to her chagrin, in the early days of the Women's Movement, Gloria Steinem was known as "the pretty one." A founder and seminal voice for feminists during the late 1960s and early 1970s, Steinem was and is a nationally recognized leader of women's and children's causes, a prolific journalist and powerful advocate for the underprivileged. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Smith College, Steinem's 11-day undercover stint as a Playboy Bunny would follow her, albeit softly, for much of her career. Well-known for her iconic, long blonde hair and over-sized aviator glasses, Steinem became a fixture on news broadcasts and television reports about feminism. A force of nature, this is her story.

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Against All Odds

Steinem's childhood in Toledo, Ohio was punctuated by extreme poverty and her mother's mental illness. Her father left the family when she was small, catapulting her to instant caregiver instead of child. Perhaps her inner drive was born of this struggle, or perhaps it would have surfaced no matter what the circumstances, but Steinem's drive to achieve led her to a prestigious Seven Sisters school and a degree in government studies. Already feeling hemmed in by traditional choices, she opted for an unfettered life, eschewing the marriage and mommy track to pursue a writing career.

A New Turf in New York

Now a freelance journalist, Steinem's unprecedented 1963 piece for "Show" magazine on Hugh Hefner's Playboy empire ruffled feathers as well as bunny tails. Steinem went undercover for 11 days as a scantily-clad waitress in New York City's Playboy Bunny Club to expose the treatment of female employees at the venue. The bold move got her and her burgeoning cause noticed.

Ever-focused on women's rights and sexual harassment in the workplace, Steinem stressed the need for solidarity and an end to the silence which permeated the workplace for many women so used to being sexualized at work that it simply felt like business as usual. The voiceless many now had an advocate in the very vocal Steinem.

Her career in full force, Steinem helped found "New York Magazine" in 1968. As a political columnist, she gave voice to the stories that mattered most to her, such as abortion rights and racism. Her 1969 article, "After Black Power, Women's Liberation," became the mobilizing cry for a new generation of feminists who shared dog-eared copies of the magazine in college cafeterias, playgrounds and secretarial pools nationwide.

In 1972, Steinem went on to co-found "Ms. Magazine," the monthly, seminal voice of the women's movement. Steinem would remain editor at "Ms." for 15 years and is still a consultant to the magazine.

In 2005, along with Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan, Steinem founded the New York and Washington, DC-based Women's Media Center, geared towards increasing visibility, power and prestige for women working in all forms of media.

Still Going Strong

She of the fierce compassion, deep-seated sense of justice and iconic hairstyle is now 75 years old. A current New York resident, Steinem has been published in or contributed to a vast array of publications including "The New York Times" and "Esquire." Her passion for freedom and equality transcends borders as well as causes. As a member of Beyond Racism, a three-year initiative, she strove to compare racial patterns that exist in the U.S., Brazil and South Africa. She is also a founder of Take Our Daughters to Work Day, Choice U.S.A. and the Brooklyn-based Ms. Foundation for Women.

A widow and breast cancer survivor, Steinem is currently writing a book about her life in the feminist movement.

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Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.