Ireland, Patricia (1945–)

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Ireland, Patricia (1945–)

American lawyer and social activist. Born in Oak Park, IL, Oct 19, 1945; dau. of James Ireland (metallurgical engineer) and Joan (Filipak) Ireland; attended DePauw University; graduated from University of Tennessee, 1966; attended Florida State University, 1972; received law degree from University of Miami, 1975; m. Donald Anderson (college student), in 1962 (div. 1963); m. James Humble (artist and businessman), 1968; no children.

Worked in corporate law for 12 years, during which time she also did pro-bono work for National Organization of Women (NOW) and assisted corporate clients in establishing affirmative-action programs; succeeded Molly Yard as the 9th president of NOW (1991); became a driving force in transforming it into the largest and most prominent feminist group in US; was reelected to the office several times.

See also Women in World History.