In Frances Perkins: The Woman Who Built America’s Safety Net, author Rodney L. Kelley presents an in-depth and vivid portrait of one of the most influential yet overlooked figures in American history. As the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet, Frances Perkins was the driving force behind some of the New Deal’s most enduring reforms, including Social Security, unemployment insurance, and labor rights legislation. Kelley’s biography breaks new ground, weaving together a thematic exploration of Perkins’ career and personal life with broader historical context. Drawing on previously untapped sources such as personal correspondence, oral histories, and declassified documents, the book offers readers a nuanced understanding of Perkins’ struggles and triumphs. This biography is more than a historical recounting—it is a timely exploration of how Perkins’ vision continues to shape America’s social and economic landscape. Kelley connects her work to modern debates about income inequality, the gig economy, and the role of government in citizens’ lives, making this book essential reading for anyone interested in labor history, women’s history, or public policy.