Ellen Bravo

Ellen Bravo is a long-time activist for working women. She began working for 9to5, National Association of Working Women in 1982, when she helped found the Milwaukee chapter, and served until 2004 as its national director. Now Ellen teaches women's studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, including master's level classes on family-friendly workplaces and on sexual harassment. She coordinates the Family Values @ Work Consortium, a network of state coalitions working for policies such as paid sick days and family leave insurance. Her most recent book is Taking on the Big Boys, or Why Feminism is Good for Families, Business and the Nation (Feminist Press, 2007). Among her other publications are The 9to5 Guide to Combating Sexual Harassment, The Job/Family Challenge: A 9to5 Guide (Not for Women Only,) and a report on "Quality Part-Time Options in Wisconsin." Ellen is frequently interviewed by the media and is a leading spokeswoman on working women's issues. A business editor once described her talks as "moving, witty and sometimes bawdy."

Ellen has served on several state and federal commissions, including the bi-partisan Commission on Leave appointed by Congress to study the impact of the Family and Medical Leave Act. She co-chaired the Economic Sufficiency Task Force of the Wisconsin Women = Prosperity project led by Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton and serves as treasurer for the campaign of Congresswoman Gwendolynne Moore. Among her commendations is a Woman of Vision award from the Ms. Foundation. Ellen lives in Milwaukee with her husband; they have two adult sons.