We are sad to report that Brenda Brimmer, founding Executive Director of the Ms. Foundation for Women, passed away in late August. Ms. Brimmer led the Foundation in its groundbreaking support of organizations focused on domestic violence and other critical concerns affecting women, their families and communities before moving onto an equally accomplished career as an award-winning Vice President at American Express.

Reflecting on Ms. Brimmer’s many contributions, Gloria Steinem, founding President of the Ms. Foundation, states “Brenda Brimmer was a pioneer in both the economic and foundation worlds. At American Express, she showed that women could not only equal but excel. As the first Executive Director of the Ms. Foundation for Women, she helped reform a world of foundation and corporate philanthropy that was giving only one percent to women and girls. She was also a kind, elegant and great-spirited force in the world. I was lucky to know and work with her.”

Sara K. Gould, President and CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women, said “As the first leader of the Ms. Foundation, Brenda Brimmer was a force for changing women’s lives across America. As the Foundation pursues its work to build women’s collective power to ignite change, we will use her legacy for inspiration.”