New York, March 24 — Visionary WEDO friend and pioneer Brownie Ledbetter passed away on Sunday, March 22nd. Brownie was an inspirational leader and changed the lives of countless women around the world. WEDO celebrates her life, and sends deepest condolences to all who loved her.

Brownie Ledbetter, USA
Activist, founding member of Women USA and Women USA Fund from which WEDO was organized, member of U.S. Women Connect, the National Congress for Neighborhood Women and GROOTS International. Brownie also worked locally in Arkansas for 30 years as founder of three nonprofit organizations and executive director of one, the Arkansas Public Policy Panel.  Brownie was staff or consultant in many Arkansas political campaigns in the 60’s and 70’s including campaign manager for McGovern in 1972.  She was Political Action Chair of the National Women’s Political Caucus from 1973-75 and on President Carter’s Commission on Women. She organized the first Planned Parenthood Affiliate in Arkansas in 1986 and directed the campaign that defeated the first ballot effort to prohibit the private and legal choice Arkansas women have for some forms of birth control and abortion in 1985.