Pennsylvanians celebrated Women’s History Month today with a lunch in Harrisburg featuring Farmgirl Hero Jane Alexander, the first woman in the country to become a state deputy secretary of agriculture. That was way back in 1972. Alexander, aka the “Gavel Girl,” is a lawyer and heads the progressive J&J Agri-Products & Services, a consulting agency that also manufactures organic ag products.
According to this piece in the Dickinson Magazine, the 77-year-old Alexander has never lost a case at trial and has maintained a law practice for more than 50 years on Dillsburg, Pa.’s main drag [Image from Dickinson Magazine]. Here’s my favorite quote about how her grandfather, a district judge, predetermined her career: “When I was 5 years old, my grandfather said, ‘Jane, you’re going to be a lawyer,’ ” Alexander is quoted saying. “It was decided on that day. He said, ‘We’re going to overlook the fact that you’re female.’”
Virtual Farmgirl 