Alexis Margaret Herman, 77, of McLean, Virginia, passed away on April 25, 2025. Born in Mobile, Alabama, she was a devoted public servant and passionate advocate for civil rights, women’s empowerment, and worker protections.
A proud graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Ms. Herman began her career with Catholic Charities in Mississippi, where she worked on community and economic development initiatives. She was mentored by the legendary Dr. Dorothy Height, later becoming president of the Dorothy I. Height Education Foundation.
At just 29, she was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to lead the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau, launching a career in public service that would span decades. In 1984 and 1988, she played a key role in national politics as campaign manager for Reverend Jesse Jackson’s presidential bids.
In 1997, she made history as the first African American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton, where she championed workforce inclusion and fair labor practices. Before joining the Cabinet, she served as Chief of Staff for the Democratic National Convention, and later as Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison.
Beyond government service, Ms. Herman brought her leadership to the corporate world, serving on several major boards. She remained active in civic life through her involvement with organizations such as the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), The Links, the National Urban League, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Charles Franklin, Jr., in 2014. She is lovingly remembered by her stepchildren, Charles J. Franklin, Michelle Franklin, and Shari Smith; her nephew, Kirke (Teresa) Herman, Jr.; cousins Bernard (Moncenya) Broadus, Robin Broadus Iwuoha, Lori Hendricks, and Darryl Hendricks; and a wide circle of more than twenty Godchildren, cherished friends, mentees, and colleagues.
A funeral service was held at Washington National Cathedral on May 14, 2025, at 10 a.m., with burial to follow in her hometown of Mobile, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Heart of Mary School or Xavier University of Louisiana.
