Sandra McMullin Bennett Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS.0795

Staff Only

Scope and Content Note

Sandra McMullin Bennett’s papers are divided into five series, according to her work with various organizations: Business and Professional Women/ USA; Tennessee Economic Council on Women; Tennessee Women’s Political Caucus; Nashville Women’s Political Caucus; and Personal Papers.

Her papers include reports, summaries of legislative actions, economic summits and political workshop materials, campaign materials, and newspaper clippings. Also included is an official Proclamation of the State of Tennessee, proclaiming August 26, 2010, “Women’s Equality Day.”

Ms. Bennett was very concerned with political issues affecting the welfare of women and children in Tennessee. She was a tireless leader through the Tennessee Economic Council on Women, the Tennessee Women’s Political and the Nashville Women’s Political Caucus in encouraging, supporting, and lobbying for legislation favorable to women and children, such as equal pay and child support. Her papers reflect the enormous amount of volunteer effort expended by women such as Ms. Bennett. They do not hold elective office but nevertheless accomplish much in the political arena.

Dates

multiple

Biographical Sketch

Sandra McMullin Bennett was born and educated in Michigan. In 1988, she moved to Atlanta and in 1996 to Nashville. She joined the Greater Nashville Business and Professional Women/USA, serving two terms as President. During her tenure with this organization, she spearheaded a grassroots campaign for the passage of the Tennessee Equal Pay Remedies and Enforcement Act which was passed after two years of hard work.

She served three terms as Vice President of Legislation for the Nashville Women’s Political Caucus, lobbying for legislation affecting women and families of Tennessee. Ms. Bennett served two terms as President of the Tennessee Women’s Political Caucus and inaugurated the annual Yellow Roses Luncheon honoring women leaders in Tennessee. Beginning in 2004, she served on the Steering Committee for the Women’s Economic Summit and developed political participation workshops called “Everyday Politics for Everyday Women”. In 2004, also, she was presented with Tennessee State Resolution #955 recognizing her work on behalf of the women of the state of Tennessee

In 2006, Governor Bredesen appointed Sandra Bennett to the Board of the Tennessee Economic Council on Women, where she served six years. During her term she held the position of Secretary of the organization and its sister organization, the Women’s Economic Council Foundation, Inc. Sandra Bennett retired in 2008, and moved to Manchester, Tennessee, where she continues her interest in politics.