Born: 5 October 1877, United States
Died: 2 January 1933
Country most active: United States
Also known as: Belle Lindner, Belle Israels
The following is excerpted from Infinite Women creator Allison Tyra’s book Uncredited: Women’s Overlooked, Misattributed, and Stolen Work.
Belle Moskowitz was a social reformer and political advisor so influential that, in her obituary, The New York Times called her the most powerful woman in U.S. politics. Following her early social work improving conditions for young women, she spent years as an industrial mediator, resolving conflicts between managers and their workers. But it was once she started working with Al Smith in 1918 that she transitioned to the power behind the throne. As his campaign manager, publicist, and top aide, she helped Smith become governor of New York, a role he would hold for eight years. During that time, witnesses reported that Smith would wait for her approval before making final decisions on matters large and small. She helped guide the sweeping reforms he implemented as governor, which would later influence the national New Deal social reform package.