Inez Tenenbaum | Women Vision SC

Kaltura

Inez Tenenbaum  entered law school in her 30s.  She cashed out her state retirement to pay for her first year of law school. That was a turning point in her life, and she credits that move for later success, including top positions at state and national levels.  She was a two-term Superintendent of Education in South Carolina and served a four-year term as Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. She oversaw implementation of major legislation to protect children nationwide -- the 2008 Consumer Product Safety Act.  She said her law degree gave her the tools to be a more effective advocate and to have more confidence. “Once I understood the law and how it could protect children and families, it took me to different venues,” she added. 

Her advice for young people:

“… I’ll say, what really makes you happy, what do you love doing?  And they’ll tell me what their interest is.  I’ll say, then find a job that focuses on that interest.  And then you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Inez Tenenbaum  entered law school in her 30s.  She cashed out her state retirement to pay for her first year of law school. That was a turning point in her life, and she credits that move for later success, including top positions at state and national levels.  She was a two-term Superintendent of Education in South Carolina and served a four-year term as Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. She oversaw implementation of major legislation to protect children nationwide -- the 2008 Consumer Product Safety Act.  She said her law degree gave her the tools to be a more effective advocate and to have more confidence. “Once I understood the law and how it could protect children and families, it took me to different venues,” she added. 

Her advice for young people:

“… I’ll say, what really makes you happy, what do you love doing?  And they’ll tell me what their interest is.  I’ll say, then find a job that focuses on that interest.  And then you’ll never work a day in your life.”

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