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Helen BoosalisAmerican Democratic politician, first female mayor of Lincoln (1975-1983)
Date of Birth: 28.08.1919
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Political Career
- President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors
- Gubernatorial Run
- Post-Political Life
- Personal Life and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Helen Boosalis was born on August 28, 1919, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Greek immigrant parents. She grew up working in her father's restaurant and received a degree from the University of Minnesota, where she met her future husband.
Political Career
City Council and Mayor of LincolnIn 1959, Boosalis was elected to the Lincoln City Council, serving three terms. She became Lincoln's first female mayor in 1975 and held the office for two consecutive terms until 1983.
President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors
From 1981 to 1982, Boosalis served as the first woman President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Gubernatorial Run
In 1986, Boosalis ran for Governor of Nebraska, making history as the first election in U.S. history to feature two female candidates from major national parties. She lost to Republican candidate Kay Orr.
Post-Political Life
After her gubernatorial bid, Boosalis remained active in various organizations, most notably as Chair of the AARP Board of Directors from 1996 to 1998.
Personal Life and Legacy
Boosalis married Michael Gus "Mike" Boosalis, a World War II veteran of Greek descent, in 1945. They had a daughter, Mary-Beth, in 1948. The family moved to Lincoln in 1951, where Mike Boosalis became a plant biology professor at the University of Nebraska.
Helen Boosalis passed away on June 15, 2009, in Lincoln, from a brain tumor at the age of 89. She was a trailblazing politician who paved the way for women in politics and left a lasting legacy in her community.
