Bess Myerson was an American politician, model, TV actress and the first Jewish Miss America. Myerson was a trailblazer in many ways. For one, she paved the way for women's rights. Myerson worked with several lawmakers and presidents during a time where women often didn't have these kind of influential jobs.

For many, Bess Myerson becoming Miss America was an affirmation of the Jews' rising status in America after the end of World War II and the Holocaust. Myerson is the first and only Jewish woman to ever obtain the title of Miss America and still is a beacon of hope and inspiration for all, especially the Jewish community.

Myerson graduated with honors from Hunter College with a major in Music. She dreamed of being able to afford earning a graduate degree in music at Juilliard or Columbia or being able to afford to buy a piano. Her sister Sylvia secretly entered her photograph into the 1945 Miss New York City contest. Myerson won the contest and was excited to compete in the Miss America competition because they were offering the winner a college scholarship.

Myerson, who then went on to work in entertainment for many years, switched gears and focused her work on consumer activism. In New York City, as consumer affairs chief, she helped establish one of the toughest consumer acts in the country. This new act required putting expiration dates on perishable foods, as well as unit prices, so consumers could shop with more confidence and protection against fraud. She served on three separate commissions for Presidents Johnson, Ford and Carter.

Myerson taught young girls, and many members of the Jewish community, that if you try your hardest, you can achieve your dreams and change the world for the better.

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