Eleanor Gwinnell Coit

Life & Legacy

Eleanor Gwinnell Coit (May 6, 1894 – June 7, 1976) was an American labor educator and leader in adult education. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she graduated from Smith College in 1916 with a degree in history and English. Coit's career began with the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), where she held various roles before pursuing further studies at Columbia University. She returned to the YWCA and later became the educational secretary for the American Labor Education Service (ALES), where she served until its closure in 1962. Coit's legacy includes pioneering work in workers' education and a lifelong commitment to social justice advocacy. She died in Hanover, New Hampshire.