Chuck Schumer's Wife, Iris Weinshall: A Life of Public Service

Early Life and Education

Iris Weinshall was born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 24, 1956. She is the daughter of Harry Weinshall, a prominent New York attorney, and Shirley Weinshall, a social worker. Iris attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1978. She then went on to attend Harvard Law School, where she earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1981.

Career

After graduating from law school, Iris Weinshall worked as an associate at the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison in New York City. In 1987, she joined the New York City Law Department, where she served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel. In 1993, she was appointed by Mayor David Dinkins to serve as the First Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Commission on Human Rights. She held this position until 1995, when she was appointed by Governor Mario Cuomo to serve as the State of New York's Commissioner of the Department of Civil Rights. She served in this role until 2006, when she was appointed by Governor Eliot Spitzer to serve as the Chair of the New York State Public Service Commission. She served in this role until 2011.

Personal Life

Iris Weinshall is married to US Senator Chuck Schumer. They have two children, Jessica and Alison. Iris Weinshall is a strong advocate for women's rights and social justice. She is a member of the board of directors of the National Abortion Rights Action League and the New York Civil Liberties Union. She is also a member of the advisory board of the Center for Reproductive Rights.