Editor-in-Chief of Ms. Magazine to Speak at December Commencement 

Norfolk, Va.—Marcia Ann Gillespie, editor-in-chief of Ms. magazine, will address approximately 360 graduates at Norfolk State University’s commencement ceremony, scheduled for 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 17, at Joseph G. Echol’s Hall.  

Gillespie’s association with Ms. Magazine dates back to 1980 when she became a contributing editor.  She then went on to become a featured columnist and the executive editor of Ms. before being named the top editor in 1993.  In addition to her role as editor-in-chief, Gillespie also serves as president of Liberty Media for Women, a limited liability corporation comprised of women investors. 

At Ms., Gillespie provides editorial philosophy, direction and leadership for the magazine, which is considered to be the country’s leading feminist publication. Her vibrant creative vision and finely honed business acumen has contributed to the magazine’s success, which has reached a more diverse audience and attracted increasing numbers of younger women into the fold.

 Prior to joining Ms., Gillespie served as editor-in-chief of Essence magazine from 1971 to 1980.  She is credited with transforming Essence into one of the fastest growing women’s magazines in the United States.  During her tenure at Essence, she won a National Magazine Award, the industry’s most prestigious honor.  

As the author of more than three-dozen feature articles, reviews and essays, Gillespie is a highly demanded speaker on college and university campuses, and for women’s groups.    She is a member of the advisory board of the Feminist Press, Feminists for Animal Rights, Inc., Global Fund for Women, and the Open Society Institute Program on Reproductive Health and Rights. 
She is the recipient of the March of Dimes’ Outstanding Woman in Magazine Publishing Award, the National Council for Negro Women’s Mary McLeod Bethune Award, Time magazine’s Fifty Faces for America’s Future and the Women of Power and Influence Award.

A native of Baldwin, N.Y., Gillespie received a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Ill.  

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