Jennifer McMullen, a centenarian in Los Angeles, embodies the enduring spirit of “Rosie the Riveter,” having worked at Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank, California during World War II. As one of the many women who stepped into crucial manufacturing roles traditionally held by men, McMullen helped build aircraft essential for the war effort. These women, known affectionately as “Rosies,” were pivotal not only in supporting the United States’ war endeavors but also in shifting societal norms about women in the workforce. McMullen’s story reflects a significant era when women proved they could handle physically demanding jobs, challenging and changing the cultural expectations of their roles in society. As McMullen celebrates her 100th birthday, her life’s journey highlights the lasting impact of the Rosies, whose wartime contributions marked the beginning of a major shift in gender dynamics in the workplace. Her century milestone is a powerful reminder of the progress made and the trails blazed by women like her during one of the nation’s most challenging times.
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