In 2008 Jane Eisner became editor-in-chief of the Forward, making her the paper’s first female head in its 111-year history. Eisner began her career of journalism “firsts” early, as first female editor of Wesleyan’s college paper. After graduating in 1977 she earned a master’s degree from Columbia University’s School of Journalism. For 25 years, she worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer in posts that included foreign correspondent, editorial page editor, City Hall bureau chief, and syndicated columnist of “American Rhythms.” She has reported for the New York Times, the Washington Post, Newsday, the Brookings Review, and other major periodicals. She has also taught political science at the University of Pennsylvania, journalism and nonfiction at Wesleyan, and workshops at Bryn Mawr. In 2006 she became vice president for national programs and initiatives at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. During her tenure as editor-in-chief of the Forward, Eisner has greatly increasing their readership and the paper has won a number of journalism awards. Her first book, Taking Back the Vote: Getting American Youth Involved in Our Democracy, was published in 2004.