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Women Vision SC: Inez Tenenbaum

Inez Tenenbaum

Inez Tenenbaum practices law at Wyche, P.A. in Columbia and Greenville. She is the former Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the former Superintendent of Education for South Carolina.

Inez Tenenbaum entered law school in her 30s. She cashed out her state retirement to pay for her first year of law school. That was a turning point in her life, and she credits that move for later success, including top positions at state and national levels. She was a two-term Superintendent of Education in South Carolina and served a four-year term as Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. She oversaw implementation of major legislation to protect children nationwide -- the 2008 Consumer Product Safety Act. She said her law degree gave her the tools to be a more effective advocate and to have more confidence. “Once I understood the law and how it could protect children and families, it took me to different venues,” she added.

Her advice for young people: “… I’ll say, what really makes you happy, what do you love doing? And they’ll tell me what their interest is. I’ll say, then find a job that focuses on that interest. And then you’ll never work a day in your life.”