In 1909, Ellen H. Richards, first female graduate and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, founded the American Home Economics Association (now AAFCS). Ms. Richards was an activist for consumer education, nutrition, child protection, industrial safety, public health, career education, women's rights; purity of air, food, and water, and the application of scientific and management principles to the family. Her professional experience and foresight led to the formalization of the family and consumer sciences profession. In 1909, Ellen H. Richards, first female graduate and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, founded the American Home Economics Association (now AAFCS). Ms. Richards was an activist for consumer education, nutrition, child protection, industrial safety, public health, career education, women's rights; purity of air, food, and water, and the application of scientific and management principles to the family. Her professional experience and foresight led to the formalization of the family and consumer sciences profession.