Emily Carding

Emily Card is an American political scientist, educator, and author known for her work in women's consumer credit and finance. Born Emily Ann Watts in 1942, she pursued advanced degrees in Political Science from Tulane University and Columbia University, where her doctoral dissertation focused on the politics of underdevelopment in Ghana. She furthered her education with an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School and a JD from UCLA.

Card's career includes significant contributions to legislation, notably her role as a legislative fellow for Senator Bill Brock. Her personal experiences with credit denial motivated her to advocate for and help draft the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974. She founded the Women's Credit and Finance Project at Harvard University and has authored or co-authored several books on personal finance, specifically targeting women and nontraditional families. She also hosted a television show on financial matters and worked as a financial advisor.

Emily Card played a pivotal role in the passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974. Following her doctoral studies, she served as a legislative fellow to Senator Bill Brock. Her personal encounters with being denied credit cards and a home mortgage fueled her commitment to eradicating gender-based discrimination in lending. Card collaborated with various women's organizations, including the National Organization for Women, to gather evidence of discriminatory practices within the banking industry. This effort culminated in a report supported by numerous testimonials from women nationwide who had faced credit denial, which was instrumental in convincing lawmakers of the necessity for federal legislation. The Act was ultimately signed into law in October 1974.

As an author and educator, Emily Card has dedicated much of her work to empowering women through financial literacy and access to credit. She founded and directed the Women's Credit and Finance Project at Harvard University, a testament to her commitment. Her extensive bibliography includes titles such as 'Staying Solvent: A Comprehensive Guide to Equal Credit for Women,' 'The Ms. Money Book,' and 'Business Capital for Women: The Essential Handbook for Entrepreneurs.' Card also co-authored guides for specific demographics like single parents and nontraditional families, demonstrating a broad approach to financial education. Her expertise extended to television, where she hosted the show 'It's Your Money,' and to consulting as a financial advisor.