Author: Sheree L. Williams

Sheree L. Williams, a retired senior executive with 25 years in federal law enforcement, is a dedicated advocate for women’s political, social and economic empowerment.

Profiles in Courage: Michelle King Refused to Hand Over Your Data to DOGE. Then She Lost Her Job.

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Profiles in Courage is a new series honoring the extraordinary women and men who have transformed American institutions through principled public service. At a time when trust in government is fragile, these stories offer a powerful reminder of what ethical leadership looks like—from those who litigate for civil rights and resign on principle, to those who break military barriers and defend democracy on the front lines.

For over 30 years, Michelle King dedicated her career to safeguarding one of America’s most vital institutions—the Social Security Administration (SSA). In 2025, Michelle King resigned—or, as many suspect, was forced out—after refusing to grant the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to sensitive recipient data. The request, made under Elon Musk’s leadership of DOGE, raised serious concerns about privacy violations, potential misuse of taxpayer information, and the security of the nation’s most sensitive personal records.

New Ms. Magazine Series ‘Profiles in Courage’ Spotlights Public Service Women and Men of Valor

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In the halls of American government and federal law enforcement, courage often operates behind closed doors, in the quiet moments where integrity is tested, and in the difficult decisions that shape the arc of justice. Today, Ms. launches Profiles in Courage—a powerful new series spotlighting extraordinary women and men who have devoted their lives to public service and, in doing so, transformed our institutions from the inside out.

The first installment in this series honors the work and valor of DANIELLE SASSOON, former acting U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York, who stepped down from her job at the Department of Justice in order to avoid carrying out a directive to drop federal corruption charges against Eric Adams.

Profiles in Courage: Danielle Sassoon, a Prosecutor of Principle, Quits After Rejecting Trump-Appointed AG’s Order to Shield Eric Adams

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Profiles in Courage is a new series honoring the extraordinary women and men who have transformed American institutions through principled public service. At a time when trust in government is fragile, these stories offer a powerful reminder of what ethical leadership looks like—from those who litigate for civil rights and resign on principle, to those who break military barriers and defend democracy on the front lines.

In the annals of American justice, Danielle Sassoon will be remembered not just for the cases she prosecuted but also for her unwavering integrity with which she upheld the law. A career federal prosecutor and former interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), Sassoon exemplified the highest ideals of the Department of Justice—courage, independence and an unyielding commitment to the rule of law.