Amy Steinhart Braden was a former executive secretary in the California State Department of Public Welfare and a leading advocate in children’s welfare. Born in 1879 in San Francisco, Braden grew up in a household invested in community service and went on to graduate from University of California, Berkeley, in 1900. After serving in various volunteer positions, she was appointed as Chief Children's Agent for the State Board of Control in 1915 and began work with the Department of Public Welfare in 1925. Through her work, Braden was involved in the Aid to Needy Children grant program and in the supervision of orphanages and other institutions for children. In this interview, Braden discusses both her professional and volunteer work, as well as the changes in State government and children’s welfare over the early 20th century.