NEARLY 50 YEARS AGO, I was hired by a prominent union side labor law firm as the first woman to practice union side labor law in Massachusetts. I learned that I had the position from the memo line on the check the firm sent reimbursing my interview costs: “Girl to be hired.” (I still have a copy of the check!)

And now another historic milestone. Earlier this month, Chrissy Lynch was unanimously elected as the first woman president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. She served as chief of staff, secretary-treasurer, and wore many other hats for the state’s labor federation, and will now succeed Steve Tolman, the retiring current president.

Her election is a tribute to Chrissy and all of the women who held leadership roles in and for unions over the past decades. She brings a decidedly female perspective to the position. And she also gets along with and can lead the many male labor leaders and rank and file members in the state AFL-CIO tent. Over 85 percent of the voting delegates are men, and their enthusiastic support led to her election by acclamation.

A recent Globe article said Chrissy has had to “develop thick skin and sharp elbows, and feels obligated to overprepare.” These traits are de rigueur for women in leadership roles, whether in unions, companies, health care organizations, or any other economic powerhouse.

I, too, needed a large dose of thick skin and sharp elbows. I was hired simultaneously with two male law school graduates. They were permitted to start working after a vacation following the bar exam. Me? I was required to start working the day after I graduated and had to study for and take the bar exam while working full time.

I was in uncharted territory — a young, idealistic, Jewish, progressive woman coming to Boston to represent mostly industrial and building trades unions that were male, traditional, Irish or Italian, and mostly Catholic.

Chrissy is also in uncharted territory. It would be easy to underestimate her. She is young(ish) and is totally comfortable telling folks she also needs to focus on her children and watch them play team sports (in contrast to 50 years ago when I could never tell bosses or clients that I was also committed to activities with my kids).

One of my favorite fun moments was when I convinced the local leadership of the Utility Workers Union to accompany me to the then men only Eire Pub in Dorchester after a long day of arbitration. When we walked in, the silence was deafening. But the union guys stayed with me for a drink and even enjoyed (sort of) feminizing the bar. I’m sure that Chrissy has had some similar fun, but awkward and impactful, experiences as well.

The labor movement is one of the few societal institutions that can look beyond its own self-interest and advocate for the common good. Unions are still built on integrity, community, and a willingness to provide a voice for those without one or who cannot speak for themselves.

I have the utmost confidence that Chrissy will not only thrive but will be a dynamic leader. She is devoted to unions and working people and always strives for economic and social justice. She has a strong sense of self and has thought through what kind of president she will be.

Beware — she is tough, dedicated, frank and confident in her values and priorities and committed to working people. Now that the American people’s approval of unions is at its highest point since 1965, she is going to ride that wave and make sure the Massachusetts AFL-CIO is stronger, better, more inclusive and open to newly interested and/or organized workers.

The time is now as we seize the moment and build upon public support for unions and workers. Chrissy Lynch is the right person to take on this challenge. She will harness public support and union solidarity to make our world a better place. Congratulations to her and gratitude and thanks to all of the union officers and members who recognized her talent and leadership and moved forward to elect her.

Joanne Goldstein served as secretary of labor and workforce development in the Patrick Administration and previously was general counsel to the Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO and represented many local unions. She also served as the fair labor division chief under Attorney General Martha Coakley.