Women to Watch Series: Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- "Every American is entitled to equal protection under the law." -Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon

Mary Gay Scanlon grew up in Watertown, N.Y. as an Irish Catholic and one of three girls.

While her initial aspirations were to practice law as a way to help the less fortunate, Congresswoman Scanlon would later discover a new calling in politics -- a way to have an even greater positive impact.

Her goal remains to protect and improve the lives of American children, families, veterans and seniors.