During the administration of John F. Kennedy, Eleanor Makel was one of the highest ranking black women in the federal government.

Her parents ran a clothing store; her mother was active in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and in the Progressive Business Association.

[4][5][6] Makel was the first woman doctor admitted to a residency in internal medicine at the Freedman's Hospital in Washington.

[10] Makel was one of the highest ranking African-American women in the federal government during the Kennedy administration.

[11][15] Makel also held a teaching position at the George Washington University School of Medicine.