Cecile Richards: Former Planned Parenthood President and Presidential Me

Cecile Richards was an American activist and the longtime president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Born on July 15, 1957, in Waco, Texas, she was the daughter of Texas Governor Ann Richards and became one of the most prominent advocates for women's health and political participation in the country.

Richards became president of Planned Parenthood and its action fund in 2006 and led the organization until 2018, growing its donor and volunteer base. She joined the board of the Ford Foundation in 2010, co-founded the women's political group Supermajority in 2019, and published her memoir Make Trouble in 2018. President Joe Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom on November 20, 2024.

Richards married labor organizer Kirk Adams in 1985, and they had three children: Lily, Hannah and Daniel. She was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023 and died at her home in Manhattan on January 20, 2025, at age 67. Remembered for her humor and fearless organizing, she inspired countless people to make good trouble.

Achievements: President of Planned Parenthood (2006-2018), joined the Ford Foundation board (2010), co-founded Supermajority (2019), received the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2024).

Birth: July 15, 1957 - Waco, Texas.

Profession: Activist and organizer.

Interesting Facts: At age 13 she was named an honorary page to the Texas State Legislature, and in ninth grade she was disciplined for wearing a black armband to protest the Vietnam War.