CECILE RICHARDS has been an activist since she was taken to the principal’s office in seventh grade for wearing an armband in protest of the Vietnam War. Richards had an extraordinary childhood in ultra-conservative Texas, where her civil rights attorney father and activist mother taught their kids to be troublemakers. In the Richards household, the “dinner table was never for eating—it was for sorting precinct lists.”

From the time Richards was a girl, she had a front-row seat to observe the rise of women in American politics. She watched her mother, Ann, transform from a housewife to an electrifying force in the Democratic party who made a name for herself as the straight-talking, truth-telling governor of Texas. But Richards also witnessed the pitfalls of public life that are unique to women. Her experiences paint a powerful portrait of the misogyny, sexism, fake news, and even the threat of violence confronting those who challenge authority.

As a young woman, Richards worked as a labor organizer alongside women earning minimum wage, and learned that those in power don’t give it up without a fight. Now, after years of advocacy, resistance, and progressive leadership, she shares her story for the first time— from the joy and heartbreak of activism to the challenges of raising kids, having a life, and making change, all at the same time.

In this powerful and compelling program, Richards shines a light on the people and lessons that have gotten her through good times and bad, and encourages audiences to take risks, make mistakes, and make trouble along the way. 

Former President of Planned Parenthood CECILE RICHARDS is a globally respected activist and social justice leader, renowned for her extensive advocacy work at grassroots organizations, in the non-profit sector and in Washington. Currently at the helm of Supermajority-- a non-partisan home for women’s activism, training, and the mobilization of a multiracial, intergenerational community to fight for gender equality—Richards is on the frontlines of the fight to put the issues women care most about at the top of the agenda.

In remarks that are candid, forward-looking and balanced, Richards offers powerful insights and sharp commentary on women as a political force. She paints an illuminating picture of the women’s movement nationwide, voter mobilization, and our political future.