Cecile Richards is a prominent American activist and nonprofit leader known for her decades-long advocacy for reproductive rights and women's health. Born on July 15, 1957, in Texas, she is the daughter of former Texas Governor Ann Richards and civil rights attorney David Richards, which immersed her early in politics and social justice. Richards began her career in labor organizing and community activism, working with organizations like the Children's Defense Fund and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in the 1980s and 1990s. She co-founded the Texas Freedom Network in 1995 to counter the religious right's influence on state politics. In 2006, she became president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and its advocacy arm, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, succeeding Gloria Feldt, serving until 2018. Under her leadership, the organization expanded access to reproductive healthcare amid intense political opposition, including defunding efforts and the 2015 undercover video controversy that accused Planned Parenthood of illegal fetal tissue sales—allegations later debunked by investigations but which fueled national debates. Her tenure at Planned Parenthood solidified her as a key figure in the fight for abortion rights and comprehensive sex education, navigating the organization through the Affordable Care Act's implementation and subsequent legal battles. She stepped down in 2018, citing a desire to focus on broader women's empowerment. In 2010, she joined the board of trustees of the Ford Foundation, serving until 2020. In 2019, Richards co-founded Supermajority, a digital media and political action organization aimed at mobilizing women voters and leaders, emphasizing intersectional feminism and progressive causes. Throughout her career, she has been a vocal critic of restrictive reproductive policies, testifying before Congress and authoring the 2019 memoir 'Make Trouble,' which chronicles her activism. Richards has faced personal controversies, including criticism from anti-abortion groups labeling her a radical, but no major legal troubles; her influence extends through family ties and networks in Democratic politics, where she has advised campaigns and supported fundraising for progressive candidates. As of 2023, Richards continues her work with Supermajority and public speaking, advocating for gender equity amid ongoing threats to reproductive rights following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Her legacy includes growing Planned Parenthood's reach to serve over 2.4 million patients annually by 2018 and inspiring a new generation of activists. She has been honored with awards like the Planned Parenthood Margaret Sanger Award and recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2011.