Barbara Lee, RW

Barbara Lee "is a revolutionary woman investing in revolutionary change by helping women become political leaders and powerful participants in our democracy. A former school teacher and social worker, she has committed herself to helping women gain and use political power, as elected officials, activists, and voters. In her hometown, Boston, she also is known as a devoted advocate for the city’s cultural life whose leadership is helping the Boston arts community continue to make history. Boston Magazine includes her among “the 100 Women Who Run this Town.”

"The Barbara Lee Family Foundation she created and leads is recognized nationally for investing in change. The Foundation initiates and supports innovative projects to help women gain and use their political power. She co-founded The White House Project, a national campaign that distributed eight million ballots with the names of 20 top women leaders to encourage Americans to think about electing a woman President. As a founding member of Women's e-News, her early support launched this now independent Internet-based news service covering issues of concern to women and providing women’s perspective on public policy. But that was only the start.

"Lee is now the driving force behind the successful Governors Guidebook Series that combines first-of-its-kind research with a nationally-distributed practical guide for women candidates seeking executive office. The Foundation also has distributed “Speaking with Authority,” to help women candidates effectively discuss national and economic security issues, and is preparing to issue another guide for women gubernatorial candidates.

"Lee’s support also is critical to the 2003 launch of Women's Voices. Women Vote, a new nonpartisan effort aimed at getting the 22 million unmarried women who did not vote in 2000 --the largest group of nonvoters in our democracy -- to register and vote in this election. Her support of award-winning filmmaker, Ken Burns, helped the story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, told in his documentary, “Not for Ourselves Alone,” inspire a new generation of women."

• President, Revolutionary Women