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The Board of Directors of the National Women’s Law Center named Fatima Goss Graves, NWLC Senior Vice President for Program, as the organization’s next CEO and President. She succeeded NWLC’s founders and Co-Presidents Emerita Marcia D. Greenberger and Nancy Duff Campbell, whose extraordinary vision and leadership have been at the heart of the organization’s work to improve the lives of women and girls for over four decades. Campbell and Greenberger stepped down on July 1, 2017.
Tributes to National Women’s Law Center Leadership From Elected Officials
Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader (D-CA 12)
“Marcia Greenberger and Nancy Duff Campbell are two of our nation’s most formidable champions in the fight against the discrimination that girls and women face every day. Their strategic understanding of policy and law, coupled with their determination and drive, has made them invaluable leaders and partners in the struggle for women’s rights. Under Fatima Goss Graves’ capable leadership, I know the Center will continue to lead the way in advancing and protecting women’s equality and opportunity—at this moment when so much is at stake for America.”
Patty Murray, Senator (D-WA)
“Women and families nationwide are healthier and more economically secure thanks to the work the National Women’s Law Center has done under Marcia and Duffy’s leadership. It is more important than ever that we remain vigilant in protecting women’s health and rights, and I am eager to work alongside Fatima and the entire Center as we prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator (D-NY)
“Nancy Duff Campbell and Marcia Greenberger have done pioneering work for women at the National Women’s Law Center. And I know that together they have built an institution that, with Fatima Goss Graves at the helm, will continue to lead women across America and remain steadfast champions for women’s equality and rights. I couldn’t have asked for better partners in the fight for quality, affordable childcare and combatting sexual violence.”
Rosa DeLauro, U.S. Representative (D-CT 03)
“Marcia Greenberger and Nancy Duff Campbell are legends in Washington, DC. By founding the National Women’s Law Center, they ensured that every single day the health and civil rights of women are kept front and center as public policy is made. The NWLC is responsible for marking critical advances to improve the lives of women for more than 40 years, which include protecting pregnant workers and raising the minimum wage on the state level. Fatima Goss Graves is a superb choice to continue the vibrant leadership of Marcia and Duffy. I have worked with her directly over the years to advance paid family and medical leave, schedules that work, and equal pay—she is insightful, smart, and a natural leader.”
Praise for National Women’s Law Center From Foundation and Non-Profit Leaders
Darren Walker, President, The Ford Foundation
“The Ford Foundation is delighted with the selection of Fatima Goss Graves as the new leader of the National Women’s Law Center. When NWLC began its journey 45 years ago, the foundation embraced the aspiration to take on tough challenges and create positive change for all women and girls in America. That commitment has not wavered. And in this moment in time as we recognize the continued importance of the mission, we recommit to the Center’s ongoing work with a shared sense of purpose and abundant confidence that Fatima will continue to lead the Center to be a truly powerful force.”
Pamela Shifman, Executive Director, NoVo Foundation
“On behalf of the NoVo Foundation, I want to extend congratulations to Marcia and Duffy for their decades of groundbreaking and innovative work on behalf of women and girls. We have been proud to partner with the Center and with Fatima in particular, whose vision and deep commitment have been critical to the national movement to address the rights of girls and women, especially girls and women of color. With Fatima’s extensive law and policy experience, strategic savvy, and deep and profound commitment to the work of building a more just and equal world, we know that our work together can only soar to new heights under her leadership.”
Jessica González-Rojas, Executive Director, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health
“The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health honors the contributions and legacy of outgoing Co-Presidents, Marcia Greenberger and Nancy Duff Campbell, and welcomes the leadership of Fatima Goss Graves as incoming President of the National Women’s Law Center. We have been fortunate to work alongside Marcia and Duffy in advancing reproductive health, rights and justice for so many years and I am grateful for their leadership and commitment to the women’s movement for human and civil rights. We look forward to continue to build on our strong partnership with the NWLC under Fatima’s vision. Fatima has been a brilliant and tenacious lawyer, leader and colleague in the movement, with decades of diverse experience advocating for women and girls that will help usher the NWLC into a new era facing unique and intersectional challenges and opportunities. Congratulations to Fatima and the NWLC!”
Chad Griffin, President, Human Rights Campaign
“Years ago, Marcia and Duffy set out to fight the barriers that prevent too many women and girls from reaching their full potential. Their vision took flight and has improved the lives of countless women and families. In Fatima, they have chosen a powerful and effective leader to carry forward the Center’s legacy and crucial work, and I look forward to working together to advance equality.”
Wade Henderson, President and CEO, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
“Marcia Greenberger and Nancy Duff Campbell have been extraordinary leaders of the National Women’s Law Center, building it into the premier women’s legal rights organization it is today. The Center will be served well as Fatima Goss Graves assumes the helm. As a senior leader at the Center, Fatima oversaw its programs in education, healthcare and employment for many years. More recently, she oversaw all the Center’s program work, bringing her commitment to emphasizing the situation of women and girls of color as well as recruitment of a diverse senior staff. Fatima will not only build on the Center’s strong foundation, but she will also lead it in new directions based on her own experience and vision. We wholeheartedly welcome and support Fatima as she takes the helm of the National Women’s Law Center.”
Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
“Marcia’s and Duffy’s vision for the Center for the last four decades has been that all women and girls—regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, or gender identity—deserve a fair shot at school and workplaces and in their communities. Through hard work, brilliant legal strategizing, and sheer determination, the Center has changed the lives of so many women and families for the better. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Fatima and know that she has the boldness, creativity and strategic sense necessary to effectively advance rights and opportunities for all women during these times.”
Anne Ladky, Executive Director, Women Employed
“Marcia and Duffy have truly made history, improving the lives and opportunities of every woman and girl in America. We are grateful to them for their years of committed leadership and so proud of our 40+-year partnership. We know that the Center will continue to thrive and win under the leadership of our very talented colleague and friend, Fatima Goss Graves. Congratulations to all!”
Debra Ness, President, National Partnership for Women & Families
“Marcia Greenberger and Nancy Duff Campbell have been towering leaders in the long-running fight for fairness and social justice. I am honored to have worked with them over the years to secure many important victories for women and families, and I am confident that the National Women’s Law Center will continue to make profound contributions to the women’s movement under the leadership of Fatima Goss Graves. I have worked closely with Fatima on a number of issues, and I know first-hand the strength of her strategic thinking and intellect, the effectiveness of her leadership and the depth of her commitment to women and families. She is a perfect choice to succeed Marcia and Duffy. I look forward to working closely with the Center in this critical time for our nation.”
Sessy Nyman, Vice President of Policy and Strategic Partnerships, Illinois Action for Children
“For decades, the National Women’s Law Center has been a leader in advocating for a high-quality child care system that’s affordable and more accessible to women and their families. Working mothers have always had a fierce champion in Marcia and Duffy. And they will now have one in Fatima. She has fought for and won many important legal and policy victories for women and families. And I have no doubt the best is yet to come. Congratulations to the Center’s Board for recognizing an extraordinary leader in its midst.”
Cecile Richards, President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America
“I send my heartfelt congratulations and deep appreciation to Marcia Greenberger and Duffy Campbell for their extraordinary commitment to women’s health and rights at the helm of the National Women’s Law Center. Their tenure demonstrated leadership and political stewardship in countless battles to advance the rights of women across the country. On a more personal note, I am profoundly grateful for two outstanding mentors whose perspective and guidance I will always welcome. Planned Parenthood values the NWLC’s tireless efforts toward our shared goals, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with incoming President Fatima Goss Graves, a dynamic leader by her own right.”