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March 5, 2007
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Sarah Mason, (916) 651-4011
LINDA WILLIAMS OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD MAR MONTE NAMED 11TH SENATE DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE YEAR
SACRAMENTO – State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) announced today that Linda Williams of Palo Alto has been named the 11th Senate District’s Woman of the Year. The President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, Williams was chosen for her dedication to ensuring underserved women and families receive necessary services to fulfill their potential as equal partners in society.
“Linda Williams’ work to ensure equal access to family planning services is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Simitian. “Planned Parenthood’s good works are due in large measure to Linda’s leadership.”
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte is the largest Planned Parenthood affiliate in the United States, serving over 350,000 people each year through its health care, education and youth development programs in 40 counties in mid-California and Northern Nevada. Williams oversees 34 clinic locations and more than 35 satellite sites, which provide a range of reproductive and general health services including birth control, prenatal care, pregnancy testing, STD screening and treatment, sterilization, abortion, pediatrics and adult primary health care.
“Woman of the Year recognition really reflects the achievements of the hundreds of dedicated people who make possible the mission and services of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte,” said Williams.
A member of numerous community groups, Williams currently serves as a board member of Joint Venture Silicon Valley, Kids in Common, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and the Silicon Valley Women’s Alliance. She is involved nationally with Planned Parenthood Federation of America Steering Committees and Task Forces, including the New Business Strategies group. Williams received the John W. Gardner Leadership Award from the American Leadership Forum – Silicon Valley in 2002.
“There are so many good women doing good work in my district, it’s always a challenge to single out just one for recognition,” said Simitian. “But Linda’s a standout. She has been absolutely tenacious in her determination to ensure that comprehensive family planning and health care services are available to families throughout our region and beyond.”
Williams holds a B.A. in Rhetoric from the University of Illinois and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their two sons, two daughters-in-law and four grandchildren. Williams will be honored in a formal ceremony on the floor of the State Senate on Monday, March 5, at 10:00 AM. A small reception will follow at the California State Museum.
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