Ann Richards 1933-2006

During her lifetime of public service, former Texas Gov. Ann Richards has won widespread acclaim for her accomplishments as an elected official and as an inspirational national leader and role model. This year, she passed, after a 6 month battle with cancer.

She was the quintessential Texas woman, with a sassy homespun charm, sharp wit and tough pioneer spirit. With bright silver hair, a weathered face and an affinity for cobalt blue suits and pearls, Richards was instantly recognizable to national television audiences.

In the mid-70's, Ann founded and launched the Foundation for Women's Resources and Leadership Texas.

Purpose. Determination. Vitality. The stories of women leaders and their legacies are about women of great strength and will. The programs of the Foundation for Women’s Resources include— Leadership Texas, Leadership Texas Alumnae Association, Power Pipeline — and Foundation affiliate, The Women’s Museum: An Institute for the Future, provide a channel through which emerging women leaders and established influencers collaborate toward a common goal — to advance and improve the personal, economic and professional status of women.

Leadership Texas has been providing valuable education and training to Texas women leaders who seek to improve their leadership skills and expand their knowledge of the diverse issues, dynamics and cultures that impact the State of Texas.

Leadership Texas brings together Texas women who have demonstrated their leadership ability in their profession, community or workplace. The vision of the program is to identify and develop Texas' women leaders by providing them with essential information, an awareness of ongoing changes, sharpened skills and an enduring network of women from diverse backgrounds.

                                                                     
I first saw Ann Richards on television in 1988, when she delivered the keynote at the Democratic National Convention. I remember her saying, "Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels." - Her humor always on display, she said, "I did not want my tombstone to read, 'She kept a really clean house.' I think I'd like them to remember me by saying, 'She opened government to everyone.'"  She was a great leader, and will be missed.