Marisol Franco, Author at Women's Foundation California

California can’t afford to look away

We are living through a time when our democracy feels like it is coming apart at the seams. Authoritarianism is […]

Our Communities Deserve Care—Not Tear Gas

There’s a narrative this country loves to tell about itself. It’s tidy and self-congratulatory: protest is a right, democracy is […]

2025 Solís Policy Institute Bills

Policy is where ideas meet power. It’s the bridge between the world we have and the one we want. As […]

Building Power Together: 2024 Feminist Policy Wins

We are celebrating three powerful feminist policy wins — that represent a progressive vision for what a just future can […]

Our 2024 Feminist California Bills

We are proud to announce this year’s slate of 4 feminist bills making their way through the Legislature, each designed […]

Announcing the New SPI State Class

Our Institute’s namesake, Dr. Beatriz María Solís, believed that once we have a sense of power, it can’t be taken […]

Our 2023 California Feminist Policy Wins!

  We’re all winners when California laws are deeply rooted in our intersectional feminist values. This legislative cycle, we are […]

Solís Policy Institute Invites Applications for its 2023-2024 Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2023   Media Contact: Marisol Franco marisolf@womensfoundca.org Solís Policy Institute Invites Applications for its 2023-2024 […]

The Meaning of Mentorship with SPI alum Adrianna

We believe those closest to the problem are the best equipped with the solution. This grounding principle serves as the […]

Apply to SPI and become a Catalyst for Change

The main reason you should apply to SPI? To meet incredible changemakers like Claudia Gonzalez. Claudia is one of our […]

Policy & Pride: 5 Reasons to Apply to SPI!

As Pride month comes to an end, our Solís Policy Institute Reproductive Justice X Trauma Justice Team is just getting […]

One year after Dobbs: Take Action & Support Reproductive Justice

One year ago today, the  U.S. Supreme Court decided on Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned our constitutional […]

Celebrating 20 Years of the Solís Policy Institute

When I close my eyes, I can still see the California Museum courtyard aglow with the beautiful faces of Solís […]

Support SPI Bills: Cross the Finish Line Together!

Our Solís Policy Institute fellows have worked tirelessly during the legislative season to advocate for two bills that have now […]

What You Need to Know About Prop 1

With ballots making their way to mailboxes all across California, we want to put two simple actions front and center […]

Our 2022 Feminist Policy Wins

When intersectional feminist policy becomes law, we’re all winners. And we won big this legislative cycle.  This year’s Solís Policy […]

Gov. Newsom Vetoes AB 2320 & Feminist Policy Making as a Continuous Conversation

Art by Micah Bazant for the fabulous crew at Forward Together We are in that brief moment of time in […]

It’s Time to Sign! Keep the Pressure on These 5 Feminist Bills

We’re so close to FIVE new pieces of intersectional feminist legislation becoming law. Our Solís Policy Institute fellows across California  […]

Meet SPI Local Class of 2023

We are thrilled to introduce you to this year’s newest Solís Policy Institute Local class! Meet these four incredible teams […]

These SPI Bills Need Your Help NOW!

We’re not letting anyone stand in the way of advancing a policy agenda deeply rooted in our intersectional feminist values. Today […]

California’s Reproductive Justice Future | Questions & Answers

California Legislation + College Access to Medication Abortion  Q:  I am thankful for all the work Reproductive Justice organizations do […]

Why California is in a “ready stance”

photo via @ameliamaris California is in a ready stance.* This is not an accident or some stroke of luck. We […]

Eunisses + Solís Policy Institute + YOU

Seven years ago, Eunisses Hernandez went through the Solís Policy Institute. Two years ago, she joined our board. This week […]

Policy Has Power

Policy has power. At schools, grocery stores, or churches, we can’t allow our loved ones to continue to die as […]

You + Our Feminist Policy Agenda

Photo caption: SPI State Team Class of 2021-2022 Feminist Policy is the best kind of group project. This year’s Solís […]

Infuriated, but Unsurprised: Roe v Wade Draft Decision

Photo by Act for Abortion (CCF) We are infuriated, but unsurprised. Reading the leaked draft Supreme Court decision last night, […]

Hollywood is Telling Kim Carter’s Story

Photo caption: Kim Carter will be featured in one of seven segments of a film that highlights inspiring women. Pictured […]

Changing the Face of Power

Godmother of intersectionality, activist, and professor Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw once said, “It’s not about convincing those who are currently in […]

Diana is a Healer

Diana Zuñiga is a community organizer, policy advocate, healer, and a Solís Policy Institute alum (State and Local). She centers […]

Feminist Laws Signed in CA ✅

Photo of Governor Newsom signing the Momnibus Act with partners Forget #sweaterweather or return of the PSL, it’s bill signing […]

Solís Policy Institute (SPI) Pandemic Policymaking

Our Solís Policy Institute (formerly Women’s Policy Institute) fellows make policy, cultivate community, and they adapt. As they navigate the […]