We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Nancy McFadden, Chief of Staff to Governor Jerry Brown. Nancy served the state of California and the country in countless ways as a key legal, political and policy advisor and was a lifelong champion for gender, racial and economic justice.
We are proud and grateful that among her many commitments, Nancy served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Foundation of California from 2005-2011. She remained committed to the mission of the Foundation as a champion for our grant partners and Women’s Policy Institute (WPI) fellows. She was always generous with her time, advising us on strategy and advocating to ensure that equitable policies became law.
Nancy was instrumental in ensuring the passing of several of our Women’s Policy Institute bills, including the 2017 Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, which provides labor protections for domestic workers, and the 2018 Name and Dignity Act for Incarcerated Trans People. Nancy touched the lives of millions of individual Californians whose lives and experiences WPI alumni shared with her. She will always be remembered and treasured by all of us at the Women’s Foundation of California.
We offer our deepest condolences to Nancy’s family, friends and many colleagues. Together we mourn her passing and we celebrate her life.
With love and deep appreciation,
Surina Khan
CEO | Women’s Foundation of California
“I hope you live life not for the accolades but for the experience itself. Climb the mountain not to plant the flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view. Climb it so you can see the world and not so the world can see you.”
Nancy McFadden