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President, Center for the Advancement of Women

Faye Wattleton has accomplished a good deal in her professional career. In 1978, she became the youngest president ever elected to Planned Parenthood. She’s an avid pro-choice advocate, serves on the board of trustees at Columbia University and is currently the president of the Center for the Advancement of Women. Wattleton was selected to be featured along with several other luminaries for the film “The Black List,” an HBO documentary that showcases prominent African Americans and allows them to tell their stories in an intimate, conversational manner.

“This project is important because it really showcases a different perspective on African American life and also, it’s so intimate,” says Wattleton of the film. “It’s an opportunity to hear people in a way that [the public] hasn’t been able to hear [them].” Wattleton is proud of her legacy as a role model for women, and stresses the importance of sisterhood and responsibility. “[Black women] are pigeonholed — no matter how much we’ve succeeded,” she says. “You only have to look at the treatment of Michelle Obama. We have to recognize that we each carry a responsibility.”

While she’s one of the most accomplished women in the country, Wattleton maintains a modest outlook. “It’s kind of hard to define greatness in terms of my perspective — I think that’s for others to decide,” she believes. “To stand up is a quality of greatness. People long for leadership — leaders that will tell you what they really believe in and what their values are.” A few more leaders like Faye Wattleton would be a step in the right direction. –todd williams

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