Marian Wright Edelman

Founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF)

Marian Wright Edelman is founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF). Previously, she was Director of the Center for Law and Education at Harvard University. Mrs. Edelman has received many awards and honors, including the Albert Schwietzer Humanitarian Prize and the MacArthur Foundation Prize Fellow. In 2000, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Robert F. Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award for her writings which include seven books: “Families in Peril: An Agenda for Social Change”; “The Measure of Our Success: A letter to My Children and Yours”; “Guide My Feet: Meditations and Prayers on Loving and Working for Children”; “Stand for Children”; “Lanterns: A Memoir of Mentors”; “Hold My Hand: Prayers for Building a Movement to Leave No Child Behind”; and “I’m Your Child, God: Prayers for Our Children”. A member of the National Academy of Social Insurance since 1994, Edelman received her law degree from Yale University and attended Spelman College.  

Marian Wright Edelman is founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF). Previously, she was Director of the Center for Law and Education at Harvard University. Mrs. Edelman has received many awards and honors, including the Albert Schwietzer Humanitarian Prize and the MacArthur Foundation Prize Fellow. In 2000, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Robert F. Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award for her writings which include seven books: “Families in Peril: An Agenda for Social Change”; “The Measure of Our Success: A letter to My Children and Yours”; “Guide My Feet: Meditations and Prayers on Loving and Working for Children”; “Stand for Children”; “Lanterns: A Memoir of Mentors”; “Hold My Hand: Prayers for Building a Movement to Leave No Child Behind”; and “I’m Your Child, God: Prayers for Our Children”. A member of the National Academy of Social Insurance since 1994, Edelman received her law degree from Yale University and attended Spelman College.  

How can we help you?

Media Inquiries
Sponsorship Opportunities
Membership
Partnerships

Stay up-to-date on the latest research & policy updates.

Subscribe to our newsletter