Terry O’Neill, President-Elect

Terry O’Neill is an innovative, strategic leader for social justice and change. She has a successful track record in the executive management of women’s organizations, including financial management, fundraising and advocacy. She currently serves as Chief of Staff to a Montgomery County (MD) Councilmember whose successes include passage of a transgender equality law and the establishment of Maryland’s first Family Justice Center for survivors of domestic violence. Previously, Terry served as Executive Director of the National Council of Women’s Organizations (2005-2007) and as NOW’s Vice President – Membership (2001-2005). As Membership Vice President, she directed NOW’s direct marketing program, successfully strengthening membership recruitment despite the financial setbacks brought about by 9/11. 

Terry’s feminist activism began with fighting right-wing extremists like David Duke in the Deep South. She has served as president of Louisiana NOW and New Orleans NOW, and a member of the National Racial Diversity Committee. She is a past president of Maryland NOW and currently serves on the NOW National Board from the Mid-Atlantic region.

A successful attorney and law professor, Terry has taught at Tulane in New Orleans and the University of California at Davis, where her courses included feminist legal theory and international women’s rights law in addition to corporate law and legal ethics. She has testified before committees in the Maryland House of Delegates and written key federal amicus briefs on abortion rights for Louisiana NOW, Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Terry is a community leader who has served on the boards of local organizations addressing reproductive health and justice, domestic violence, at-risk teens, and abused and neglected children. She is also a skilled political organizer, having worked on a volunteer basis on Hillary Clinton’s campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, and the election of Louisiana’s first woman U.S. Senator, Mary Landrieu.

Terry earned a bachelor’s degree in French with distinction from Northwestern University and a law degree from Tulane University magna cum laude.

Terry has one child, a daughter who is a proud feminist. 

In Terry’s words:

I’m running for President because I want to use my skills and ability to overcome the challenges we face and to seize the opportunity that exists at this moment in history. I believe women around the country are fed up with persistent inequality and are ready to put justice for women at center stage. Upon election, my running mates and I will immediately launch a series of national action campaigns to demand the things women need to achieve real equality.

Simultaneously, I will restore NOW’s revenue stream by bringing together our vendors, donors and leaders to work with me in implementing a plan to reverse our membership losses and revitalize our message and grassroots organizing.  My administration will be transparent and accountable.  I will set goals and report results.  Please join us!  Together we’ll win the struggle for equality and justice.