Geraldine “Gerrie” Richards, president of the Chapel Hill chapter of the National Organization for Women (Chapel Hill NOW) has been interested in the politics of change and women’s rights all of her adult life.

As a college student she was involved in the anti-war protest movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s. Gerrie has remained firmly anti-war. As a teacher, she worked in various capacities with the teachers’ unions where she was employed. Gerrie represented her high school colleagues in their district union and served as publicity chair, focusing on changing the negative perception of teachers and fostering positive connections between parents and teachers.

Gerrie has a BS Ed. in English Education and an MA in English. She has studied the works of Shakespeare at the Globe in London, England and at the Folger Library in Washington, DC. While at each of these extended workshops, Gerrie performed on these internationally known stages.

Gerrie has been married for 55 years to Gary, her most supportive friend. They have two adult sons, two strong women as daughters-in-law and four active granddaughters. Her oldest granddaughter went with her mother, grandfather, and Nana to the first Women’s March on Washington.