About Maxine Waters

Country of Birth

United States

Industry

Politics

Top achievements

Congresswoman Maxine Waters is one of the most influential women in American politics. She is renowned for her fearless advocacy for people of color, women, children, and the poor. Waters made history in American politics when she became the first African American and first woman Chair of the House of Financial Services Committee.

Early life and education

Congresswoman Maxine Waters was born as one of 13 children in 1938 in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Raised by a single mother, Waters began working when she was 13 in various jobs: in factories, as a telephone operator, and in restaurants. 

In 1966, Waters was appointed as an assistant teacher at Head Start. While working there, she attended college and achieved a B.A. degree in Sociology from California State University.

Career

At Head Start, Waters began speaking on behalf of frustrated parents, encouraging them to apply for federal budget increases and other funding. Her involvement led to deeper involvement with local politics and in 1973 she went to work for council member David Cunningham as chief deputy. 

Political Leadership

In 1976, Waters resigned and successfully ran for election to the California State Assembly. During her tenure, she wrote and passed various legislation pieces, including tenants’ rights laws, a law restricting strip searches by police, and a law that requires state agencies to award public contracts to women and minorities. 

In 1990, after serving in the California State Assembly for 14 years, Waters successfully ran for her seat in the 29th Congressional District of California. In 1992, she ran in the 35th District of South Central Los Angeles, Inglewood, Gardena, and Hawthorne, a much larger district. She achieved 83% of the votes. 

Serving her constituents, Waters was active on several issues, including women’s health, affirmative action, welfare reform, and community development. She was also deeply committed to the plight of inner-city communities.

Recognition

In recognition of her dedication to working on behalf of homeless people, Congresswoman Maxine Waters received the Bruce F. Vento Award from the National Law Center of Homelessness and Poverty. She also received the Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women in 1992.

Achievements

Some of Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ most remarkable achievements:

• She co-founded Community Build.
• She co-founded Black Women’s Forum.
• While Waters was a member of the California Assembly, she had the Maxine Waters Preparation Center in Watts, California, named after her.

Additional facts

• Congresswoman Maxine Waters is married to Sidney Williams, a former U.S. Ambassador to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The Waters reside in Los Angeles and have two adult children, Edward and Karen.
• Waters is a Steering and Policy Committee member and co-chairs the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease. She is an integral member of the Congressional Democratic Leadership.
• She is also a member and former chairperson of the Congressional Black Caucus and a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.