Former President Bill Clinton is delivering the keynote address during EMILY’s List’s 31st annual dinner and awards gala.
“We are thrilled that President Bill Clinton will be able to speak to our community about the need for women’s leadership in 2016,” said Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY’s List, in a statement Friday. “President Clinton has a long history of advocating for women in politics — from the top of the ticket down.”
{mosads}His wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, was the keynote speaker at last year’s event, where she teased her eventual presidential bid.
EMILY’s List, which seeks to elect pro-choice Democratic women, has endorsed Clinton for president.
The group is honoring a number of women at its gala, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who is receiving the 2016 “We are EMILY” award for her work on women’s rights.
“Leader Pelosi is a true champion of issues that matter most for women, from giving women and families a fair shot to protecting our reproductive rights,” Schriock said.
“We are proud of her ability to ignite change, and we are thrilled to highlight the voices of women leaders across the country igniting change in their communities.”
EMILY’s List on Friday revealed that “Scandal” actor Tony Goldwyn is presenting Pelosi with her award.
Former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), a vocal supporter of Clinton and a prominent gun control advocate, also plans to attend.
Colorado House Majority Leader Crisanta Duran (D) is receiving the “Rising Star” award named after Giffords.
Ayanna Pressley, a Boston city councilor who received the honor last year, will present the award to Duran.