Teacher, psychologist, State senator, ambassador, and a member of the U.S. Congress from 2003-2011 representing the 33rd District of California, Diane E. Watson has been a tireless advocate for social improvement.

Watson's lifelong commitment to education stems from her work as an elementary school teacher, school psychologist, and the first African American woman to serve on the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education. While in the California State Senate, Watson also committed herself to issues of health care, consumer protection, welfare reform, and women's and children's issues.

In 1998, Watson was appointed Ambassador to Micronesia by President Clinton, and in 2003, became a member of the 108th U.S. Congress. Watson was reelected to Congress four times before retiring in 2011. She continues to be a community activist through teaching, mentoring, and leadership.