12 Facts About Jeanette Williams

Alice Jeanette Williams, nee Alice Jeanette Klemptner, was an American politician and human and women's rights activist from Seattle, Washington.

Jeanette Williams served on the Seattle City Council from 1969 to 1989.

Originally named after woman suffragist Alice Paul, she went by her middle name Jeanette beginning in her youth.

Jeanette Williams later took private lessons from Mary Davenport Engberg concurrent with her studies at the University of Washington, where she received her undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts in 1935.

Jeanette Williams went on to obtain two master's degrees at the American Conservatory of Music in Violin and Composition.

Jeanette Williams married David Williams of Anacortes whom she had met while travelling to Los Angeles with the group.

Jeanette Williams began her political career while serving as a precinct committee officer.

Jeanette Williams introduced some of the first legislation to prohibit employment and housing discrimination against gays and lesbians in the city.

Jeanette Williams pushed for additional laws giving the same protections to transgender people.

In 1972, Jeanette Williams formed the Seattle Women's Commission to advise the mayor, city council, and city departments on issues that impact women in Seattle.

Jeanette Williams introduced legislation to convert Kubota Garden to a city park and promoted the preservation of the Sand Point Naval Air Station as Magnuson Park.

In 2003, the Jeanette Williams Award was created as part of the 2003 Seattle Women's Summit to recognize an individual who demonstrates significant leadership and service in advancing the cause of women in Seattle.