Marianne Williamson, born on July 8, 1952, in Houston, Texas, grew up in a Jewish family that valued education and community. After attending Bellaire High School, she studied theater and philosophy at Pomona College in California but left before completing her degree. Her early adulthood was marked by a search for meaning, which she later called her "wasted decade." In 1976, a transformative encounter with A Course in Miracles helped her address challenges like depression and substance abuse, setting her on a path of personal and spiritual awakening.

By the early 1980s, Williamson had begun lecturing on the principles of A Course in Miracles, focusing on love and forgiveness. After moving to Los Angeles in 1983, her teachings gained attention for their unique blend of spiritual traditions and practical wisdom. Her 1992 book, A Return to Love, became a New York Times bestseller, solidifying her role as a spiritual leader. In addition to her writings, Williamson founded Project Angel Food in 1989, delivering meals to individuals with HIV/AIDS, and co-founded The Peace Alliance in 2004 to promote peace-building initiatives. Her philosophy emphasizes the transformative power of love for both personal growth and social healing.

Williamson’s efforts to integrate spirituality and activism extended into her political career. She ran for office in 2014 and later pursued the Democratic nomination for president in 2020 and 2024, aiming to infuse public policies with compassion and justice. Though her campaigns were brief, they reflected her vision of spirituality as a foundation for societal change. As a mother and grandmother, Williamson continues to inspire through her books and teachings, encouraging individuals and communities to embrace love as a force for transformation.