Marianne Deborah Williamson (born July 8, 1952) is an American author, spiritual leader, political candidate, and activist. She has written 13 books, including four "New York Times" number one bestsellers in the "Advice, How To, and Miscellaneous" category. She is the founder of Project Angel Food, a volunteer food delivery program that serves home-bound people with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. She is also the co-founder of the Peace Alliance, a nonprofit education and advocacy organization supporting peace-building projects. She has received national attention as a result of her frequent appearances on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and was known as Oprah's "spiritual adviser."