Born in the Pittsburgh, PA, Diane Williamson followed in the footsteps of her father and joined the U.S. Army in the summer of 1976, becoming a Nuclear Weapons Maintenance Specialist. After exiting service, Diane worked for the federal government in Oakland, CA until the base closures in 1997. In 2004, after experiencing health issues, she pursued a claim for disability compensation from the VA. Eight years later, the VA approved her disability; however, during that time, Diane experienced homelessness and became a transitional housing resident in Swords to Plowshares’ Treasure Island housing program. Today, Diane serves as Chair of the Alameda County Veterans Affair Commission and leads a nonprofit helping veterans access their benefits: The Veterans Community Media Network. Diane has an A.S. in Graphic Design, certificates in Computer Graphic Design and Video Production and Broadcasting, and a B.A. in Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts from San Francisco State University (2014).
