LOS ANGELES, CA: LA County Commission for Women (LACCW) hosted a double milestone event: the “Women of the Year” 40th Anniversary Commemorative Ruby Celebration Gala and the Commission’s 50th Anniversary.
Held during Women’s History Month, LACCW recognized courageous and dedicated women in Los Angeles County for their outstanding achievements in advancing gender equity and addressing various wellness and quality-of-life issues affecting women in Los Angeles.
“Serving on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors over the past 11 years has allowed me to see the Commission for Women’s impact in empowering women across our County,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “I want to extend my deepest congratulations to all the women recognized this year, including the outstanding honorees from the First District whose leadership and service continue to strengthen our communities. Their work, along with the work of the Commission, is more critical than ever as federal policies threaten women’s access to health care and economic opportunity, and it reminds us that our collective efforts are needed now more than ever. Together, we must continue fighting to protect the rights of all women and girls and advance justice.”
“I’m thrilled to see the LA County Women of the Year Luncheon return this year, just in time to celebrate the Women’s Commission’s 50th anniversary. Each of our Second District honorees exemplifies what it means to be a trailblazer. Lila Omura has been an unsung hero; connecting hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness with resources and helping them transition to housing. Nicole and Kerrie Harper have made a remarkable impact in the business community, creating more than a thousand jobs and ensuring food service is delivered with a love for community through their ownership of several McDonald’s franchise restaurants in South LA. Congratulations to all the honorees,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.
“At a time when women’s leadership and hard-won progress are being challenged across the country, it is more important than ever that we proudly recognize and uplift the women shaping our communities,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “I am especially honored to celebrate our Third District honorees, LA County Sheriff’s Department Commander Jennifer Seetoo and Los Angeles Mission College President Dr. Armida Ornelas, whose leadership in community safety and higher education is expanding opportunity and opening doors for others.”
“Every year, this event gives me an opportunity to lift up a woman in my district whose incredible accomplishments and hard work may otherwise go uncelebrated. This year I honored Catalina Hinojosa, a woman who not only overcame her own struggle with addiction but dedicated her career to helping others facing similar challenges. She is an inspiration and a fitting example of the women across LA County who are doing hard things to make a difference in the lives of their fellow Angelenos,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn.
“Taking time to recognize the achievements of women across Los Angeles County is meaningful and necessary,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “These moments of recognition shine a light on the leadership, dedication, and resilience women bring to our communities every day.”
“I’m proud to recognize Dr. Lucy Jones as the Fifth District’s Woman of the Year,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Her leadership as a world-renowned seismologist and her commitment to connecting science with community preparedness have made an extraordinary impact across Los Angeles County. Celebrating women who use their expertise and influence to serve the public defines what this event is all about.”
“After 40 years, it’s an honor to recognize women for their outstanding accomplishments in Los Angeles County,” said Dr. Regina Smith, President of the Los Angeles County Commission for Women. “Today, also marks a 50-year milestone for our commission as we continue to celebrate our commitment to helping women and girls achieve success.”
In District 1, represented by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, Board Chair, Corinne Sanchez, Esq., President/CEO of El Proyecto del Barrio, Inc., and Dr. Marie Torres, senior vice president of government relations at AltaMed Health Services, were recognized with District Honoree awards.
In District 2, represented by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Chair Pro Tem, Lila Omura, Redondo Beach’s housing navigator, restaurant entrepreneurs Nicole Harper Rawlins and Kerri Harper-Howie, were recognized with District Honoree awards.
In District 3, represented by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Dr. Armida Ornelas, president of Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Commander Jennifer Seetoo, were recognized with District Honoree awards.
In District 4, represented by Supervisor Janice Hahn, Catalina Hinojosa, founder of the San Pedro Recovery Alliance, was recognized with a District Honoree award.
In District 5, represented by Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Dr. Lucy Jones, a renowned seismologist and founder of the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society, was recognized with a District Honoree award.
The award ceremony also featured special award presentations, including the Presidents Awards, the Exceptional Leader Award, and the Community SHEROE Award.
The award ceremony was led by the LA County Commission for Women and included presentations by the LA County Board of Supervisors and their LACCW awardees, as well as a reception for awardees, guests, friends, civic leaders, and community partners.
To learn more about the LACCW Resilience Scholarship to support the dreams and aspirations of women and girls in LA County, click here.
For more information about the Los Angeles County Commission for Women, click here.
Also Read: Top 10 Influential Women of the Year 2024 by The Indian Alert
