September 2025 Newsletter - CA Commission on the Status of Women and Girls

California Department of General Services sent this bulletin at 09/24/2025 12:16 PM PDT

A Call to Action: Advancing Gender Justice Together

As we mark the 60th anniversary of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, we are not simply celebrating a milestone—we are issuing a call to action.

For six decades, the Commission has been at the forefront of advancing equity for California’s 19.6 million women and girls. From championing nation-leading equal pay protections and paid family leave, to eliminating the Pink Tax and expanding reproductive healthcare access through the College Student Right to Access Act, our work has been bold, intersectional, and deeply rooted in justice.

Through initiatives like the Women’s Recovery Response, which distributed $13.9 million in critical support, and the launch of our Youth Advisory Council, which is shaping an evolving Girls Agenda for California, we’ve demonstrated what’s possible when policy, partnership, and purpose align.

But we are not done.

The fight for gender equity is far from over—and we cannot do it alone. This is a pivotal moment to recommit ourselves to collective action. Whether you are a policymaker, educator, advocate, or community leader, your voice and your leadership are essential. Join your local women’s commission. Support legislation that uplifts women and girls. Mentor the next generation. Share your data, your expertise, your vision.

One person can make a difference—but together, we can transform systems.

In November, we will gather in Los Angeles for a historic California Convening of Women’s Commissions, co-hosted with the Los Angeles County Commission for Women and Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles. This is more than a celebration—it is a strategic moment to align our goals, strengthen our networks, and shape a unified policy agenda that transcends regional boundaries.

As we honor 60 years of progress, we invite you to help shape the next 60. Let’s build a future where gender justice is not aspirational—it’s operational.

With resolve and in partnership,

Darcy Totten

Executive Director

California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls

In November, the Los Angeles County Commission for Women, California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles will be hosting a California Convening of Commissions and Anniversary Celebration.

We are honored to bring together our local women’s commissions for the first time in many years to collectively shape future goals and policy priorities for women and girls in California - a pivotal moment to connect, collaborate, and build a stronger, unified voice that transcends regional boundaries.

This landmark gathering offers a unique opportunity for leaders to share their goals and policy priorities, help foster stronger partnerships, and build vital networks as participants share strategies and ideas to uplift women and girls across the state. At the convening, the Commission will also celebrate our 60th anniversary in the fight for the rights of women and girls, while the Los Angeles County Commission for Women celebrates its 50th anniversary, and Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles celebrates 100 years. The Equal Rights Advocates will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the California Fair Pay Act.

2024-25 Legislative Session Recap

The California Legislature concluded the 2025 legislative session on September 13, 2025. We are thrilled the Commission's co-sponsored legislation (SB 642) and 16 other supported pieces of legislation are on the Governor’s desk, ready to be signed into law! These bills include critical priorities aimed at women and girls’ socioeconomic mobility, equity in the workplace, unbridled access to healthcare, safety and security, educational attainment, and several other areas that address the unique challenges women and girls face in our state.

We were proud to stand in solidarity alongside other advocates like Stronger California Advocates Network, Equal Rights Advocates, and the California Employment Lawyers Association as co-sponsors of SB 642 to ensure women can effectively enforce their rights in the workplace and that provides vital protections for pay equity and transparency.

Learn more about our co-sponsored bill and the 16 other legislative items supported by the Commission by visiting our website.

Help us get these bills across the finish line by contacting the Governor with your support!

Contact Gov. Newsom

Youth Advisory Council

Our Youth Councilmembers will hold a virtual Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Workforce Development Workgroup Meeting on September 29, Health and Access Workgroup Meeting on October 2, and Safety and Prevention Workgroup Meeting on October 6 to create issue statements and discuss bill proposals.

The next virtual YAC Meeting is on November 20 and Councilmembers will continue to discuss the Girl Agenda. The agenda will be available on our website once it’s posted.

Commission Meeting

Our next full Commission meeting is November 19 in Sacramento. The Commission will be celebrating its diamond anniversary, recapping our Statewide Convening of Commissions, and discussing our legislative successes, among other important topics. The agenda will be available online closer to the date of the meeting.

Welcome to the Team!

The Commission is pleased to welcome Director of Policy and Legislation Alex Zucco, Director of Communications Yating Campbell, and Executive Administrator Christine Foord to the team.

Joint Legislative Resolution

On August 18, 2025, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls was recognized with a joint resolution from the Assembly and Senate for 60 years of promoting equality and justice for more than 19.6 million women and girls in one of the most diverse states in the country. Commission Chair Dr. Rita Gallardo Good and Executive Director Darcy Totten accepted the resolution on behalf of the Commission.

Chair Gallardo Good and Executive Director Totten were joined by staff from Assemblymember Calderon’s Office on the Assembly Floor, which was followed by a formal recognition of the Commission in the back of chambers. Senate pro Tem Elect Limón presented the Senate Floor recognition followed by a second recognition by Commissioner Senator Richardson and Senator Ashby.

Happy 175th Birthday California!

Happy 175th Birthday California! The Commission staff was pleased to participate in a tour at California State Library where First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and State Librarian Greg Lucas discussed literacy resources to encourage reading and then served cake! In the evening, the State Capitol was lit up by a beautiful light show, celebrating the day California became a state. Find a local event near you and help celebrate 175 years of California dreams!

Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles: 100 Years

Congratulations to Mount Saint Mary's University for 100 unstoppable years of empowering leaders and transforming the lives of their students! Their cinematic documentary explores the University's century-long impact and follows the stories of their accomplished alumnae. Learn more about their celebration.

Collaborating Internationally

As part of Global Ties Sacramento’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Commissioners and staff were pleased to meet with women representatives from Belize, Chile, Democratic Republic of Congo, Georgia, Kyrgyz Republic, and the Republic of Korea in an insightful exchange on how to support women and girls around the world.

American Community Survey

The American Community Survey (ACS) is a nationwide survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau to provide demographic, social, economic, and housing data. The one-year selected data for California, Counties, and Places of 65,000+ population and Historic Comparison for 2024 to 2020 are posted on the Department of Finance's webpage.

Explore the Data

Women Lead: October Coffee Conversation

Join California Women Lead Board Member Eileen Reynolds on October 7 as she shares strategies for building authentic connections that open doors, create opportunities, and strengthen your leadership journey.

Coffee Conversations occur on the first Tuesday of the month from 9:00 am to 9:30 am on Zoom. Registered attendees will receive the Zoom link prior to the session.

CalVet: Stories of Women Veterans

The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) is seeking stories from women veterans to feature on social media – sharing their experiences and enabling their voices to be heard. Visit their website to learn how you can submit a video. Watch the CalVet Women Voices video on U.S. Olympian and Army Sharpshooter, SPC Sagen Maddalena.

Get Help to Qualify for Benefits

Benefits help millions of qualified Californians to stay healthy and care for their families. You can add to your food budget; help get healthy food; qualify to get cash each month to help pay for housing, food, and other expenses; or get health care for your family including for children, seniors, people with a disability, foster care, and pregnant women. BenefitsCal is here to support individuals who need assistance.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Whether you are facing challenges, supporting a friend or loved one, or need emotional support, California has resources to help.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline connect callers, texters, and chat users to trained crisis counselors at more than 200 local crisis centers nationwide. These counselors offer free, confidential support 24/7 to individuals in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Visit the 988 Lifeline Website