 Thank You for Your Support
As we celebrate 60 years of progress, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls reflects on both how far we’ve come and the work that still lies ahead. From equal pay laws to programs that support women and girls in education, health, and leadership, our mission has always been clear: to ensure that every woman and girl in California can thrive.
Yet, we know challenges remain. Women continue to face wage gaps, barriers to affordable childcare, and threats to their safety and well-being. Girls report rising levels of sadness and hopelessness, reminding us that the fight for equity is not only about economics and representation, but also about dignity, health, and hope. These realities fuel our determination to keep pushing for systemic change that uplifts all communities.
Looking forward, we are committed to building a more equal future by expanding partnerships, strengthening local women’s commissions, and ensuring that women’s voices are heard in every decision-making space. Together, we can create a California where fairness is not an aspiration but a reality.
Thank you for standing with us in this work — your support makes progress possible.
Darcy Totten
Executive Director
 Women’s Statewide Convening Agenda
The Commission, Los Angeles County Commission for Women, and Mount Saint Mary’s University brought more than 100 representatives from state, city, and county commissions—alongside policymakers, advocates, and community partners—into one powerful space to shape a unified women’s agenda for California’s future.
The collaboratively developed Women’s Statewide Convening Agenda is a landmark achievement. It outlines shared priorities across eight critical issue areas, including:
- Support for survivors of foster care and human trafficking
- Career development for girls
- Product safety and women's health
- Access to healthcare
- Pay equity and wealth building
- Housing
- Support for local commissions
- Gender bias and discrimination
This agenda will serve as a guide for our collective work in the months and years ahead. You can access and share the agenda on our webpage.
 Women Lead: November Coffee Conversation
Join California Women Lead on December 2 for a conversation featuring philanthropist, author, and speaker Commissioner Lisa Greer for a candid and empowering conversation on reflecting, resetting, and reimagining your path forward.
Commissioner Greer will share personal stories from her journey, from corporate boardrooms to the world of philanthropy, and offer practical tools to help navigate your career with purpose, know when (and how) to pivot, build meaningful, strategic relationships, and embrace your ambition unapologetically.
Coffee Conversations occur on the first Tuesday of the month from 9:00 - 9:30 am on Zoom. Registered attendees will receive the Zoom link prior to the session.
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2026 Virtual Follow-up Sessions and Take the Convening Survey
Keep the momentum going: Join our four virtual follow-up sessions in 2026—on February 9, May 18, August 10, and November 16—to share progress and continue the conversation started at the California Convening of Commissions and Anniversary Celebration. Watch for the meeting invitation on our website and in upcoming newsletters.
If you went to the convening, we’d appreciate your feedback.
 A More Equal Future
The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls is proud to celebrate a major milestone: 60 years of advancing equity for nearly 20 million women and girls across the state.
A recent N&R Spotlight feature, “A More Equal Future,” highlights the Commission’s enduring impact and ongoing fight for fairness. The article highlights the voices of Chair Dr. Rita Gallardo Good, former Commissioner Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, and Executive Director Darcy Totten, who reflect on the Commission’s history and its vision for the future.
For six decades, the Commission has worked to ensure that women and girls are represented, protected, and empowered in California. From landmark legislation to community programs, its mission remains clear: to build a more equal future for all.
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Contribute to our Food Drive
We’re collecting non-perishable food donations to support families in need this season and need your help!
Join us in fighting food insecurity by donating to the State Employee Food Drive. Every donation makes a difference.
Drop-off Location: 925 L Street, #345 Sacramento, CA 95814
Dates: November 20 & December 4, 11, 18 from 10am-3pm
Most needed items: Rice, pasta, canned foods, canned vegetables, juice boxes, cereal, water, coffee, sugar, spices, beans, crackers, and condiments.
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Happy Holidays!
The Commission office will be closed on November 27-28 for the state holiday. We hope you and your families have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
 Gender Equity Summit
The First Partner Jennifer Sibel Newsom hosted an energizing and hopeful third annual Gender Equity Summit, co-hosted with California Partners Project. This year’s conversations centered around the digital world shaping kids’ and women’s futures.
The Summit convened cross-sector leaders in technology, education, philanthropy, and more to discuss the current digital environment and its effects on youth and women, while underscoring the need for innovative partnerships and solutions to promote online safety, equity, and well-being for all.
Commission Chair Dr. Rita Gallardo Good, First Vice Chair Nisha Devi Rodrigo, Commissioner Kawser Amine, and Commission Executive Director Darcy Totten attended the gathering, aimed to break down silos, create new partnerships, and elevate women’s voices in digital spaces. By spotlighting both urgent risks and innovative solutions, the summit advanced tangible strategies to ensure California leads in equitable, child-centered digital governance.
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 California Women Veterans Survey Report
The 2025 California Women Veterans Survey Report from the California Department of Veterans Affairs received responses from 2,700 women in California to provide a picture of the realities facing women veterans in our state.
 The California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute and our partner Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles, are launching the Holly J. Mitchell Empowerment Leadership Institute! This seven-month leadership experience aims to uplift and empower middle and high school Black girls to become the next generation of changemakers. Rooted in equity, dignity, and justice, the Institute nurtures leadership through mentorship, storytelling and services, helping girls lead with empathy, boldness, and joy.
 Learn About Some November Heritage/Awareness Topics
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