 Celebrating Latina Women
As we mark Latino Heritage Month, I want to take a moment to celebrate the impact Latina women have on our state. Latinas are vital to California, shaping culture, economy, and civic life by driving entrepreneurship and the workforce, leading social justice movements, and building the next generation of leaders.
Dolores Huerta, a champion for workers’ rights, cemented her legacy as an icon in California as her activism to protect farmworkers made labor history. And Huerta's courageous move to share her story, standing up against sexual violence reinforces the urgent need to support survivor voices, dismantle entrenched systems of gender-based violence and harm, and ensure accountability across all sectors.
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Latinas are making history at the Capitol, with former Commissioner Senate President pro Tempore Senator Monique Limón serving as the first Latina to lead a chamber of the California Legislature. And 1 in 5 legislators leading California is now a Latina woman.
Latina mothers are raising more than half of all children in California, underscoring their central role in family and community life. In the workforce, more than 3.3 million Latinas contribute as the backbone of California’s economy, with young Latina workers outnumbering women of other major racial and ethnic groups.
Yet, systemic inequities continue to penalize Latina women.
Immigrant Latinas and those partnered with immigrants are especially vulnerable, as they often face threats from employers, barriers to accessing healthcare and education, and the constant anxiety of potential family separation. A simple trip to the doctor or dropping a child off at school isn’t safe.
Latina-owned businesses have surged by more than 23% in recent years, employing close to 150,000 workers and generating more than a billion dollars in payroll across California. But access to capital remains sparse: around 45% of Latina-owned businesses in California report severe difficulty accessing capital, which his higher than the 40% average for all women-owned businesses. When applying for loans, Latinas receive only about 39% of their requested funding amounts.
And while Latinas dominate our economy as one of the fastest growing segments of workers, their work is valued far less compared to men. Latinas face some of the widest wage disparities in the nation in California, earning just 44 for every dollar earned by non-Hispanic white men, and even those with a bachelor’s degree earn only about 58 cents per dollar compared to their white male peers. At this rate, it will take Latinas about 130 years to catch up.
All of this data sheds light on the urgent need to create pathways and opportunities for economic security to create a foundation for women to thrive. At the Commission, we will continue to fight to achieve equity, access, and justice on behalf of Latinas and all women across California.
Darcy Totten
Executive Director
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 Girls Scouts “State of Girl” National Report Reveals the Real Story of Girlhood Beyond the Headlines
A new report from Girl Scouts of Americas examines the real-world pressures, mental health challenges, and core strengths of girls growing up in America today. The report finds that the main barrier to girls' success is not their potential, but the gap between who they are and the unsupportive digital and community environments around them. It calls for greater investment in safe community spaces, trusted mentorship, and real-world peer connections. Read the report.
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Alliance for Girls’ Political Impact Panel
On Monday, October 26 from 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Alliance for Girls will be hosting a virtual Political Impact Panel, which brings together organizations serving girl and gender-expansive youth to discuss the political and funding realities they face, hear from community leaders and experts, share resources and strategies, and build community resilience.
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Former Youth Advisory Council member Camille Chu will serve as a panelist. RSVP for the event: Panel Event: Political Impact on Girls & Gender-Expansive Youth
California Farm to School Summit
Registration is open for the October 14-15 California Farm to School Summit in Sacramento.
Set among the gardens and fields of Soil Born Farms, a nationally recognized center for urban agriculture, sustainable food systems and healthy food education, the Summit will offer inspiring conversations, fresh California-grown food, hands-on experiences, and networking opportunities. To learn more about the event, visit the website.
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Girls on the Run Sacramento Seeking Coaches
Girls on the Run Sacramento offers programs designed to inspire girls of all abilities to recognize and embrace their inner strength and make meaningful connections with others. Trained coaches use physical activity and dynamic discussions to build social, emotional and physical skills while encouraging healthy habits for life. Learn more about becoming a coach today!
 Legislative Update
Upon the end of the 2025-2026 legislative session, the Commission has five co-sponsored bills and 20 support bills sent to the Governor’s desk.
Several bills have been signed by the Governor into law, including:
The Commission’s policy committee also met this month to discuss legislative proposals for the 2027 legislative year and will continue to have discussions about what priorities will be included in next year’s legislative package.
Apply to be Recognized as a “Made in California” Brand
Applications are now open to manufacturers of all sizes that are based or operating in California. So, whether you make salsa, surfboards, semiconductors or solar panels, put California pride to work for your business. Learn more, check your eligibility or apply now to become an official Made in California licensee.
 2027 Advocacy Day – RSVP to Save Your Spot!
 The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CCSWG) is hosting a Nonpartisan Women and Girls’ Advocacy Day on March 17, 2027, in Sacramento.
For the first time in many years, women’s and girls’ organizations from every corner of California will unite at the Capitol for a historic day of collective advocacy. This gathering will convene leaders, advocates, community partners, and organizations dedicated to elevating the voices of women and girls, advancing equity, and championing policies that create lasting improvements in their lives. By joining forces, participants will help shape a more inclusive and equitable future, driving meaningful change in both policy and community.
RSVP to reserve your spot – spaces are limited!
A big thank you to our supporters on this effort:
Chico START Grow Tech Fest
Join ChicoSTART for two days of inspiring keynotes and expert-led sessions on October 8-9, 2026. Experience the North State’s community of founders, investors, and innovators. Register for your tickets.
Save the Date: Shero’s Rise Butterfly Gala
Shero’s Rise is a women-led non-profit organization dedicated to empowering girls from underserved communities to discover their potential, find their voice, and become leaders. Join them for an unforgettable evening on Saturday, November 14 at 5:30 pm, of inspiration, celebration, and impact. Register for your tickets.
 PreMA Student Creative Contest
The Office of the California Surgeon General (OSG) invites California students to enter the statewide PreMA Student Creative Contest. Students are encouraged to create an original poster, graphic, or video that gets people curious enough to take PreMA for themselves and post it publicly on Instagram or Facebook.
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Women in Power Spaces (WiPS) Convening
Hosted by North Orange County Community College District, the WiPS Convening brought together women focused on closing the gaps on equity. The Commission’s Executive Director Darcy Totten participated in a panel alongside Jessica Stender of Equal Rights Associates and Krista Hollinger of Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties to discuss how California can both support women in our state who are critical to building a prosperous future and protect the rights of women.
Powered by Women LIVE
The Commission was excited to be part of the event, designed for connection, growth, and community for women founders, creatives, and business owners seeking real networking, business insights, and community support.
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Executive Director Darcy Totten gave the keynote speech, highlighting the power of women through the Great Wealth Transfer to reimagine and rebuild systems, businesses, and the economy with women at the center.
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Join the Movement to Create a Women’s Suffrage National Monument
The Women’s Suffrage National Monument will be the first monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., solely dedicated to American women’s history, celebrating the generations of suffragists who expanded our democracy. Of the 40 monuments, memorials, and statues that currently exist on the National Mall, the most visited National Park in the United States, none are dedicated to the great women of American history. Learn more about the effort to create the monument at Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation.
Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (NHPI) Women’s Equal Pay Day draws attention to the significant wage and wealth disparities faced by NHPI women due to structural and systemic barriers that stymie opportunity for these communities.
NHPI women earn just 59 cents for “all earners” (full-time, part-time, and seasonal) for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men, and 67 cents for full-time, year-round earners which is 17% below the national average wage gap.
Survey Highlights How Women Feel Diminished in Healthcare
A new Gallup–Pivotal survey, backed by Melinda French Gates, found that over half of U.S. women have had a negative healthcare experience in the past five years, and nearly half say their health has limited their careers, underscoring the link between women’s health and women’s power.
These findings echo a recent study, highlighting the disparities in care and treatment women receive compared to men with the same conditions.
Record Number of Women Running for Office
With the 2026 midterms approaching, women are breaking new ground in American politics by the record number running for office in some of the nation’s most powerful elected offices. This cycle, 85 women are running as major-party candidates for governor across 36 states which is a new all-time high. Read more about the groundbreaking trend.
 NAWBO Sacramento Valley’s “From Dream to Reality” Education Series
ICYMI: Commissioner Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen focused on compliance and how government resources can women entrepreneurs at the NAWBO Sacramento Valley Chapter (NAWBO) From Dream to Reality series. First Vice Chair Nisha Devi Rodrigo will speak at the final session on how well-being matter while building a business.
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California Women Lead’s Appointments Trainings
If you've ever thought about serving as an appointee, California Women Lead (CaWL) is hosting a series to share what you need to know about state, local and regional board, and commission service.
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Part 2: Appointments to Local and Regional Boards & Commissions, Tues., Oct. 6, 9:00–10:00 a.m.
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Part 3: Appointed—How to Use Your Voice to Create Impact, Tues., Nov. 10, time TBD
 September Heritage/Awareness Topics
Commission in the News
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