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The Los Angeles Commission for Women (LACCW) hosted the 40th “Women of the Year” Awards, recognizing women's achievements in Los Angeles County, and celebrated its 50th year, marking a milestone.
 Attendees, guests, civic leaders, and friends filled a ballroom at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles during the LA County Commission for Women's 40th Annual Women of the Year Luncheon on Monday, March 9.(Photo credit: David Franco/LA County)
Los Angeles, CA – Yesterday, the 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.
Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis (center) was joined by Dr. Marie Torres (left) and Corinne Sanchez (right), the First District's Woman of the Year honoree, at the 40th Annual Women of the Year Luncheon in Downtown Los Angeles on March 9.
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.
Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell (center) was joined by Kerri Harper-Howie (left), Lila Omura (second from Left), and Nicole Harper Rawlins the Second District's Woman of the Year honorees, and Dr. Regina Smith, President of the Los Angeles County Commission for Women, at the 40th Annual Women of the Year Luncheon at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on March 9.
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.
Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath (center) was joined by Dr. Armida Ornelas (left) and LA County Sheriff’s Commander Jennifer Seetoo, the Third District's Woman of the Year honorees, at the 40th Annual Women of the Year Luncheon in Downtown Los Angeles on March 9.
In District 4, represented by Supervisor Janice Hahn, Catalina Hinojosa, founder of the San Pedro Recovery Alliance, was recognized with a District Honoree award.
Supervisor Janice Hahn (left) was joined by Catalina Hinojosa, the Fourth District's Woman of the Year honoree, at the 40th Annual Women of the Year Luncheon in Downtown Los Angeles on March 9.
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.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger (right) was joined by Dr. Lucy Jones, the Fifth District's Woman of the Year honoree, at the 40th Annual Women of the Year Luncheon at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles on March 9.
The award ceremony also featured special award presentations, including the Presidents Awards, the Exceptional Leader Award, and the Community SHEROE Award.
Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (left) was honored with the "Presidents Award" and was joined by Dr. Regina Smith, President of the Los Angeles County Commission for Women, at the 40th Annual Women of the Year Luncheon on March 9, at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.
Second from left, Exceptional Leader awardees, Melody Lomboy-Lowe, Dr. Susan B. Baldwin, Dr. Marisela K. Montoya, and Zoe A. Nicholson were honored at the 40th Annual Women of the Year Luncheon in Downtown Los Angeles on March 9.
Second from left, SHEROE awardees Alyce D. LaViolette, Paulina P. Palomino, Jennifer Robertson, Nellie L. Scott, and Geri Silvia were recognized at the 40th Annual Women of the Year Luncheon at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on March 9.
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.
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About the Los Angeles County Commission for Women
The Los Angeles County Commission for Women seeks to represent the interest and concerns of women of all races, ethnic and social backgrounds, religious convictions, sexual orientation and social circumstances.
About the Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors
The Los Angeles County Commission for Women is housed within the Executive Office of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. The Executive Office provides a multi-functional support role for the Board of Supervisors in administering and managing technology, staffing, procurement, and facilities resources, as well as the publication of information for the Board, various County departments, and the public. The Executive Office also administers and oversees over 30 County commissions and offices, and its mission is to provide excellent customer service and support the Board in achieving its objectives.
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