Proclamation
March is Women’s History Month and t he 2025 theme is, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” which highlights the collective strength of women dedicated to education, mentorship, and leadership - empowering others to achieve their fullest potential.
Women like Marie Curie, the pioneering physicist and chemist who discovered radium and polonium, was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize , and the first person to win a second Nobel Prize, for Physics in 1903 (at the age of 36) and for Chemistry in 1911. Dr. Curie refused to patent her discovery because she believed this knowledge should be freely available to benefit humanity.
Closer to home and closer in time, Dr. Jennifer Doudna, a biochemist affiliated with UC Berkeley, won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2020, along with her colleague, Canadian scientist Emmanuelle Charpentier, for the development of CRISPR gene editing technology which led to breakthroughs in the treatment of sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, Huntington disease, and HIV. In March 2020, Dr. Doudna led other scientists to develop tests and treatment for a newly discovered virus called COVID-19.
Another woman who inspired other women to achieve their fullest potential is Sally Ride, the first woman to travel in space.
Locally, we celebrate the transformative impact of women leaders on the broader community, demonstrated by Dr. Holly Joshi, Alameda resident and Chief of the City of Oakland’s Department of Violence Prevention. Dr.
Joshi was recently named Woman of the Year for the 7th Senate and 18th Assembly Districts by State Senator Jesse Arreguin and Assemblymember Mia Bonta for her years of dedication to reducing crime, advancing public safety, ensuring justice, and eliminating gender -based violence. Dr. Joshi is also featured in the documentary film, “Still We Rise” that highlights her work as an undercover cop turned anti-trafficking advocate and educator.
Throughout history, women have made extraordinary contributions across all fields, serving as powerful role models, educators, and mentors, yet persistent disparities in pay, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and ongoing discrimination continue to challenge women’s full participation in society. Nonetheless, this enduring legacy of achievement serves as a blueprint for future generations to build bridges of opportunity for all women in society.
Now, therefore, I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, hereby proclaim March 2025 as
Women’s History Month
in the City of Alameda, and encourage all Alamedans to celebrate, explore, and share the rich history and the remarkable achievements of women by visiting the Alameda Free Library and its website where you will find resources highlighting Women’s History Month.
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Mayor