Proclamation
March is Women’s History Month, and the 2026 theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” honors the women whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to community well‑being are helping build a healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable world. This theme reflects California’s long‑standing recognition of women who have advanced civil rights, expanded educational opportunities, and strengthened the social, environmental, and economic fabric of our communities.
Women like Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first woman of color elected to Congress, and a co‑author of Title IX, transformed educational access for millions of girls and women. Her work ensured that future generations would have opportunities she herself was denied, and her legacy continues to influence classrooms, campuses, and athletic programs across the country.
Closer to home, California celebrates women whose scientific achievements have reshaped modern medicine and deepened our understanding of human health. Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn of UCSF received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering how chromosomes are protected by telomeres (teh‑LAHM‑uh‑rayss) and the enzyme telomerase — breakthroughs that continue to inform research on aging, cancer, and cellular health.
The University of California also highlights leaders such as Dr. Anna Maria Nápoles, a UC alumna whose research has advanced health equity for underserved communities, and Dr. Susan Hubbard of UC Berkeley, whose work in climate and energy science is helping prepare California for a more resilient and sustainable future.
Across the Bay Area, women continue to lead efforts that strengthen community health, environmental resilience, and public well‑being. From scientists advancing climate and energy research at the University of California to public health leaders improving access to care, women are shaping a more sustainable future for our region. Their contributions reflect California’s enduring commitment to innovation, compassion, and public service.
Here in Alameda, Danielle Mieler, Sustainability and Resilience Manager for the City of Alameda, oversees the City’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan and co‑chairs the Oakland Alameda Adaptation Committee (OACC), a coalition of local, regional, state, and federal stakeholders and community‑based organizations working collaboratively to address sea level rise adaptation and promote community resilience. In 2025, Danielle was honored by the Greenbelt Alliance for her work in planning for climate change resilience.
Another inspirational and influential local leader is Alameda Food Bank Executive Director Teale Harden whose work has expanded access to nutritious food for families across the island.
We recognize and honor the many women leaders whose determination and dedication are creating a healthier, more sustainable, and inclusive future for all.
Now, therefore, I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, hereby proclaim March 2026 as
Women’s History Month
in the City of Alameda, and encourage all Alamedans to celebrate, share, and learn more about the rich history and remarkable achievements of women. The Alameda Free Library is highlighting Women’s History Month with:
A series of special Storytimes celebrating women in Alameda on:
• Thursday, March 5, 10:30 AM, Bay Farm Island Library with Alameda Firefighter MacKenzie Cary • Tuesday, March 17, 10:30 AM, West End Library with a female Alameda Police Officer, • Thursday, March 19, 10:30 AM, Bay Farm Island Library with Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, • Monday, March 23, 10:30 AM, Bay Farm Island Library with Crab Cove Naturalist Susan Ramos, and
• Tuesday, March 24, 10:30 AM, West End Library with Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, and • On Saturday, March 7, 3pm at the West End Library, local artist Cristina Edwards will lead an inter‑ generational “Women in Weaving” workshop, and
• On Saturday, March 21, 11am at the Main Library, join local poet, filmmaker, and cultural worker Tae Poetically Divine for a poetry reading and screening of her short films.
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Mayor