When I close my eyes, I can still see the California Museum courtyard aglow with the beautiful faces of Solís Policy Institute (SPI) fellows, alum, and our fierce community. I still feel surrounded by the powerful and electric energy of the evening. Gathering in person filled me with overwhelming pride to belong to such an amazing community.
The awe-inspiring work of our honorees—advocates, policymakers, changemakers, and SPI fellows and alum—fuels us forward in our work to advance racial, economic, and gender justice. A special thank you to our Emcee Anna Malaika Tubbs and the fabulous welcome from California Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber. And to all our honorees: thank you for all the work you have done and continue to do to build our feminist future:
Dr. Beatriz María Solís Awardees:
- SPI Mentors: Emily Harris, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights; Mike Herald, Western Center on Law and Poverty; Laura Jiménez, California Latinas for Reproductive Justice
Champion Awardees:
- California Legislative Women’s Caucus: Senator Nancy Skinner, Chair and Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Vice Chair
Trailblazer Awardees:
- The 2021 California Momnibus Act (SB 65) Co-Sponsors: Onyemma Obiekea, Janette Robinson Flint, Black Women for Wellness; Héctor Trinidad Plascencia, Solís Policy Institute Alum; Nourbese Flint, Black Women for Wellness Action Project
Catalyst Awardees:
- Reimagine LA Coalition: Diana Zúñiga, Tres Lunas Consulting; Ivette Alé-Ferlito and Megan Castillo, La Defensa; The Honorable Eunisses Hernandez, LA City Councilmember
Visionary Awardees:
- Future of Abortion Council: Flor Hunt and Lorena Garcia Zermeño and Steering Committee Members from ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE, Black Women for Wellness Action Project, California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom, California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, Essential Access Health, NARAL Pro-Choice California, National Health Law Program (NHeLP), Office of Senator Toni G Atkins, Senate President pro Tempore, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, Training in Early Abortion for Comprehensive Healthcare (TEACH)
Cindy Marano Leadership Awardees:
- California Domestic Workers Coalition: Kimberly Alvaregna, Coalition Director
Together, we know we can do more—and today we’re asking for your support. Whether it’s five dollars or five hundred, your donation will help us advance our shared feminist future and invest in the long arc of change.
A special thank you to our sponsors, partners, host committee, and Women’s Foundation California board and staff for making the occasion so spectacular. I could have stayed all night dancing at the after-party.
Join us throughout the year to continue celebrating our wins together, passing over 50 pieces of California feminist policy and supporting SPI.
Let’s keep the love, feminist leadership, generosity, and spirit that brought us together alive.
