By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
Women in Los Angeles County own nearly four in 10 businesses in California, helped generate $580 billion in new state revenue between 2019 and 2023, and employ millions across the region. Yet they still earn just 81 cents for every dollar paid to men — and for Black women in California, that figure drops to 60 cents.
It was against that backdrop that the LA County Commission for Women (LACCW) and all five members of the LA County Board of Supervisors convened the 40th Annual Women of the Year Commemorative Ruby Celebration Gala, which also marked the Commission’s 50th anniversary. Held during Women’s History Month, the event recognized women from all five supervisorial districts for advancing gender equity and addressing quality-of-life challenges women face across Los Angeles.
Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis (D-Downtown LA, East LA, Pico-Union, Boyle Heights, El Monte, West Covina, Baldwin Park, Pomona) framed the gala in explicitly political terms, warning that federal policies now threaten women’s access to health care and economic opportunity.
“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,” said Solis. “Together, we must continue fighting to protect the rights of all women and girls and advance justice.”
Solis honored 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.
Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell (D-Inglewood, Compton, Carson, Hawthorne, Culver City, portions of South LA) celebrated Lila Omura, Redondo Beach’s housing navigator, and franchise entrepreneurs Nicole Harper Rawlins and Kerri Harper-Howie, whose McDonald’s restaurants have created more than a thousand South LA jobs.
“Lila Omura has been an unsung hero, connecting hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness with resources and helping them transition to housing,” said Mitchell. “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.”
Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath (D-Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Calabasas, Malibu, Sherman Oaks, Pacoima, Sylmar) honored LA County Sheriff’s Department Commander Jennifer Seetoo and LA Mission College President Dr. Armida Ornelas.
“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 Horvath.
Supervisor Janice Hahn (D-Long Beach, San Pedro, Diamond Bar, Whittier, Cerritos, Downey, Torrance, Redondo Beach) honored Catalina Hinojosa, founder of the San Pedro Recovery Alliance, who overcame addiction and built a career helping others facing similar struggles.
“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 Hahn.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger (R-Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, San Marino, Pasadena, La Cañada-Flintridge) honored Dr. Lucy Jones, founder of the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society — a fitting choice in the wake of recent LA-area natural disasters.
“I’m proud to recognize Dr. Lucy Jones as the Fifth District’s Woman of the Year,” said Barger. “Her commitment to connecting science with community preparedness has made an extraordinary impact across Los Angeles County.”
The event comes as women-owned businesses have grown 43.5 percent faster than men-owned firms since 2019 and now account for nearly 40 percent of all U.S. companies — yet hold just 4.6 percent of total business revenue.
California women earn 87 cents for every dollar men make. But for Black women, that falls to 60 cents compared to white men — and researchers project parity won’t arrive until 2121.
The Commission for Women administers the LACCW Resilience Scholarship and oversees more than 30 county commissions and offices within the Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors.
