Learn more about the Commission's 2026 policy priorities at: women.ca.gov/policy/

The Commission is proud to create opportunities that help young leaders better understand how policies are developed and enable them to help us advocate for women and girls in California. Great job Jenna, Hannah, and Crystal!

They joined her in committees to watch real-time discussions in action, learned about the legislation we are supporting and cosponsoring, and helped us testify in support of various bills.

Our Legislative Analyst Katherine brought our interns to the Capitol for a hands-on look at California’s legislative system.

#AANHPIEqualPay
#EqualPayDay #PayEquity #GenderEquity #EconomicJustice #AANHPI #AAPICommunity #AAPIVoices #DisaggregatedData #DataEquity #PublicPolicy #EquityInAction #CaliforniaPolicy #WomensRights #WorkforceEquity #CloseTheGap #RepresentationMatters #SocialImpact #EquityForAll #CAPIAA #CCSWG

Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Bangladeshi, Nepalese, and Burmese women face some of the deepest wage inequities in the nation. Equal pay can’t wait.

This date represents how far into 2026 AANHPI women must work to earn what white, non-Hispanic men earned in 2025. Because wage data is often aggregated under the broad “Asian American” umbrella, the unique inequities within diverse communities are often hidden.

The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs and the @ccswg.bsky.social recognize AANHPI Women’s Equal Pay Day on April 9th, a reminder that AANHPI women earn just 83¢ for every $1 paid to white, non-Hispanic men. For many communities, the gap is even wider.

If you’re interested in the intersections of technology, power, and feminist futures, sign up to join the conversation.

#Feminist #AI

The UC Davis Feminist Research Institute (FRI) is launching a Feminist AI Research Group to explore these urgent questions. Their first meeting is April 8 at noon, hybrid at FRI and online.

What does a feminist approach to AI look like? Can AI support justice work or is it fundamentally incompatible with feminist values?

Their leadership, expertise, and dedication strengthen our work to advance equity and improve the lives of women and girls across California.

As Women's History Month comes to a close, we celebrate the progress made and recommit to the work still ahead.

#WomensHistoryMonth #CCSWG

Darcy Totten, @darcytotten.bsky.social, Executive Director
Alex Zucco Director of Policy and Legislation
Yating Campbell, Director of Communications
Enrica Bertoldo, Director of Grants, Partnerships, and Sponsorships
and ally Max Macedo, Director of Fiscal and Administration

Meet the team leading the Commission!

This Women's History Month, we are proud to spotlight the powerhouse team driving our mission forward everyday.

Prior to being elected to State Senate, she served on the Long Beach City Council, in the State Assembly, and for three terms in Congress. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to empowering residents, strengthening neighborhoods, and supporting local economic growth.

Elected in November 2024 to represent parts of Los Angeles County in California’s 35th Senate District, Commissioner Senator Laura Richardson brings decades of public service experience from local, state, and federal government.

As Women's History Month comes to a close, we're proud to reflect on the leadership and advocacy at the Commission that continue to shape a more equitable future for women and girls across California.

Meet our Commissioner, Senator Laura Richardson!

She also authored legislation to designate January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month and championed mental health legislation.

#WomensHistoryMonth #CCSWG

Commissioner Assemblymember Pellerin represents the regions around Santa Cruz County. As the Chair of the Select Committee on California’s Mental Health Crisis, Commissioner Assemblymember Pellerin has tackled issues the Commission is deeply committed to.

Asian Resources, Inc. works to ensure that all communities, especially low-income, immigrant, refugee, limited English-speaking, formerly incarcerated, and undocumented, have access to support and services.

#WomensHistoryMonth #CCSWG

She served as the first Vietnamese-American Assistant Speaker pro Tempore and was the Executive Director of Asian Resources, Inc.

Meet our Commissioner, Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen!

Commissioner @asmstephanienguyen represents the 10th Assembly District as the first Asian American Pacific Islander woman legislator in the Sacramento Region.

Commissioner Senator Valladares has authored landmark legislation to make preschool more accessible and affordable for working parents, co-authored a gas tax reduction, and authored a law providing more resources for crime victims.

#WomensHistoryMonth #CCSWG

Meet our Commissioner, Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares!

Representing California State Senate District 23, Commissioner Senator Valladares is focused on addressing California’s affordability crisis, making our communities safer and expanding education and job opportunities for all Californians.

As Labor Commissioner, she commenced a process to make the agency trauma informed. As part of this process, she leads monthly meditation sessions and has established a Wellness Committee and Racial Justice Committee.

#WomensHistoryMonth #CCSWG

She launched Reaching Every Californian, focusing on strategies to eliminate retaliation, increase judgment recovery, and criminal prosecution of wage theft.

Meet our Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower!

Commissioner Garcia-Brower serves as California State Labor Commissioner leading the state’s primary workplace-protection agency with a team of 500 across 20 offices.

In 2008, Commissioner Gómez was inducted into the Mexican-American Hall of Fame.

#WomensHistoryMonth #CCSWG

Commissioner Gómez chairs and convenes the San Joaquin County’s first Human Trafficking Task Force. She also serves on the board of the California Alliance for Child and Family Services and holds key leadership roles on several county commissions.

We're honoring Women's History Month by highlighting our awesome leaders! Meet our Commissioner Joelle Gomez.

Commissioner Gómez is the CEO of the CHILDREN'S HOME OF STOCKTON, a major residential therapeutic program serving foster youth across San Joaquin County.