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Celebrating Women
Making a Difference

The Women's Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding women for their achievements and contributions to Alameda County and its residents. The program honors women in 13 different categories at a luncheon and awards ceremony held each year. Through this event and other community activities, the Women's Hall of Fame generates funds to support organizations that help women and families in Alameda County, including efforts to provide comprehensive breast cancer prevention, education, and treatment services.

2020 Inductees

Thirteen outstanding women were selected to be inducted into the Alameda County Women's Hall of Fame at the annual awards luncheon in fall 2020.

free

Reign Free

Business & Professions

smith

Judith Smith

Culture & Art

thornton-mccreary

Candi Thornton-McCreary

Community Service

cota

Susan A. Cota Ed.D.

Education

kandahari

Nazineen Kandahari

Emerging Leader

shirazi

Fatemeh Shirazi, Ph.D.

Environment

carey-grant

Cynthia Carey-Grant

Health

smallets

Sonya L. Smallets

Justice

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Jean Bjork

Non-Traditional Careers

kyauk

Nicole Kyauk

Philanthropy

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Rashim Mogha

Science, Technology, Engineering

mckeever

Teri McKeever

Sports & Athletics

cruz

Valeria Cruz

Youth

Call for Nominations

Do you know an outstanding woman who is making a difference in our community?

Recognize her achievements by nominating her for the Women's Hall of Fame.

Connect With Us

Support the Women's Hall of Fame Youth Scholarship Fund: Purchase a Women's Hall of Fame Keychain

Inductee Spotlights

Photo of inductee Ann Petru

Ann Petru Ann Petru was inducted into the Health Category in 2015. Dr. Petru is Co-Director of Infectious Diseases at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, where since the earliest days of the HIV/AIDS crisis she has been a leading care provider and advocate for pediatric AIDS patients. Learn more about Ann Petru's story

Photo of inductee Natassija Jordan-Oliver

Natassija Jordan-Oliver Natassija Jordan-Oliver came to the Women’s Hall of Fame as a precocious, big-hearted high school student determined to make a difference. She went on to enroll UC Berkeley, but took a slight detour on the way: taking 2016 off so she could work as an intern for President Obama at the White House and for Rep. Barbara Lee at her district office in Oakland. Learn more about Natassija Jordan-Oliver's story

Photo of inductee Arlene Blum

Arlene Blum Arlene Blum, our 2014 WHOF Science, Engineering & Technology honoree was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2018. Ms. Blum spearheaded research on the dangers of cancer-causing flame retardants that led federal regulators to halt the use of these chemicals in clothing, furniture and household products. She also co-led the first women’s team to climb Denali; completed the Great Himalayan Traverse across the mountain regions of Bhutan, Nepal, and India; and hiked the length of the European Alps with her baby daughter on her back. Learn more about Arlene Blum's story