Coinciding with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day in March, Alameda County hosted the 28th Annual Women’s Hall of Fame Luncheon and Awards Ceremony (WHOF) on March 25. The event, which was established by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, the Alameda County Health Care Foundation, and the Alameda County Commission on the Status of Women, recognizes women for their achievements and contributions to Alameda County and its residents in 13 different categories. Since its inception in 1992, WHOF has honored more than 250 women, lifting the voices and stories of women warriors, influencers, and difference-makers here in our diverse communities.
This year’s inductees include Maya Shiroyama, the owner of Kitazawa Seed Company, who took over her family business twenty years ago, preserving the history and culture of a 100+ year old Japanese American company. Dr. Tanya Moore was also recognized for her commitment to broadening participation in STEM fields for BIPOC women. She founded Intersecting Lines, a company using creative approaches to empower leaders to use data science, statistics, and technology to drive their business decisions. And Darlene Vendegna, who is Oakland’s USA Pickleball Association Ambassador, started a pickleball club during the pandemic to provide mental, emotional, and physical support to Alameda County residents.
In 2023 the Women’s Hall of Fame was also honored to add former Supervisor Wilma Chan’s name to the Wilma Chan/Mary V. King Youth Scholarship Fund, which recognizes youth for their community service and leadership. Alameda County Administrator and Co-chair of the event, Susan S. Muranishi commented, “This year, I am so proud that we were able to fulfill my vision of establishing an endowed youth scholarship fund in partnership with Kaiser Permanente, which provided $10,000 to 3 youth honorees. It is my hope that this scholarship program will continue to support young women leaders for years to come.”
Please visit the Women’s Hall of Fame website If you would like to nominate an outstanding candidate for 2024. Learn more about this year’s inductees and past recipients: Inductees – Women’s Hall Of Fame – Alameda County (acgov.org)