Assemblymember Gail Pellerin

Her work reflects a deep dedication to education, community collaboration, and strengthening local preparedness. I’m looking forward to honoring Lindsay and her service to the San Lorenzo Valley as a 2026 #AD28WomanoftheYear on Friday, March 20, in honor of Women’s History Month!🌻🩵

Lindsay Speth is a committed leader in wildfire resiliency throughout the San Lorenzo Valley. She serves on the Board of the Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County and leads a Firewise community in Ben Lomond.

She is a San José icon, and it is my profound honor to celebrate her as a 2026 #AD28WomanoftheYear on Friday, March 20, in honor of Women’s History Month! 🌻🩵

She counseled LGBTQ students, taught sociology on gay and lesbian issues, advised campus groups, trained police on LGBTQ topics, and led extensive work advancing civil rights, AIDS advocacy, and domestic violence prevention. For more than 50 years, she has been a tireless social justice leader.

Wiggsy Sivertsen, San Jose Staté University’s first openly gay employee, co-founded BAYMEC and helped defeat the Briggs Initiative.

Huge thanks to the Santa Cruz COE, MAH, and @lookoutsantacruz.bsky.social for having me be a part of this incredible celebration.

What an amazing night highlighting the incredible impact of Santa Cruz women at the County Office of Education’s HERstory event. I was honored to emcee for the evening and introduce the 10 community-nominated women who inspire me so deeply with their determination, compassion, and inclusivity.

I stand with @sanjosestate.bsky.social as they challenge the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IX findings and reaffirm their commitment to the safety, dignity, and inclusion of all students.
🔗 blogs.sjsu.edu/newsroom/2026/ocr-titleix-lawsuit/

I am looking forward to celebrating Tonje as a 2026 #AD28WomanoftheYear on Friday, March 20, in honor of Women’s History Month!🌻🩵

Through partnerships with local, state, and national groups and agencies, she leverages her sociology background to build sustainable support systems to propel long-term community resiliency.

Tonje Wold-Switzer (@towos.bsky.social), Executive Director of Santa Cruz Long Term Recovery Group and a CZU Fire survivor, leads core disaster case management and volunteer rebuild programming.

Liz works tirelessly for the residents of Monte Sereno. I am excited to celebrate her as a 2026 #AD28WomanoftheYear on Friday, March 20, in honor of Women’s History Month! 🌻🩵

Liz has been a strong advocate for public safety, fiscal responsibility, and thoughtful local planning. In the wake of the Palisades and Eaton fires, she has worked closely with my office and local agencies to strengthen fire evacuation planning and improve emergency preparedness for the community.

Liz Lawler is a dedicated public servant and community leader who has long championed Monte Sereno residents. She previously served on the City Council and as Mayor, and currently serves on the Monte Sereno Site and Architecture Commission.

Making elections accessible, fair, and secure has been my life’s work – I know our voting systems' integrity firsthand and will continue to defend it.

Trump is disgracing our democracy with his push to rewrite our constitutional voting rights with the SAVE Act. These proposals disenfranchise eligible voters by design.

Ann’s ambition and heart make an immense impact on some of our most vulnerable neighbors in Santa Cruz County. I can’t wait to celebrate her as a 2026 #AD28WomanoftheYear on Friday, March 20, in honor of Women’s History Month! 🌻🩵

A Santa Cruz resident, she volunteers with the American Red Cross and leads Damian's Ladder, supporting seniors and homeowners with disabilities.

Ann Bennett Young is the Managing Director of MindShare Coaching, helping leaders inspire strong team results. Drawing on 30 years in the life sciences industry, she specializes in translating complex science into clear ideas.

Come by the museum during First Friday to celebrate the remarkable, community-nominated honorees who are the heartbeat of our city. The event runs 5:30–7:30 pm this Friday, March 6.

I’m excited to join the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, MAH, and Lookout Santa Cruz as the emcee for their third HERstory event!

I’m delighted to celebrate Kylie as a 2026 #AD28WomanoftheYear on Friday, March 20, in honor of Women’s History Month!

In 2025, she served as Campaign Manager for Measure A, securing critically needed funding for Santa Clara County hospitals, and currently serves on the boards of three nonprofit organizations.

Kylie Clark, Policy Director at the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits, holds a Master’s in Human Rights from Columbia University and has a lifelong commitment to policy solutions that bring tangible change for our most vulnerable neighbors, with an ongoing focus on homelessness and racial equity.

I’m looking forward to celebrating Isabelle as a 2026 #AD28WomanoftheYear on Friday, March 20, in honor of Women’s History Month!

A law school graduate and former Fulbright scholar, she brings more than 20 years of experience in international trade and development and is also actively engaged in local initiatives, including the Santa Cruz Sister Cities Committee.

Isabelle Tuncer, a native of France and nearly 30-year resident of Santa Cruz, is the founder and Executive Director of El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley, where she works to enrich children’s lives through music and community.

As the Founder and CEO of the Circle of Giving Seva Foundation, Poonam remains deeply committed to empowering local communities through her passion for education, service, and impactful giving.

I can't wait to celebrate Poonam as a 2026 #AD28WomanoftheYear in honor of Women’s History Month! 🌼🩵

Born in India and a U.S. resident for over half of her life, Poonam Chabra is a devoted wife, mother, and Event Marketing Manager. With 30 years of community service, she champions diversity through her leadership on various boards and commissions.

Happy Women’s History Month!

Women’s history is our history. Women have always driven progress in innovation, economic growth, social justice, and community leadership.

Stay tuned as I highlight our 2026 Women of the Year across AD28 and prepare to celebrate them on March 20!