March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the achievements of women who’ve shaped history, culture, and society. But here in Elk Grove, California, we don’t just celebrate the past—we spotlight the present trailblazers making waves in our community. Let’s dive into how Elk Grove is embracing this month with events, stories, and inspiration that will leave you feeling empowered.
A Quick History Lesson: How It All Began
Women’s History Month wasn’t always a month-long celebration. It started as a humble “Women’s History Week” in 1978 in Sonoma County, California—just a short drive from Elk Grove. By 1987, Congress officially expanded it to a month-long observance. This year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” reminds us that progress happens when we work collectively.
Local Sheroes Leading the Charge
Elk Grove is home to incredible women who are shaping our city and inspiring future generations. Here are some local leaders you should know:
- Sr. Helena Madera-Silmi: A powerhouse in community advocacy, she wears many hats—Charitable Aid Director at Al-Misbaah Community Resource Center, President of the Rotary Club of Laguna Sunrise, and member of Elk Grove’s Measure E Oversight Committee. From disaster relief to fostering inclusivity, Sr. Helena is a shining example of service.
- Lieutenant Lindsey Goesch: Breaking barriers in law enforcement, Lt. Goesch is the highest-ranking female officer in the Elk Grove Police Department. From her days as a Sacramento State basketball star to mentoring future leaders in her department, she’s proof that leadership knows no bounds.
- Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen: The first directly elected Sikh woman mayor in the U.S., Singh-Allen has been a champion for equity and collaboration in Elk Grove for over 30 years. Her leadership has earned her accolades like “Woman of the Year” for Assembly District 9.
Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Elk Grove is pulling out all the stops this March with events that celebrate women’s contributions across various fields:
- Lecture Series: Women in Visual Arts
On March 8, at the Elk Grove Fine Arts Center, learn about female artists who’ve often been overlooked or misattributed in art history. From Mary Cassatt to Grandma Moses, this lecture by art historian Dale Chilcoat will open your eyes to their enduring legacies. - Women’s Leadership Institute
Held from February 26 to March 1, this program equips women leaders with tools to inspire and lead effectively. While it just wrapped up for this year, it’s a testament to Elk Grove’s commitment to fostering female leadership.
How You Can Celebrate Locally
Not sure how to get involved? Here are some fun and meaningful ways to honor Women’s History Month right here in Elk Grove:
- Support Women-Owned Businesses: Whether it’s grabbing coffee from a local café or shopping at boutiques owned by women entrepreneurs, your dollars can make a difference.
- Host a Mini Celebration: Gather friends for an empowering movie night featuring films directed by or starring strong female leads. Or organize a book club and dive into works by women authors.
- Walk for Women: Lace up your shoes and join a community walk to honor women’s resilience and strength. Share your story on social media using hashtags like #WhyIWalk.
- Visit Local Art Exhibits: Check out galleries or performances featuring women artists and performers. It’s a great way to support creativity while learning about their contributions.
Spotlight on National Icons With Local Ties
While celebrating local heroes is important, let’s not forget national figures with connections to California:
- Dr. Sally Ride: The first American woman in space hailed from California and inspired countless girls to pursue STEM careers through her organization Sally Ride Science.
- Charity Adams Earley: Though not from California, her story resonates nationwide as she broke racial and gender barriers during World War II as the highest-ranking African American woman in the Women’s Army Corps.
The Power of an All-Female Council
Elk Grove isn’t just about individual achievements—it’s also about collective milestones. Did you know that nearby West Sacramento recently swore in its first all-female city council? This historic moment reflects how far we’ve come—and how much further we can go—when women support each other.
Why It Matters
Women’s History Month isn’t just about looking back; it’s about moving forward together. In Elk Grove, we’re lucky to have role models like Sr. Helena Madera-Silmi, Lt. Lindsey Goesch, Mayor Singh-Allen, and many others paving the way for future generations.
So this March, let’s celebrate their stories—and maybe even write our own chapters of change right here in Elk Grove!
Sources: womenshistory.org, blog.soroptimist.org, biography.com, elkgrove.gov
Header Image Source: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
