Home OP-ED Sebastian Says: In Praise of These Women

Sebastian Says: In Praise of These Women

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[Editor’s Note: Mr. Ridley-Thomas, a Democrat, represents Culver City and the Crenshaw District in the state Assembly.] 

Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas honors Cathy Younger, to his immediate left. Photo, Assembly Democratic Caucus
Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas honors Cathy Unger, to his immediate left. Photo, Assembly Democratic Caucus

Although March is “Women’s History Month,” allow me to rebrand this as “Women Making History Month.”

In keeping with my rebranding, let me praise a woman in the 54th Assembly District who has made a major difference in the lives of women throughout our community. There are many historical figures to chronicle during Women’s History Month. They deserve reverence.

I want to highlight a contemporary woman doing great work and making an outstanding contribution to our society. Catherine L. Unger, a native of Los Angeles, is a product of our U.C. system, having received her bachelor’s degree from Berkeley.

Cathy Unger has been a political affairs consultant for 30 years, working for political, corporate and non-profit entities. She serves on the boards of directors of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, California Community Foundation, Goldman School of Public Policy, and the American Jewish Committee.

Mrs. Unger is former president of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges and former co-chair of the Los Angeles Women’s Political Committee. Her fight for women’s reproductive rights throughout her notable professional career has helped save women’s lives. She has inspired women and men through her dedication to our community, making her a shining representative for my “Women Making History Month” acknowledgement.

I intend to use this month to engage next generation women in the 54th Assembly District who are certain to make a difference in their own right in the years ahead.

I am bringing together some of the Greater Los Angeles area’s most impactful women to celebrate “Women Making History Month,” at a series of three special events that will enable them to pass on their executive wisdom to high achieving young professional women and female graduate students attending L.A.’s colleges and universities.

Save the Date

 

Next Friday, an “Evening of Empowerment for Young Women in Entrepreneurship” will be held 6:30 at Kingdom Community & Youth Center at 319 E. Kelso St., Inglewood.

 

Ms. Colette Moore, owner and strategic partner of Pridestaff will serve as keynote speaker. See here to RSVP.

Ms. Bonnie Rubin, executive vice president, First Century Bank, will be special guest speaker at “Women in Finance: Bridging The Gap,” a networking reception for MBA graduate students on Thursday March 26 at 6 o’clock at First Century Bank, 1875 Century Park East, Suite 100, Century City.

See here to RSVP.

Lastly, in honor of Cesar Chavez Day and Women’s History Month, on Tuesday, March 31, at 8 a.m., Ms. Irma Munoz, founder and president of Mujeres de la Tierra, and the Hon. Cindy Montañez, assistant general manager, L.A. City Dept. of Water and Power, will be keynote speakers at “Latinas Breaking Barriers: Political Advancement and Labor Rights” at El Cholo Restaurant,  1121 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles

These three gatherings for college-age and young professional women represent my continuing effort to reach the best and brightest our 54th Assembly District produces.

 

We must support our future women leaders, urging them to accomplish great things, as Cathy Unger has so aptly demonstrated through her leadership.

Contact my district office at 310.342.1070.

Follow me on Twitter at @sridleythomas or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SRTforAssembly.