ELAC Honors Trailblazing Women at Annual Women’s History Month Teatime Luncheon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 21, 2025

News Media Contact:

Kevin Jimenez, College Public Relations Manager

(323) 265-8807 | @email

ELAC Honors Trailblazing Women at Annual Women’s History Month Teatime Luncheon

(ELAC Women of Year Honorees pose for a photo on stage during the Teatime Luncheon)

Monterey Park, CA — East Los Angeles College (ELAC) and ELAC Foundation celebrated the Women's History Month Teatime Luncheon on March 20, 2025, bringing together distinguished guests, honorees, and community members to recognize outstanding achievements of women in the ELAC community. The event featured keynote addresses from California State Treasurer Fiona Ma and mountaineer Alfa Kartina Valle Arrue, both trailblazers in their respective fields. Eight exceptional ELAC women received Women of the Year awards, while the founders of the college's Women's and Gender Studies program were also honored for their pioneering contributions.

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma delivered an inspiring address about her path to becoming the first woman of color and first woman Certified Public Accountant to hold California's top financial position. Elected in 2018 with a record 7.8 million votes, Treasurer Ma shared insights from her extensive career in public service, which includes serving in the State Assembly from 2006-2012 as Speaker pro Tempore and on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 2002-2006.

"Breaking barriers isn't just about being the first—it's about ensuring you're not the last," said Treasurer Ma. "Education and persistence were fundamental to my journey, and institutions like ELAC play a crucial role in empowering the next generation of women leaders."

Alfa Kartina Valle Arrue captivated the audience with her extraordinary account of becoming the first Salvadoran to reach the summit of Mount Everest. On May 11, 2022, Valle Arrue made history after a grueling 25-hour final ascent, which included the challenge of continuing without her sherpa who fell ill during the climb.

"Standing at the top of the world, I thought of all the women and girls in El Salvador who are told there are limits to what they can achieve," said Valle Arrue. "I wanted my climb to show them that with determination and preparation, there are no boundaries to what we can accomplish."

Valle Arrue described how she trained for seven years and mortgaged her house to fund the $60,000 expedition, becoming only the third woman from Central America to accomplish this feat.

The luncheon celebrated eight extraordinary women who have made significant contributions to the ELAC community through their dedication, innovation, and leadership. The 2025 Women of the Year honorees included:

• Amanda Andrade
• Marilyn Ladd
• Rowena Smith Kersaint
• Brissa Palacios
• Dr. Sonia Lopez
• Cathy Medina
• Yujiao Yin
• Yvette Echeverria