Last week, alongside Santa Cruz County Office of Education and the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, Lookout hosted the second annual HERstory Celebration. More than 160 people gathered to honor 15 community-nominated women who have shaped — and continue to shape — Santa Cruz County. The evening featured powerful speeches from trailblazers such as Bettina Aptheker, co-founder of UC Santa Cruz’s Feminist Studies department, and Cypress High School student Madeline Aliah, who moved the crowd with her poem envisioning her future as a vibrant trans femme. Learn more about each of the 15 honorees here.

After a community call out for the “15 women to know in Santa Cruz County” – pictured here are some of the women who have shaped, and continue to shape, our community in powerful ways.
More than 160 people gathered to honor 15 community-nominated women in Santa Cruz County.
Cypress High School student Madeline Aliah moved the crowd with her poem envisioning her future as a vibrant trans femme.
Bettina Aptheker, a founder of UCSC’s Feminist Studies department, has been a leader in social justice for over 60 years.
A dedicated advocate for Black voices in Santa Cruz County, Yasmina Porter founded the African Roots Social Club and organizes the annual Prideteenth Fashion Show to celebrate marginalized communities.
A special performance from the Harbor High School Dance Team.

Ashley Harmon (Holmes) (she/her) leads Lookout’s product and audience growth for Santa Cruz and soon-to-come, Eugene-Springfield. Ashley started at Lookout as director of advertising and marketing....