Santa Cruz is set to honor Women’s History Month with the 2nd Annual HERstory Celebration, an inspiring community event dedicated to recognizing the incredible contributions of women past, present, and future. After a community call out for the “15 women to know in Santa Cruz County” – we’ll celebrate 15 women who have shaped, and continue to shape, our community in powerful ways. Get to know each of them below.
Hosted by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education in partnership with the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) and Lookout Santa Cruz, the celebration will take place on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the MAH. Attendees will hear from inspiring speakers, participate in an interactive HerStory game, enjoy hands-on art projects, and connect with organizations focused on empowering women in the community. The event will also feature a special performance by the Harbor High School Dance Team and be emceed by Ginger Porcella, the new Executive Director at the MAH.
HERstory is more than just a celebration—it’s a space for learning, empowerment, and community connection. This year’s featured speakers include:
- Bettina Aptheker, a professor at UC Santa Cruz
- Yvette Lopez Brooks, CEO of United Way of Santa Cruz County
- Madeline Aliah, a student at Cypress High School
“Our goal is to honor their achievements, inspire future generations, and continue to build a strong, supportive community,” said Stephanie Sumarna, with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. The event is open to all and free to attend. Register here on Eventbrite.
Get to know all 15 women to know below.
FUTURE
Juliette Thompson
Juliette Thompson is a dedicated historian with the Capitola Historical Museum and Santa Cruz Mission State Park. Her commitment to community service, archaeology, and advocacy positions her as an emerging force in shaping the future of Santa Cruz County.
Kaikora Nauenberg
Kaikora Nauenberg is a dedicated surfer and community advocate who organizes beach cleanups and supports ocean conservation through Right of Wave. Passionate about giving back, he also works with underprivileged kids, using surfing to inspire and empower the next generation.
Madeline Aliah
Madeline Aliah is a talented trans femme teen poet who shares her story through powerful poetry and public speaking. A future community leader, she runs poetry workshops with the Santa Cruz Public Library, inspiring others through her words and advocacy.
Scarlett Folger
A senior at Pacific Collegiate School (PCS), Scarlett Folger advocates for gender equity and safety with the Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women. As the Youth Liaison for the Santa Cruz City Council, she amplifies young voices in local government.
Sofia Ibarra
Sofia Ibarra-Bucio is a dedicated student leader and community advocate, serving as Co-Chair of the Watsonville Teen Action Council and a junior at Ceiba College Prep. Active in ASB and the Climate Corps Leadership Institute with Watsonville Wetlands Watch, she is committed to youth empowerment and environmental advocacy.
PAST
Alverda Orlando
Alverda Orlando (1930–2024) was a teacher, librarian, and historian whose dedication to preserving Davenport’s history and documenting the region’s rich past. A longtime Santa Cruz Public Libraries librarian, she later helped found the Davenport Resource Service Center and produced oral histories preserving the stories of Italian-American immigrants. Honored as a Distinguished Historian and multiple award recipient, she remained committed to documenting Davenport’s legacy well into her 90s.
Bettina Aptheker
Bettina Aptheker, a founder of UCSC’s Feminist Studies department, has been a leader in social justice for over 60 years. She taught more than 16,000 students in her Intro to Feminism course, many of whom are now leaders in Santa Cruz County. Her Feminism and Social Justice class, adapted for Coursera, has reached over 122,000 people worldwide.
Celia Scott
Celia Scott, a planner and environmental attorney, played a pivotal role in preserving Santa Cruz’s natural beauty, helping establish Wilder Ranch State Park, the Pogonip, and Arana Gulch. Along with her late husband Peter Scott, she was instrumental in the movement that made Wilder Ranch a state park, stopped PG&E’s nuclear power plant plans, and helped establish the California Coastal Commission in 1972.
Juanita Sulay Wilson
Juanita Sulay Wilson, a genealogical researcher and community archivist from Pajaro Valley, who has worked to document and preserve the history of Filipino Americans in Santa Cruz County. A second-generation descendant of Filipino farmworkers, she has worked with The Tobera Project and Watsonville is in the Heart (WIITH) to digitize over 1,000 primary source documents on Filipino migration and labor. Juanita’s leadership has been instrumental in creating the first-ever digital archives on Pajaro Valley Filipino American history and the Sowing Seeds exhibition at the Santa Cruz MAH in 2024.
Maria Ascencion Solorsano
Maria Ascención Solórsano, a healer and community leader, was one of the last fluent speakers of Mutsun. She worked closely with anthropologist John Peabody Harrington to preserve her people’s language and culture. Known as the “Saint of Gilroy,” her legacy endures through the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, UC Santa Cruz’s Relearning Garden, and a middle school named in her honor. Through her work, she ensured the survival of her heritage, including sacred plant knowledge that continues to support her community today.
PRESENT
Crystal Ross
Crystal Ross spent six of the past ten years in the Santa Cruz and Monterey county jails, sharing her harrowing experiences in a Lookout op-ed. Now sober and free since September 17, 2022, Crystal is committed to advocating for others still incarcerated, using her voice to shed light on the struggles faced by those in the system.
Michele Bassi
As Chief Development Officer at Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, Michele Bassi has been a driving force in the fight against hunger, securing resources and partnerships to ensure food security for all. Her leadership and dedication to community-driven change have made a lasting impact on Santa Cruz County.
Sonja Brunner
Sonja Brunner is a dedicated council member and housing activist whose compassion extends far beyond her official duties. While not required to connect unhoused individuals or those experiencing mental health crises and drug dependencies with services, Sonja makes it her priority. Known for knowing the names and histories of dozens of people struggling in Santa Cruz, she goes out of her way to connect people with the resources and advocates they need. Her efforts ensure that forgotten individuals are not overlooked, making her a vital figure in the community’s support network.
Yasmina Porter
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. Through initiatives like Yasmina’s African Dance Church, she fosters inclusion, joy, and spiritual connection across all backgrounds.
Yvette Lopez Brooks
Yvette Lopez Brooks, former Capitola City Council member and the city’s first Latina mayor, has been a powerful advocate for community improvement. Now CEO of United Way of Santa Cruz County, she focuses on enhancing education, health, and financial stability for underserved families. Previously she was also the Executive Director of Youth Future is our Business, connecting local youth to career opportunities and mentorship.