A local politician, service group and military veterans organization are honoring a variety of women with La Jolla ties to commemorate Women’s History Month this month for their work in everything from philanthropy to environmental protection.
Women Who Inspire
For her advocacy of protections for sea lions at La Jolla Cove, Sierra Club Seal Society President Robyn Davidoff was named one of the 38th California Senate District’s Women Who Inspire for 2026 by state Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas), whose district includes La Jolla.
“I was thrilled to be … recognized,” Davidoff told the La Jolla Light. “There were so many amazing women at the reception, and I was one of only a few who is a volunteer and works to protect the environment. I have led the Sierra Club Seal Society for seven years and have worked with La Jolla community groups and the public to raise awareness and protect the seals and sea lions that make La Jolla their home.”
To celebrate Women’s History Month, members of the state Legislature recognize women from their districts for outstanding accomplishments and service to their communities.
Four women with ties to UC San Diego in La Jolla also were named to Blakespear’s list:
• Savannah Fakhouri, a student in the School of Medicine
• Holly Okonkwo, an assistant professor in the Department of Ethnic Studies
• Barna Saha, a professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering
• Ruth Waterman, chairwoman of the Department of Anesthesiology at UCSD Health
“I’m inspired by the many women leaders in my own life and in our region who are standing up, taking charge and empowering others to do incredible things,” Blakespear said. “From defending our coastal wildlife to innovating in medicine, education and technology, each of these women is demonstrating what true leadership looks like, and that inspires me.”
Women of Dedication
Eleven women — including two La Jolla residents — who will be honored by The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary at its upcoming Women of Dedication luncheon are praised as “gems of generosity.”
The luncheon will be Friday, May 15, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina hotel.
The 2026 Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Women of Dedication are (back row from left) Cherie Enge, Heather Manion, Nancy Maldonado, Phyllis Epstein, Cami Rosso, Marla Marshall, (seated from left) Raye Clendening, Laurie McGrath, Lisé Markham, Beatriz Valencia and Eunice Bragais. (Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary)
“It’s with the utmost pleasure that The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary has the opportunity to recognize these 11 accomplished women,” said auxiliary President Ferol Henkels. “We can celebrate the significant impact each of them has made here in San Diego and highlight their commitment and compassion to making our community a better place.”
The La Jolla honorees are Eunice Bragais and Phyllis Epstein. Neither could be reached for comment.
The Women of Dedication event is The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary’s signature fundraiser. The auxiliary, founded in the 1950s, supports the organization’s social service programs through fundraising, donations and volunteer efforts.
Women’s Tribute & Brunch
Aiming to create “deep reflection on the evolving role of women in national defense,” the Mount Soledad Memorial Association will present its fifth annual Women’s Tribute & Brunch at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, at the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial in La Jolla.
Retired Air Force Maj. Greta Hamilton will be this year’s keynote honoree at the Mount Soledad Memorial Association’s Women’s History Brunch. (Mount Soledad Memorial Association)
The keynote honoree is retired Air Force Maj. Greta Hamilton, who made history as the first woman of color to serve as director of the Fort Rosecrans and Miramar National Cemetery Complex after a 20-year career in the Air Force.
“The story of America is incomplete without the voices of the women who served and defended it,” said Neil O’Connell, executive director of the Mount Soledad Memorial Association. “Maj. Hamilton’s career is a testament to the strength that has sustained our nation for two and a half centuries.”
Hamilton will be honored with a plaque at the memorial, joining the stories of nearly 10,000 veterans across 7,000 plaques ranging from the Revolutionary War to the present day. ♦