Richmond honors 2025 Women of the Year

At the Richmond City Council meeting, 10 Richmond leaders were recognized for their diverse contributions to the community in the wake of their selection as 2025 Women of the Year by Congressman John Garamendi.

Among the honorees, Lakisha Mitchell-Keith received acclaim for her legal and community advocacy regarding environmental safety and the rebuild of Stege Elementary School, while Tiffany Harris was noted for her leadership at the Bay Area Girls Club in providing mentorship and workforce development for underserved youth.

Long-time community leader Naomi Williams was celebrated for her decades of service as president of the Pullman Neighborhood Council, where she secured critical infrastructure and safety improvements for her residents.

The group also highlighted leaders focused on economic and social revitalization, such as Sarah Wally of Richmond Main Street, who has been instrumental in developing the Richmond Arts Corridor to boost downtown economic opportunity. Public safety and health were represented by Miriam Wong for her community-centered work as founder and executive director of The Latina Center, and Cheryl Collier for her advocacy for vulnerable populations.

The list was rounded out by City Hall professionals Trina Jackson-Lincoln (City Council Office) and Yvette Williams-Barr (the city’s LEAP program), social equity advocate Anna Duran, crime prevention specialist at the Richmond Police Department, and legal mentor Regina Whitney of the Richmond Branch of the NAACP, all of whom were formally honored with a city proclamation on Jan. 27, 2026.

“Your work does not go unseen,” Councilmember Cesar Zepeda said, emphasizing that “you help create and make [the community] even better.” Mayor Eduardo Martinez added, “It feels great to be in the presence of so many extraordinary women” and specifically thanked Jackson-Lincoln, stating, “I can’t thank you enough for supporting the council the way that you do.”

The honorees shared moving reflections during the presentation. Wong told the council that “it’s an honor to serve my community,” while Mitchell-Keith described the recognition as “an amazing example of not just what we can do individually, but what we can do when we come together.” Williams expressed her pride in standing with the other honorees, stating, “We’re going to stand together throughout the rest of our lives doing the best that we can do for all people.” Harris spoke about her sense of purpose, saying, “I’m amongst some really, really great women in Richmond and I’m just like, ‘What is my purpose?'”

During the public comment period, community advocate Antoine Cloird, the son of honoree Naomi Williams, spoke about the personal and professional impact of these leaders, noting that “it’s not the titles that we carry, it’s the heart for our community.” Harpreet Sandu, representing Congressman Garamendi, said the recognition for these ten women will be kept in the Library of Congress for perpetuity. Sandu shared the Congressman’s firm belief that “when women lead, communities thrive,” and he thanked the honorees for “making Richmond a stronger, more inclusive city.”