By Kathy Chouteau
Richmond’s police chief, deputy city manager of community services, teachers and nonprofit and community advocates—all women of color considered leaders and visionaries throughout the city—were among 42 women from California’s 8th Congressional District honored Oct. 23 by Congressmember John Garamendi as 2024 Women of the Year.
The congressmember presented the honorees with their awards at a Benicia event that included Richmond honorees Tamara Shiloh; RPD Chief Bisa French; LaShonda White; Linda Whitmore; Maria Theresa Viramontes; and Myrtle Braxton.
Congressmember Garamendi said the women’s collective commitment and passion for service merit this recognition, and through the award, their contributions will be preserved and documented in the official Congressional Record in Washington, D.C. “These leaders come from diverse backgrounds, and each has had a profound impact on their communities and those around them. It is a privilege to honor their efforts.”
Honoree Tamara Shiloh owns the Multicultural Bookstore and is the executive director of Just Imagine KidZ, a nonprofit offering educators professional development classes on Black History and Hispanic/Latinx History; tools, curricula and lesson plans promoting inclusivity in American History education; and literacy and STEAM classes that incorporate Black and Hispanic/Latinx history for after-school and summer programs. Shiloh is also the author of a critically acclaimed series on African American inventors, scientists and notable historical figures.
Chief Bisa French is described as a dedicated and compassionate leader of the Richmond Police Department, where she first started in 1998. She rose up the ranks in the department to become the first African American and Latina to hold the position of captain in 2013. She was appointed interim chief in 2019; in 2020 she was hired to fill the role permanently, becoming the first woman Chief of Police in the 110-year history of the department. Chief French also helped establish the Family Justice Center in West Contra Costa County, and has a deep passion for youth advocacy.
Another honoree, LaShonda White, Richmond’s deputy city manager of Community Services, manages diverse initiatives to improve Richmond residents’ lives by overseeing six vital departments, including Library and Literacy, Recreation, Office of Neighborhood Safety, and others. Her unwavering commitment to Richmond, innovative leadership, and drive to foster positive change make her an exemplary leader in public service.
Honoree Linda Whitmore is known as a tireless community advocate of many causes. She’s a member of the NAACP’s Richmond chapter, VP of Black Women Organized for Political Action and a board member of the League of Women Voters for West Contra Costa County. She also served on the City of Richmond Reimagining Safety Task Force and as the Planning Commissioner for Richmond from 1993 to 2003. She additionally worked as the Drama Dept. Director at Irvington High School for more than three decades, and as an adjunct drama professor at Contra Costa College.
Maria Theresa Viramontes is a prominent leader with a lifetime of service to the community. She became the first woman elected to the Contra Costa Community College Board and the first Hispanic woman on the Richmond City Council. A former teacher, she’s leveraged her experience to advocate for educational opportunities that benefit the community. Most notably, she was a key advocate for the first Middle College High School Program in the state, allowing high school students to take college courses concurrently—an initiative that ultimately helps low-income communities manage educational costs.
A beloved figure in Richmond, Myrtle Braxton is renowned as a dedicated community leader and advocate for her work surrounding social justice, environmental issues, police accountability and women’s rights. After a 35-year career at the Social Security Administration, she become the first Black female president of a national citizens branch of the National Parks Association. She’s also involved in numerous community organizations, such as the Richmond Commission on Aging and the West Contra Costa County League of Women Voters. Myrtle inspires others with her compassion for others and unwavering dedication to justice.
Congressman Garamendi said that the women were nominated by their peers, and through the leadership they have provided, were recognized for their integral and crucial roles in improving the lives of everyone in their communities.
