Dr. Barbara Ferrer Honored by Los Angeles County Commission For Women

Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, was one of twelve women honored by the Los Angeles County Commission for Women and the Board of Supervisors at their 37th Annual “Women of the Year” Awards and Scholarship Celebration, held yesterday for the first time since the pandemic.

The President’s Award went to Dr. Ferrer, who has become a household name over the past two years guiding the region’s pandemic response. We have reported on scores of Ferrer’s press conferences over the past two years and confess to being big fans of her leadership.

In her acceptance speech, Ferrer said she deeply appreciated the honor and the leadership of the commission for its work advocating for the rights of women and girls. Ferrer said she was humbled to accept the award, saying she is never alone and works with incredible partners, including the five county supervisors, her fellow department heads, and her public health colleagues. She also acknowledged the invaluable assistance from community groups, businesses and others, whom she called the true heroes in the fight against COVID-19.

The “Women of the Year” recognizes women who are outstanding role models for more than 5.2 million women in Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles County Commission for Women selects honorees in the following six categories: Education, Health, Arts/Media, Business/Labor, Law/Public Safety, Women Veterans.

Normally held each year in celebration of Women’s History Month, this year’s event was rescheduled for May because of the pandemic. The Commission recognizes women who work to bring about social and economic change, promote women’s equality, serve as outstanding role models for women, work on behalf of women’s issues and demonstrate outstanding performance within their professions to further advocate women’s rights. Women of the Year honorees will receive recognition for their outstanding work in celebration of Women’s History Month and the accomplishments of women’s leadership and Women’s Suffrage over the last 100 years.

Event proceeds provide funding to promote vital outreach throughout Los Angeles County in fulfilling the Commission’s goals of “Educating, Motivating and Inspiring Women,” as well as for critical education scholarships.

Here are the women recognized by the commission:

Supervisor Honorees
Rosa Soto, First Supervisorial District
Bridgid Coulter Cheadle, Second Supervisorial District
Stephanie Klasky – Gamer, Third Supervisorial District
Cristina Lujan, Fourth Supervisorial District
Beatriz Porto, Fifth Supervisorial District

President’s Award: Dr. Barbara Ferrer

At Large Honorees in the Following Categories
Kelli Dillon, Law/Public Safety
Cynthia McClain-Hill, Business/Labor
Lourdes I. Ramos-Rivas, Ph.D., Arts/Media
Kellie Todd Griffin, Health
Lauren Trosclair Duncan, Veterans
Cindy Wu, Education