It’s official — the first ever all-women Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has release its first official photo today. The Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors unveiled the official photo featuring the first all-female Board since the body’s inception in 1852. The photo depicts the five supervisors, dressed in white, honoring the historic suffragettes who won the right to vote 100 years ago this year. The Supervisors are pictured against iconic elements representing each of their districts.
The new Board photo also marks a few other firsts. With social distancing rules in place, the image was put together as a composite, instead of an in-person group photo, for the first time in the Board’s history.
“This is history – or, better yet, herstory,” said Chair of the Board Hilda L. Solis, Supervisor for the First District in a press statement. “We’ve shattered a glass ceiling right here in Los Angeles County. For girls and women everywhere, this demonstrates that no dream is too big. At a time when we are facing so much uncertainty, I’m thankful for colleagues who are committed to investing in communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, fighting homelessness, creating affordable housing, assisting women-owned small businesses, and bolstering our safety net programs. The pandemic has hit women and children the hardest – the economic toll, particularly on mothers of young children, will take immense focus to overcome. We know that women legislators introduce and pass more legislation dealing with issues related to women and children. That will be even more true now in Los Angeles County with five female Supervisors. Each one of us have our own unique talents and interests, but we’ll come together to meet the needs of the 10 million people who call Los Angeles County home. Women are rising, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside compassionate, strong, and intelligent women in this new era for Los Angeles County.”
“It is an honor to serve alongside this dynamic group of leaders. Yes, our entirely women-led board is historic and so is this moment, when our residents need government to serve like never before. We each bring a unique lived experience, expertise and understanding of what’s at stake for our constituents, and all of this prepares our board to guide LA County through these unprecedented times,” said newly elected Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.
The image of the five-women Supervisors not only captures a historic moment in the Board’s history, but also symbolizes possibilities for the future of Los Angeles County.
“Women in positions of political power often pay more attention to the real life needs of women and children, which creates help for everyone in our communities,” said Sheila Kuehl, Supervisor for the Third District. “I look forward to working with this all-woman Board knowing that our work together will help address historic inequities that have made it hard for women to keep their heads above the poverty line, feel safe in their homes and communities, and meet the twin challenges of work and family.”
“I grew up seeing my dad, the original Supervisor Hahn, serve on this powerful board of five men,” said Janice Hahn, Supervisor for the Fourth District. “Serving on a board of five women means a lot to me personally, but what I want most out of this historic moment is for girls and young women to see us and know that they are full of potential. Being a woman is not a disadvantage in leadership—it is an asset.”
“It’s a privilege and honor to have been re-elected to the Board of Supervisors. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my colleagues as we work to ensure the safety and well-being of all Los Angeles County residents,” said Kathryn Barger, Supervisor for the Fifth District who was re-elected for a second term.
