March 2026 Round-Up
Every year, March brings us a visible reminder of renewal, progression, and hope. Spring is a season of renewal: a time to remember the patience and fortitude required by winter, and make us grateful for the flowers, fruit, sunshine, and joy that is to come.
It is no surprise that March is a month full of opportunities for us to reflect, celebrate, and hope. Women’s History Month, Greek American Heritage Month, Iranian American Heritage Month, Farmworker Day, International Women’s Day, and the International Transgender Day of Visibility all fall in March.
As Lieutenant Governor, I am fortunate to represent and support all Californians, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, or gender identity. I am committed to ensuring all people are heard, treated with dignity and respect, and have an opportunity to build a successful life. Here in California, diversity is more than just our strength; it is our identity, and March is the perfect time to remind everyone of that foundational truth.
Eleni Kounalakis
Lieutenant Governor of California
Celebrating Our Great Women in History
March 8, 2026, marked the 49th anniversary of the United Nations recognition of International Women’s Day. This day acknowledges and celebrates the countless contributions and achievements by women throughout the world and throughout history. Moreover, it is a day that reminds us that diversity is our strength and the pursuit of progress transcends ethnic, national, or religious differences and is not over!
March is also National Women’s History Month. Interestingly, this celebration began in our own Sonoma County in 1978 as Women’s History Week and was officially recognized as Women’s History Month in 1987 by Congress.
I have lived much of my life in San Francisco and have been so fortunate to work with and be influenced by many of the most admirable leaders in our state and nation’s history – Nancy Pelosi, Dianne Feinstein, and Barbara Boxer. I saw how these women, and countless others of their generation, fought with perseverance, tenaciousness, and integrity so that we might all stand on their shoulders and create better opportunities and more equality for each successive generation.
NAARI 2026 Women of the Year: Lifetime Achievement Award
In conjunction with the International Day of the Woman, the Consulate General of India, San Francisco, and the Association of Indo Americans held their Women of the Year Awards, and I was so honored to receive their Lifetime Achievement Award. I was proud to share the stage with inspirational women from around the state who have dedicated their lives and careers to breaking glass ceilings, narrowing the gender gap, and lifting up fellow women.
Greek American Heritage Month and Greek Independence Day
As the daughter of a Greek Immigrant and a proud Greek-American, March is a special month. Not only is it Greek American Heritage Month, but March 25 marks 205 years since the people of Greece shook off the yoke of the Ottoman Empire that had been subjugating them for 400 years. We take this time to remember the sacrifice of those brave men and women who stood up to power and stood up for justice. Without them, we would not have a Greek American Heritage Month to celebrate, and we could not take such well-earned pride in the accomplishments of the Greek diaspora.
Iranian American Heritage Month and Nowruz
Ahead of Nowruz and the Persian New Year, I celebrated Iranian American Heritage Month alongside Iranian American community leaders in San Francisco City Hall. Iranian Californians have made extraordinary contributions to the Golden State. Their story reminds us that our state’s strength comes from people who bring their talents, traditions, and dreams from every corner of the world – individuals who embody the values that define California at its best: diversity and perseverance.
California Hall of Fame
We also welcomed the 19th Class inductees to the California Hall of Fame! It was an honor to recognize and celebrate these well-deserved trailblazers who have made their mark on history in California and beyond. Each honoree paved the path in their respective industry and specialty, and their rich contributions and achievements embody the Golden State spirit of resilience and creativity.
Bilateral Meeting with European Commission EVP Teresa Ribera
Governor Newsom and I met with European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera to reaffirm the powerful partnership between California and the European Union. We discussed our joint efforts to drive global leadership on clean energy, carbon neutrality, and affordability – further proving that ambitious climate action and economic growth can work hand-in-hand.
Farmworker Day
On March 26th, Governor Newsom signed into law a bill I supported, AB 2156, which enshrined March 31, 2026 as Farmworker Day in California. In so doing, he ensured that the legacy of the farmworker movement will not be forgotten and the struggle that so many have sacrificed for will not be abandoned. This movement has always been about the countless farmworkers who organized, sacrificed, and demanded dignity, fairness, and respect.
International Transgender Visibility Day
On March 31, we celebrated International Transgender Visibility Day. Sadly, too often the voices and contributions of the transgender community are minimized or silenced, so it is critical that we take time to draw attention to the people who help make our communities a better and safer place by ensuring that gender identity is not the determinant of inclusion, recognition, or success. As Lieutenant Governor, I was proud to establish the first-in-the-nation Transgender Advisory Council. This council provides a forum for transgender leaders from across the state to discuss short- and long-term priorities for the trans community and ensures that leaders at the highest levels of California’s government are made aware of the struggles that transgender Californians face every day.
