Act for Women and Girls - ACT For Women and Girls

Desiree Flores, former Ms. Foundation for Women program officer from Tulare, spoke to the FLA at the graduation. She emphasized the importance of using your voice. She spoke of her own experiences as a Harvard alum who jumped the hoops to make her dreams come true. The message delivered inspired the FLA to continue their activism.

The FLA spent an entire 8 months making change! They promoted local campaigns and worked on State legislation. They participated in an editorial writing campaign and were on television for their campaign efforts; worked with the Visalia Unified School Board to adopt a resolution to teach Comprehensive Sex Education within our schools; conducted a pharmacy access project that raised awareness about emergency contraception and teen friendly pharmacies; increased awareness about teen pregnancy; and conducted an Equal Pay Day demonstration. Additionally, they traveled to Sacramento to meet with legislators and were trained in Bakersfield by Dolores Huerta on community organizing. FLA received awards for their many achievements from U.S. Senators Boxer and Feinstein's offices, State Senators Rubio and Fuller's offices and an award from ACT.

In addition to awarding the Female Leadership Academy, three awards were given to community leaders including Ruth and Peter Golombek (Donor Award), Graciela Martinez (ACT Board award) and Irma Medellin (Community ACTion award). Each of them has been committed to ACT since the beginning providing support to the growth of the organization.

Congratulations to the 7th graduating class of the Female Leadership Academy:Nila Armenta, Maria Aragon, Lucy Bedolla, Carissa Beaverson, Sarah Chrzastowski, Andrea Kelly, Edith Magallon, Andrea Navarrette, Alyssa Ojeda, Ambar Rodriguez and Lourdes Santiago.