Women Who Dare 2026

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM

Penumbra Headquarters (Bay Farm) — Penumbra, Inc.
1321 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda, CA

2026 WWD Honorees   |   Sponsorships   |   Tickets   |   Highlights from WWD 2025

AN UNMISSABLE CELEBRATION OF
VISIONARY WOMEN & GIRLS

Join hundreds of champions, partners, neighbors, and families for a powerful night of community, celebration, and unwavering support for the next generation of leaders.

Hosted by “Best Foot Forward” (BFF) Leaders: Our gala hosts and emcees are elementary school girls and youth from Best Foot Forward, Girls Inc.’s leadership program. They work hard to prepare to introduce our gala honorees and host you – our dear community and supporters – with much intention and confidence. Let us all get ready to support smart, bold, and strong girls!

HONORING BOLD LEADERSHIP
2026 Women Who Dare Honorees

This year, we are honoring four extraordinary changemakers whose bold leadership is shaping brighter futures for Alamedans and beyond:

• TRAILBLAZER AWARD – Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
  Alameda’s first Arab-American Mayor, Marilyn is known for her collaborative leadership, dedication to public service, sustainable development, and a deep commitment to building connections that strengthen the city for generations to come.
• COMMUNITY LEADER AWARD – Joann Guitarte
  Alameda entrepreneur and Owner of Café Jolie, Executive Chef, and community leader inspiring the next generation through food, creativity, and service. Joann serves as Board Chair of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Restaurant & Bar Coalition, Co-Chair of the Harbor Bay Coalition, and Trustee at Notre Dame High School.
• JOYCE DENYVEN AWARD – Barbara Krummel
  Longtime Girls Inc. supporter and community leader empowering girls through mentorship and programs. Barbara is an active member of the Alameda Branch of AAUW and a longtime board member/past President of the Alameda Welfare Council.
• YOUTH LEADER AWARD – To Be Announced in December!

Register for e-news to be among the first to get updates and all special announcements.

GET READY IN 2025 TO CELEBRATE
WOMEN WHO DARE 2026 BY:

Partnering with us as Gala Sponsor:
Amplify your impact and showcase your company’s commitment to equity, leadership, and opportunity for girls in these times. Please see sponsorship details, including sponsor benefit link below.

Donating a Live Auction or Silent Auction item:
Expose your community-minded business to a generous philanthropic audience, while receiving tax breaks and expense write offs. Our supporters are incredibly loyal to businesses that support our girls and they love coming back and bringing friends. Click here to donate an auction item or package.

Saving the Date:
Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 28, 2026, an unforgettable night of inspiration, connection, and community. Click here to add to calendar.

Building Your Table:
Gather your friends, family, or colleagues—each table seats 8. Together, you’ll share an evening of purpose and celebration.

Bringing the Energy:
Bid boldly, give generously, and cheer for our inspiring honorees and youth hosts as we celebrate those who dare to lead.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Each year, Women Who Dare brings together more than 250 community, business, and civic leaders to celebrate visionary women and invest in the next generation of changemakers.

This unforgettable evening raises vital funds for Girls Inc. of the Island City programs that help youth and girls build confidence, leadership, and a lifelong sense of possibility.

When you sponsor Women Who Dare, you’re aligning your brand with a trusted, women-led organization that delivers measurable impact for youth across Alameda.

Explore sponsor benefits below or view the Sponsorship Packet for full details. The link to sponsorship application form is included in the sponsorship packet.

TICKET INFORMATION

Online: Tickets and table sales are now live! Reserve your spot today through our online ticket portal.

Individual tickets are available through the ticket options.

Full Table sales (includes 8 seats) are available through the sponsorship options.

If you have questions, please email marketing@girlsincislandcity.org and we’ll connect you with our benefits team.

In Person: Visit our office at 1724 Santa Clara Ave, Alameda, CA anytime between 10 am – 4 pm Monday through Friday.

Let us continue working together to build a world where girls grow up strong, smart, and bold!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM WOMEN WHO DARE 2025

Visit our event gallery to relive the magic of Women Who Dare 2025.

KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING

Together, we’ll keep building bold futures