Women Who Dare 2026

TOGETHER, WE MADE HERSTORY

The 27th Annual Women Who Dare Gala, held on February 28, 2026, brought together more than 250 community leaders, partners, and supporters for an unforgettable evening celebrating bold leadership and investing in the next generation of girls.

This year’s event made herstory by selling out two weeks in advance and welcoming a record number of new gala guests and sponsors.

We also welcomed 10 new auction donors and got to celebrate distinguished 2026 honorees Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Alameda entrepreneur and Owner of Café Jolie Joann Guitarte, longtime Girls Inc. supporter and community leader Barbara Krummel, and Eureka! Alum Youth Leader Angelina Victorio.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, community and partners, Women Who Dare was a joyous celebration that raised nearly $170,000 to support Girls Inc. of the Island City programs that empower girls and youth to grow up strong, smart, and bold.

To every supporter who helped make this evening possible, THANK YOU.

You are the essential force that allows Girls Inc. to continue delivering life-changing mentorship, leadership development, and educational programs for youth across Alameda.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM WOMEN WHO DARE 2026

Relive the magic of Women Who Dare 2026 and celebrate the incredible community that came together in support of Girls Inc. of the Island City.

EVENT PHOTO GALLERY

HONORING BOLD LEADERSHIP
2026 Women Who Dare Honorees

In 2026, we honored 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 – Angelina Victorio
  Eureka! alumna Angelina has grown into a confident leader, finding her voice and embracing challenges through Girls Inc. She now interns on her School-Based Health Center’s youth advisory board, founded Alameda High’s pre-med organization, serves as an officer in multiple healthcare-focused clubs, and performs with two school dance groups—showing what happens when girls are given the space and support to thrive.

BEST FOOT FORWARD YOUTH HOSTS

Our incredible Best Foot Forward (BFF) participants served as the hosts and emcees for the evening.

Through their leadership, preparation, and powerful introductions of our honorees, these young leaders demonstrated exactly what Girls Inc. programs make possible.

Their confidence and voices remind us why investing in girls today creates bold leaders for tomorrow.

2026 SPONSORS

We are deeply grateful to the generous sponsors who helped make Women Who Dare 2026 possible. Their partnership fuels opportunities for girls and youth across our community.

LOOKING AHEAD

Women Who Dare is more than a single evening, it’s a growing movement of community members committed to investing in the next generation of leaders.

If you’re interested in supporting future events or Girls Inc. programs, we invite you to: