The 7th annual Powerful Women of the Bay was held Friday, March 11 at the Wedgewood in Metropolitan Golf Links in Oakland, recognizing women achievers and their diverse array of contributions to their communities.

Barbara Williams Hardy, director of Diversity and Inclusion at Oracle, served as mistress of ceremonies.

Honorees included Grace Crunican, general manager of BART; Pat Fong of Kushida of California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce; Jolen V. Anderson, senior vice president of Diversity and Inclusion for Visa, Inc; and Leah McGowen-Hare, master technical Instructor of Salesforce.

Additional honorees were Win Chang, Cloud Accelerator Director of Oracle Corporation; Cindy Hill, director of sales and marketing, W Hotel San Francisco; Qiava Martinez, vice president of Premium Seating and Service, Oakland Raiders; and Joan Namahana Kerr, director Supplier, Diversity and Sustainability, PG&E.

Amber Childress, president, Lense and Company was presented with the Innovator Award, and Nichol Bradford, founder of Willow Group, was presented with the Dr. Diane C. Howell Entrepreneur Award.

“This awards luncheon celebrates women that are passionate about educating, empowering and connecting women in business and the community,” said Williams Hardy. “In the past we have honored a combination of entrepreneurs, corporate executives, community leaders, civic leaders and those that have sacrificed to make a difference and enrich the lives of others,” she said.

Event organizer Cathy Adam said she created the annual event in part to celebrate Women’s History Month.

“We all have a story, we all have a journey to share of how we’ve overcome and contributed,” said Adams of CDA Consulting Group. “

St. John Stylist Consultant Jennifer Jones reflected on the significance of the event.

“It is wonderful to see my peers in the community recognized for their great work in their various fields,” she said. “What a wonderful celebration of women of color during Women’s History Month.”

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post