In honor of Women’s History Month, International Women’s Day, and Black Women’s History Month across March through April, we say: Let’s celebrate!

Women make history everyday. We acknowledge those past and present who have birthed businesses and leaders, broken barriers, opened doors–held the doors open, and uplifted others through opportunities. We honor women’s’ dreams, goals, accomplishments, and efforts of all capacities. We pay tribute to history-making women innovators, abolitionists, and heads of households across the world.

Thank you for being YOU.

We’re highlighting a few of the women helping to preserve history, build future leaders, and shape the culture of the city of Long Beach. Let’s celebrate these visionary founders, business owners, and cultural mavens! Just as importantly, let’s patronize and support their businesses!

Max Viltz: Owner of Village Treasures African Gift Shop, Boutique, and Gallery. Village Treasures is located in Downtown Long Beach and features authentic, handcrafted works, fine art, clothing, home furnishings, wellness products, and more.

Lisa Mae Brunson: Founder of Wonder Women Tech. The 501 (c)(3) nonprofit and global impact organization aims to innovate, empower, ignite, and amplify the technology “Wonderverse.”

Martha Cota: Founder & Executive Director of Latinos in Action California. The 501 (c)(3) nonprofit provides a safe, creative space for families to gather for informative workshops, art and music lessons, and guest hosts. The community ensures empowerment, education, and encouragement through their various programming.

Sharon Diggs-Jackson: Exhibit Chair at African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (AACCLB). Sharon DJ as she is affectionately known, organizes the monthly exhibits held at AACCLB inside the EXPO Arts Center in Bixby Knolls. Through the exhibits, the 501 (c)(3) nonprofit pays tribute to community activists and advocates, civic leaders, entertainers, scholars, and influential leaders who move the culture forward.

We asked in our Instagram post, 🌻who else are you celebrating? Comment below!