California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls

We're grateful to have our Youth Advisory Council member Brooke Specht join us to share her journey in public service with the Youth Advisory Council. Her insights on leadership, community impact, and staying grounded in purpose gave our youth a powerful look at what it means to serve. Proud to support the next generation as they learn from those shaping the future for women and girls in California.

🌟 Application Period Open! 🌟

The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls is looking for enthusiastic young women and girls ages 14–20 from across California to join the Youth Advisory Council (YAC)!

Youth Councilmembers will:

✨ Gain hands-on experience with California’s policy process
✨ Shape policies impacting young people
✨ Build leadership and advocacy skills
✨ Connect with youth statewide
✨ Access mentorship and have meaningful, transformative conversations

The application period runs May 15 – July 15, 2026 (11:59 PM PT). Don’t miss your opportunity to make a difference for California!

Learn more at https://women.ca.gov/youth-advisory-council-applications/

We had an amazing time closing out National Physical Fitness and Sports Month by playing soccer with Street Soccer USA and California Love California Strong! ⚽💛

Huge thanks to all the organizers of the Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind event: California Love, California Strong, California Department of Public Health, and California Department of Health Care Services. Olympic and World Champion figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi moderated a panel with our Executive Director Darcy Totten and other state leaders, local partners, and community members who came together to celebrate sports, movement, mindfulness, and connection. Families enjoyed music and had fun playing soccer and learning more about physical fitness. Thank you to Governor Newsom's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being and to Commission First Vice Chair Nisha Devi Rodrigo, Director of the California Love, California Strong for raising awareness on such an important topic.

We’re proud to support the efforts of California Love, California Strong that strengthen belonging, reduce isolation, and build healthier communities across our state.

Photo credit: StillFragments

As AAPI Heritage Month comes to a close, we’re honored to celebrate the trailblazers whose brilliance, courage, and leadership continue to shape our world.
This year, we’re spotlighting three extraordinary women whose achievements inspire generations:

🌟 Dr. Flossie Wong-Staal: A pioneering molecular biologist and virologist whose groundbreaking work in HIV research transformed global understanding of the virus and paved the way for lifesaving treatments.

⛸️ Alysa Liu: A history making U.S. figure skater whose talent, determination, and joy on the ice have redefined what’s possible for young athletes everywhere.

🏊‍♀️ Vicki Draves: The first Asian American woman to win an Olympic gold medal, whose legacy continues to open doors for women and girls in sports and beyond.

Their stories remind us that representation matters, innovation thrives when voices are included, and progress is built by those who dare to lead.

California’s young women and girls, this is your moment. 🌟

The Commission’s Youth Advisory Council is now accepting applications from young women and girls ages 14–20 from across the state!

As a Council member, you’ll have the opportunity to:
✨ Shape real policies impacting young people
✨ Build leadership and advocacy skills
✨ Connect with youth statewide
✨ Gain hands-on experience with California’s policy process
✨ Access mentorship and engage in meaningful, transformative conversations

The application period runs May 15 – July 15, 2026 (11:59 PM PT). Don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard and help drive change in California.

Learn more and apply at https://women.ca.gov/youth-advisory-council-applications/

Register for the Connecting in Community: Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind on May 29 from 3:00–6:00 PM in Sacramento! Gates open at 2:00 PM. Register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connecting-in-community-move-your-body-calm-your-mind-tickets-1989336170036

Get ready to move your body with Street Soccer USA; California Love, California Strong; Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind; California Department of Public Health; and the California Department of Health Care Services. Our Executive Director Darcy Totten will be on a panel at this special gathering that brings together state leaders, local partners, and community members to celebrate movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection.

Join us for an afternoon filled with:
⚽ Movement activities including soccer, yoga, and dance
🤝 Community service opportunities
📚 A free resources fair
🎧 Music by DJ Lady-Sha
🍽️ A complimentary meal
🚗 Free parking

This event is part of the statewide Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind initiative from the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being, the California Department of Healthcare Services, and the California Department of Public Health to promote physical activity, mental well-being, and access to resources that help Californians live healthier, more connected lives, led by the Director of California Love, California Strong and First Vice Chair of the Commission Nisha Devi Rodrigo.

We’re proud to support the efforts of California Love, California Strong that strengthen belonging, reduce isolation, and build healthier communities across our state.

Register for the Connecting in Community: Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind on May 29 from 3:00–6:00 PM in Sacramento! Gates open at 2:00 PM. Register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connecting-in-community-move-your-body-calm-your-mind-tickets-1989336170036

Get ready to move your body with Street Soccer USA; California Love, California Strong; Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind; California Department of Public Health; and the California Department of Health Care Services. Our Executive Director Darcy Totten will be on a panel at this special gathering that brings together state leaders, local partners, and community members to celebrate movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection.

Join us for an afternoon filled with:
⚽ Movement activities including soccer, yoga, and dance
🤝 Community service opportunities
📚 A free resources fair
🎧 Music by DJ Lady-Sha
🍽️ A complimentary meal
🚗 Free parking

This event is part of the statewide Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind initiative from the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being, the California Department of Healthcare Services, and the California Department of Public Health to promote physical activity, mental well-being, and access to resources that help Californians live healthier, more connected lives, led by the Director of California Love, California Strong and First Vice Chair of the Commission Nisha Devi Rodrigo.

We’re proud to support the efforts of California Love, California Strong that strengthen belonging, reduce isolation, and build healthier communities across our state.

Street Soccer USA

Pause to remember and honor the service members who gave their lives in defense of our country. Memorial Day is a reminder of their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to our country. Our hearts go out to all Gold Star families and loved ones who carry the weight of their loss.

California Department of Veterans Affairs
California National Guard

Get ready to move your body with Street Soccer USA; California Love, California Strong; Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind; California Department of Public Health; and the California Department of Health Care Services at the Connecting in Community: Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind on May 29 from 3:00–6:00 PM in Sacramento! Gates open at 2:00 PM. Register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connecting-in-community-move-your-body-calm-your-mind-tickets-1989336170036

This special gathering brings together state leaders, local partners, and community members to celebrate movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection. Join us for an afternoon filled with:
⚽ Movement activities including soccer, yoga, and dance
🤝 Community service opportunities
📚 A free resources fair
🎧 Music by DJ Lady-Sha
🍽️ A complimentary meal
🚗 Free parking

This event is part of the statewide Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind initiative from the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being, the California Department of Healthcare Services, and the California Department of Public Health promote physical activity, mental well-being, and access to resources that help Californians live healthier, more connected lives.

We’re proud to support the efforts of California Love, California Strong that strengthen belonging, reduce isolation, and build healthier communities across our state.

Street Soccer USA

The Commission attended the release of the 2026 California Play Equity Report by LA84 Foundation, a legacy of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Their report finds 3 in 5 California parents struggle to afford the costs associated with their children’s sports, 67% of whom are mothers. 42% of AAPI girls are not playing frequently enough; 31% of Latina girls are not playing frequently or long enough; 17% of Black girls are not playing enough according to the CDC’s standards. The Commission may be best known for our work on fair pay, but women’s success in the workplace often begins with success on a team. We need to make sure we are also investing in fair PLAY for our girls.