More Than a Month: Why CDT Invests Deeply in Women of Color Leadership
By Rebecca Hamburg
March marks both Women’s History Month and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21).In 2026 the intersection of these two recognitions continues to sit at the core of California Donor Table’s mission: building durable, community-rooted power with and for women of color and communities of color across our state.
Our internal team reflects these values. Our staff now consists of five women and two men, and I am incredibly proud that nearly our entire team are people of color who bring deep lived experience, organizing chops, and political expertise to this work.
Championing Women of Color in a Challenging Era
Since our inception, CDT has invested in building the leadership and governing power of people of color. Within that mandate, the leadership of women of color is more critical than ever. While we continue to champion fierce male allies like Michael Tubbs, Alex Lee, and Rob Bonta, we also know that CDT-endorsed women like those below are “rocking it” on the front lines of governing for racial, gender, and economic justice:
- Shirley Weber, California Secretary of State
- Malia Cohen, California State Controller
- Lateefah Simon, U.S. House (CA-12)
- Eloise Goméz Reyes, State Senate (SD-29)
- Sasha Renée Pérez, State Senate (SD-25)
- Lola Smallwood Cuevas, State Senate (SD-28)
- Tina McKinnor, State Assembly (AD-61)
- Paloma Aguirre, San Diego County Board of Supervisors (District 1)
- Jessie Lopez, Santa Ana City Councilmember (Ward 3)
- Monica Montgomery Steppe, San Diego County Board of Supervisors (District 4)
Confronting Federal Threats and Internal Barriers
As we look toward the remainder of 2026, we cannot ignore the escalating threats at the federal level. We are witnessing unprecedented attacks on women’s rights — ranging from renewed assaults on reproductive healthcare, to the systematic rollback of protections for the most vulnerable in our communities, to attempts to weaken women’s suffrage through proposals like the SAVE Act and voter ID initiatives.
We also have to be honest about the terrain our leaders navigate. Even within our own progressive movements, we continue to see persistent misogyny and abuse that seek to undermine, silence, or undervalue the leadership of women. These internal barriers are often just as exhausting as the external ones. CDT remains committed to calling them out, backing leaders who challenge them, and standing with the women on whose backs these movements are built.
Why This Leadership Matters
What is the point of electing these women? Their leadership translates values into material change: more affordable housing, stronger environmental protections, and ensuring California remains a beacon for reproductive justice. CDT isn’t just about individual candidates; we are building an ecosystem of progressive, values-aligned leaders who center communities long impacted by systemic racism and disinvestment.
When we endorse a candidate, we also invest in the local, on-the-ground organizations that helped build their leadership, hold them accountable, and govern with them once they are in office. Women leaders consistently shine in this collaborative, community-focused space, co-governing with organizers and community members to deliver for those most impacted.
A Note of Gratitude
The high-level leadership these women undertake requires immense sacrifice, long hours, and navigating discrimination, trauma, and hardship. We thank them for their perseverance in the fight for justice and honor their tireless commitment to building a multiracial democracy where we all can thrive. I am deeply grateful to continue resourcing and lifting up these courageous leaders alongside you.
