The Commission on the Status of Women announced that four honorees and two young women of excellence will be inducted into the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame on March 8.
A longtime economic development leader, public servant and community advocate, as well as a CoastPride co-founder, mental health equity advocate and two teen leaders will be inducted into the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame in 2024, the county’s premier event that has served as a showcase for women making a difference every day in the community.
“We are thrilled to honor four extraordinary women and two young women in our Women’s Hall of Fame,” said Commission Chair Susan Kokores. “This iconic event is celebrating its 40th anniversary and we are delighted to recognize the talents, contributions and vision of these women who enhance and strengthen the community for all of us.”
About the 2024 Women's Hall of Fame Inductees
Rosanne Foust, President and CEO of the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA), has built the organization into an inclusive, influential and highly regarded association by facilitating, leading and encouraging important conversations to maintain a strong local and regional economy, attract and retain major employers and good jobs, and building partnerships between business, government, education, labor and nonprofit organizations to address critical issues for an economy that lifts everyone up.
Foust had a twenty-year career with Alsace Development International USA, Inc. She also served for 12 years on the Redwood City Council, including stints as mayor and vice mayor. Foust also served for 10 years on the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (five years as chair) and as an inaugural board member for seven years on the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority.
Dr. Maria Lorente-Foresti is a bilingual and bicultural woman who immigrated to the United States from Argentina and has called the San Francisco Bay Area home since 1978. With a rich professional history spanning three decades, Lorente-Foresti has served in many roles including psychologist, behavioral mental health program director, parent education program coordinator, and behavioral health equity director.
In her current role as director of BHRS’ Office of Diversity and Equity, Lorente-Foresti leads efforts to improve the county’s public behavioral health system to be more culturally responsive and inclusive of San Mateo County’s workforce and community members.
Christine Padilla, born and raised in San Mateo County, has spent her career at the intersection of service and government working to improve the lives of women and children. She is currently the director of Build Up San Mateo County, served three terms on the San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women, and currently serves on the County Child Care Partnership Board.
She is co-chair of KQED's Community Advisory Panel and works to ensure diverse community voices are represented throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Jenny Walter She is a founding member and past board chair of CoastPride and serves Pescadero through Pacifica. She was the first co-chair of the San Mateo County LGBTQ Commission and during her five years of service, the Commission conducted a countywide needs assessment of LGBTQ+ residents and promoted the establishment of the San Mateo County Pride Center.
She served as a task force member on the Coastal Recovery Initiative and as an attorney for the California Tribal Courts and State Courts Forum on the Judicial Council. Prior to that, she was managing attorney for Legal Advocates for Children and Youth in San Jose and a staff attorney at Legal Services for Children in San Francisco. She currently serves as a tribal appellate judge for the Northern California Tribal Courts Coalition and a law partner at Hedger & Walter, LLP, which is committed to helping tribal courts and nonprofit organizations achieve their vision of serving their communities.
Catalina Gonzalez Johnston is a senior at Half Moon Bay High School and lives in Pescadero, California. She has been a member of the leadership team since her sophomore year and has served two years on the Cabrillo Unified School District Board.
She has also been a volunteer member of the school board. She strives to integrate her input into event planning and other community activities for the district's students.
Maya Thompson is a senior at El Camino High School. He recently received the National African American Recognition Award for his strong academic performance on the PSAT and Advanced Placement exams.
Outside of school, she has volunteered as a tutor for Project Speak Together, an online tutoring program that helps Ukrainian students learn conversational skills in English. Through her volunteer work, she improved her students’ English literacy and worked to foster an environment where students felt comfortable sharing their experiences during the war. Currently, she volunteers for the organization Cancer Kids First, which helps children with cancer around the world. She is part of their art program where she creates and decorates cards for children and teen cancer patients.
The ceremony will take place at 4:00 p.m. on March 8 (International Women's Day) in the Farallon Room at Skyline College (San Bruno, CA). Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/WHOF2024
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