Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, Chancellor of the Peralta Community College District, highlighted the celebration of Women's History Month across the district's colleges in her report to the Board of Trustees on April 8th. Following her March 8th report, which concluded with a video celebrating the women leading the Milvia Street construction project at Berkeley City College, the Chancellor noted that the recognition of women's contributions continued throughout March with various events.
On March 7th, Dr. Gilkerson was "honored to be at Berkeley City College" to participate in a Women's Career Panel organized by the Women's Leadership Club Associated Students of BCC. The panel included BCC alumna and City of Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii, alongside other accomplished professionals. Dr. Gilkerson extended her thanks to Student Trustee Sophia Parmigiani, the club's co-president, and the Associated Students of BCC, Student Art Guild, the STEM Club, and the API LEAD Club for making the event possible.
Laney College hosted a panel of Women Entrepreneurs on March 12th, where Dr. Gilkerson welcomed students and community members. The panel, organized by Raya Zion, featured Laney Alumna and renowned Bay Area makeup artist Mayra Agular, Kim Gonzalez, a food truck owner and Laney CTE program coordinator, and other entrepreneurs. Yarina Cortel from the City of Oakland’s Economic Development department moderated the discussion. A recording of the program is available on Peralta’s YouTube channel.
Merritt College was the site of "The Power of Sisterhood on Mental Health and Well Being” on March 27th, an event in which Dr. Gilkerson participated alongside College of Alameda President Melanie Dixon, Associated Students President Davina Malbrough, VP of Student Services Dr. Lilia Chavez, VP of Instruction Dr. Lisa Cooke, Dr. Pamela Powell from Alameda County, and fashion entrepreneur Iguehi James. Dr. Gilkerson described it as "a powerful showcase of women in leadership" and expressed her deep gratitude to Tauheeda Anderson and Margie Rubio for their collaboration in planning an event that centered on sisterhood, mental & physical well-being, creating a space for vulnerability, and the sharing of personal journeys.
Dr. Gilkerson also drew attention to an article she authored, published in Community College Daily, titled “The Power of Women in Community Colleges.” In the article, she reflected on Women’s History Month as a time for both celebration and action, stating that "it is our duty to honor the resilience of the women before us and continue the urgent, unfinished work of advancing equity in higher education.”
In her writing, Dr. Gilkerson acknowledged her honor in serving alongside leaders like Melanie Dixon and Dr. Denise Richardson, who are actively shaping institutions to drive social and economic change. She further wrote, "I draw strength from leaders like Tachetta Henry, a classified professional and domestic violence survivor, and Sophia Parmigiani, a student trustee balancing school, work, and activism. Their journeys remind us that true equity remains a work in progress."
Slides from the April 8th Chancellor’s report can be seen here.