Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement in recognition of Women’s History Month, which begins today.

“During Women’s History Month we remember the trailblazers who reached for the ballot, demanded equal rights, and paved the path for progress. Yet we also recall the silent heroes of our history – the women who pay the bills, take their kids to school, and bring home a paycheck in this challenging economy without any accolades or recognition. Every day, they inspire us to act. As a mother and grandmother, I know that their actions make America a better place for the mothers, sisters, and daughters of all generations.

“It is in their name that we continue the fight for quality, affordable health insurance for all. Women are the primary consumers of health care for their families; they pay more for care and face greater discrimination in the insurance market. And when we pass health reform legislation, unfair practices will end; insurance abuses will be a thing of the past; and being a woman will no longer be a pre-existing condition.

“It is on behalf of these women that the 111th Congress has made putting Americans back to work a top priority – especially at a time when women have surpassed men as the majority of the workforce. It’s why we passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, ensuring all workers have access to our judicial system when harmed by discrimination. And it is for them that we will work to make equal pay for equal work more than a promise, but a core principle of our economic future.

“Women’s History Month honors the giants of American history. But it must also recognize all of our country’s women – those who strive to make the dream of equality a reality on a daily basis. This March and throughout the year, Congress must keep fighting to ensure that the voices of America’s women maintain their central place in our country’s past, present, and future.”

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SFWPC proudly welcomes two active members to our Board of Directors: Leah Rowell and Michelle Myers will both take on the extensive duties of the role of Secretary as our current Secretary Susan McIntyre moves to the Endorsements Co-Chair position.

Leah Rowell will serve as Secretary Recording, and Michelle Myers will serve as Secretary Corresponding. We are looking forward to the many exciting things we will be able to accomplish this year. What an amazing Board!

Congratulations to our award winners: SFWPC Leader of the Year Betty Yee, Legislator of the Year Senator Leland Yee and SFWPC Woman of the Year Sueanne McNeil Biotti.

AND NOW, my friends, it is my great honor to close our program as the newly elected 2010 president of the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee.

First I want to thank all of the co-hosting women’s organizations for coming out tonight and our amazing sponsors.

Good Ol’ Girls, Emerge California, Filipina Women’s Network, National Organization of Women – SF Chapter, NARAL Pro-Choice California, and NWPC Marin

Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Congresswoman Jackie Speier
Board of Equalization Chairwoman Betty Yee
Assemblywoman Fiona Ma
State Senator Leland Yee

Platinum Advisors, GreenDog Campaigns, Democratic Women’s Forum, Hope Road Consulting, BergDavis Public Affairs, The California Group, Laura Spanjian, Janet Reilly, Benj Jurcisin, Linda Colfax, Kristine Enea, Malia Cohen, Leslie Katz, Rebecca Prozan, Debra Walker, Mary Silver, Bonnie Jean von Krogh
Linda Richardson

This is an extraordinary time to be working in San Francisco politics. It’s going to be a year of great challenges and great opportunities. I’ll be honest, I’m really excited for the potential to elect great candidates in the 2010 elections, I’m terrified about the local budget deficit and I’m concerned about the absence of leadership in some areas of local government. And that is all that I will say about that.

We are calling 2010 the Year of the Woman. But that means many different things to each of us in this room.

Through the past three women’s policy summits, we’ve come understand that the women’s movement in San Francisco is so much more than female candidates and women’s issue. “Women’s Issues” as a separate concept don’t necessarily exist any more. Women are half of the planet. EVERYTHING effects us.

So I think that I speak for all of us in this room when I say that we are committed to supporting candidates and developing policy that is RATIONAL, KIND and represents the voices of half of humanity.

If we are going to be successful in this endeavor at all – and by successful, I mean that we eventually end up in a better place from where we started – we MUST build networks and relationships that are strong and collaborations built on respect, common purpose and trust.

I don’t know if this is even possible in politics, but I BELIEVE that it could be here in San Francisco. Let’s strive for this, shall we? Because we have so much to do.

So please raise your glass, my friends, to 2010 The Year of Women and the Year of Working Together as we never have before. Thank you for all that you do. I look forward to working with you all.

Up with the Matriarchy. And please don’t forget to tip your bartendar.

Heidi Sieck
San Francisco Women’s Political Committee
2009 Vice President
2010 President

We are extremely proud to tell you that during the San Francisco Women’s Holiday Party 2009 the SFWPC membership overwhelmingly approved our early endorsement of Janet Reilly for District 2 Supervisor, 2010; Carmen Chu for District 4 Supervisor, 2010; and Debra Walker for District 6 Supervisor, 2010. We have truly kicked off the Year of the Woman, and we are more hopeful about 2010 than ever.

We are pleased to announce that the SFWPC membership also approved the proposed SFWPC Board of Directors for 2010. Please welcome your new board:

President – Heidi Sieck
Vice President – Catalina Ruiz-Healy
Secretary – Susan McIntyre
Treasurer – Jacqueline Piccini
Policy Chair – Shakari Byerly
Endorsements Chair – Frances Hsieh
Endorsements Vice-Chair – Summer Graham
Fundraising Chair – Annie Eagan
Public Relations Chair – Kay Vasilyeva
Membership Outreach Chair/Programs Co-Chair – Ellen Hong
Programs Co-Chair – Leah Pimental
Programs Co-Chair – Suzy Loftus
Advisory Board Chair – Jaynry Mak
Advisory Board Special Projects Co-Chair – Melanie Nutter
Advisory Board Special Projects Co-Chair – Benj Jurcisin

We hope to serve you well and make 2010 the best year for electing women and promoting our bottom line issues.

If you are interested in getting involved in any aspect of the work done by SFWPC, please consider joining a Subcommittee! It’s a great way to flex your skills and influence politics in San Francisco. Please inquire by emailing Membership Outreach Chair Ellen Hong at membership@sfwpc.org.