Laney kicked off Women’s History Month by hosting a Women’s Resource Faire on March 4. On this bright and sunny afternoon, the Quad was lined with black fold-out tables adorned in dark purple tablecloths. 
While speeches were being given telling stories of personal triumph and current prosperity, students and professors alike moved about the area gathering information at the different booths. 
One of the first women to speak, a representative from the Alameda County Family Justice Center, overviewed the services provided, including crisis intervention and counseling. 
The center is affiliated with the District Attorney’s office and has about 30 onsite partners. An outreach program for victims of interpersonal violence, the speaker stated that she loves to help people and the workers there are caring, well equipped, and supportive.
Another prominent table was that of the Mujeres Unidas y Activas. With a double mission to both promote personal transformation and strengthen the power of the community, this group offers workshops to empower women and boost self-image. 
Besides organizing rallies and support groups, the Mujeres Unidas y Activas provides connections to offices and groups that pull women and children out of crisis situations and offer legal help. This outreach program offers help to all and emphasizes on building strength within the Latin community.
One of the first speeches came from a woman with a powerful voice named Latrice Casey of Team Laney. While advocating for Team Laney and all that they do for the school (such as inform students on events and push for necessary changes within the campus), Casey also told a part of her story. 
A tale of triumph against all odds, Casey spoke… to get an education and reach her goals. To further push her message of personal strength, Casey touched on the story of how Rep. Barbara Lee was the only one to say no to the war after the 9/11 attacks, as well as how powerful women in Oakland are. She concluded her speech with, “Be unapologetic with who you are, be real.” 
In an interview, Casey explained why celebrating Women’s History Month matters. “It is important to honor women and push men to honor women in a chauvinistic society,” she said.
Though the purpose of the fair was to honor and shine a light on Women’s History Month, outreach programs from all across the board came to show support as well as offer information about their services. 
Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disasters is an organization of non-profit programs that give outreach and assistance low-income families to both protect and prepare them for natural disasters. 
APASS, another booth present at the Fair, assists Asian and Pacific Islanders to receive their degrees/certificates as well as transfer to four-year universities.
For outreach or assistance needed, contact the programs above at these numbers: 
Alameda County Family Justice Center: (510) 267–8800
Mujeres Unidas y Activas: (510) 261–3398
Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disasters: (510) 451–3140
APASS: (510) 464–3203