Laney College President Elñora Webb was inducted into the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame. The annual Women’s Hall of Fame luncheon was held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland on March 21.
The Alameda County Board of supervisors established the Women’s Hall of fame 21 years ago. Ludmyrna Lopez, Intergovernmental Affairs Officer, and Susan Muranishi, Alameda County Administrator, organized the event, which included a silent auction and a scholarship presentation. A total of 12 influential women were inducted and acknowledged for their contributions in areas of science, education, justice, environmental issues, cultural arts, sports, community service and business. This powerful event begin with a networking meet and greet. Attendees were given an opportunity to participate in the silent auction and raffle. All donations went to helping families and women in business in Alameda County. The ceremony opened with a welcome address from Muranishi. “Each of these outstanding women is a living example of why Alameda County is a place that is second to none in terms of its vibrant culture and rich diversity,” Muranishi said in a news release. Reporter for KPIX 5 TV and Mistress of Ceremony Juliette Goodrich kept the audience in anticipation as each inductee was introduced. The inspiring messages of the inductees kept the audience on their feet in appreciation throughout the event. Dr. Webb was recognized for her achievement in education. She holds a doctorate degree in Education and Philosophy and is committed to each student’s educational success. She is a role model to many students at Laney College and has especially impacted the lives of those in the Laney B2B program, which supports students who have aged out of the foster care system.Dr. Webb has overcome many difficult circumstances including homelessness and child abuse. She was a foster care child who aged out of the foster care system. Dr. Webb says her determination was to keep a roof over her head. She says going to college meant she could stay in the dorms, which provided a roof over her head. Her fortitude lead her to take advantage of college bound classes offered at her high school. Her mentors helped her develop a career plan, which she stuck to. The achievements Dr. Webb has made at Laney College includes facilitating federal funding when state funding wasn›t available and positioning Laney in partnership with community businesses and non-profit organizations to add funding to the school.She has developed a Construction Certificate program and has taken Laney Colleges’ technology program to international levels. Her goal is to prepare manufacturing students for the green jobs industries. Laney College also serves as an official center for the National Science Foundation.