It’s Women’s History Month, so we wanted to spend some time honoring some of the incredible women who have shaped our city. Here are three San Jose women that every local should know about.

San Jose’s Mayor Hayes was an icon for women in politics. | Photo via SJSU Special Collections

🗳️ Janet Gray Hayes

From 1975-1983, Janet Gray Hayes served as the first female mayor of San Jose, and was the first woman mayor of a major US city with over 500,000 people.

Through her leadership + support of other women entering politics, Santa Clara County would become known in the 70's and 80's as the “feminist capital of the world.”

She ran on an environmentalist platform and worked to address the city’s urban sprawl. Despite budget shortfalls, she was lauded for her ability to balance the city’s budget.

Iola Williams (center) was an influential City Councilor + civil rights advocate. | Photo via SJSU Special Collections.

🗳️ Iola Williams

Iola Williams made her mark on San Jose through community + civic service. After serving on her local school board, she became the first African-American on San Jose’s City Council, serving for 12 years, from 1979-1991. In addition to her council position, Williams also served as Vice Mayor for two terms.

Through her work in local government, Williams was a champion for civil rights, and she developed a new senior healthcare program, which was renamed in her honor.

In 2016, Williams received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Fittingly, the award was also renamed in her honor.

As a theater director + educator, Elisa Marina Alvarado has been recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to local arts. | Photo via Teatro Visión

🎭 Elisa Marina Alvarado

Inspired by the revolutionary artistic work of El Teatro Campesino, Elisa Marina Alvarado became one of the biggest advocates of local Chicanx theater in San Jose, co-founding + directing Teatro Visión for 30+ years.

In Alvarado’s leadership role, she focused Teatro Visión’s mission on combining social justice + community theater, in order to amplify the voices of Latinx playwrights. Alvarado also developed the Instituto de Teatro, which offers arts + cultural education for Latino communities.

Is there a San Jose trailblazer we didn’t include? Which San Josean would you like to learn about next? Let us know.