Port of Oakland Commissioner receives democracy award
League of Women Voters recognizes community leader Arabella Martinez
Oakland, Calif. – April 20, 2017: Port of Oakland Commissioner Arabella Martinez has received the Making Democracy Work award from the League of Women Voters of Oakland at their 26th annual All-City luncheon. The award honors those who have worked to improve Oakland and encouraged others to create positive change.
“I’m honored and grateful to be recognized by the League of Women Voters because I am deeply committed to Oakland,” said Commissioner Martinez. “I believe that we all play an important role in shaping the health and well-being of our community.”
Commissioner Martinez was the founder and first CEO of the Unity Council in Oakland. The Unity Council provides economic and educational programs for Oakland’s Fruitvale residents. She also spearheaded the Fruitvale Transit Village which is a national model for housing, retail, and transit communities.
“Arabella Martinez has inspired others to bring about positive economic and social change to their own communities,” said League of Women Voters of Oakland President Louise Rothman-Riemer. “That’s what ‘making democracy work’ is all about.”
Commissioner Martinez is a graduate of UC Berkeley and received a Master of Social Welfare (MSW) from UC Berkeley in 1966. In 1977 President Jimmy Carter appointed Commissioner Martinez Assistant Secretary for the Office of Human Development Services, U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
About the Port of Oakland: The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. Together with its business partners, the port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube and at www.portofoakland.com
Media Contacts:
Mike Zampa Communications Director Port of Oakland (510) 627-1565 mzampa@portoakland.com |
