Celebrating the day after International Women’s Day, the Los Angeles County Commission for Women honored notable women representing each Board of Supervisor’s district.
The Commemorative Ruby Celebration Gala this year doubled as a celebration of its 50th anniversary and the “Women of the Year” 40th Anniversary.
Held at The Biltmore LA on Monday, March 8, the gala recognized women with “outstanding achievements” in advancing gender equality and addressing quality-of-life issues affecting women.
Dozens of women were honored, including two from Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s district: Jennifer Seetoo, LA County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Commander, and Armida Ornelas, LA Mission College president.
“Across the county, we are seeing renewed conversations about women’s rights, about women’s leadership and whether women’s voices are fully respected in our institutions, but here in Los Angeles County, we are clear where we stand,” said Horvath, who was once an honoree herself years ago, selected by her predecessor Sheila Kuehl.
“We respect women, we support women and we know our communities are stronger when women are leading.”
Jennifer Seetoo, LASD Commander
Leading off with Seetoo, Horvath said that she has built a career grounded in professionalism, integrity and a deep commitment to the community, adding she uses every opportunity to keep people informed and safe. Horvath praised her leadership during the January 2025 wildfires, as she helped to organize efforts to bring food and clean drinking water to the victims.
The supervisor commended Seetoo for “her courage in standing up to those in power who attempt to take advantage of women,” referencing how she won a gender discrimination and retaliation lawsuit in 2024 against LASD.
In the suit, Seetoo claimed that, as a lieutenant, she was treated differently by LASD supervisors compared to her male colleagues and was denied an opportunity to be promoted to captain in 2019.
She was subject to harmful rumors, the suit continued, and after she made a formal complaint, Seetoo was transferred from the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station – which oversees Malibu, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Calabasas and Westlake Village – to the West Hollywood Station, far removed from her home near Malibu.
Seetoo was awarded nearly $1 million in damages.
“Standing here tonight, I am truly humbled because this award isn’t about me,” Seetoo said in a pre-recorded message. “It represents the men and women of the LA County Sheriff’s Department who, during the Palisades Fire, showed what courage, compassion and dedication truly mean.”
Armida Ornelas, Ph.D., LA Mission College President
Ornelas brought her granddaughter, who joined her on stage. Horvath said that Ornelas has dedicated her career to education and creating career pathways for people of all walks of life.
In the Northeast Valley, Horvath continued, “Ornelas has continued to be an advocate for students, families and communities to have access to resources and opportunities,” adding that what she admires most about the college president is that she has developed “authentic community connections.”
Ornelas is responsible for all aspects of college operations that keep it running. She expressed pride in her role as LA Mission College president, but is also “very proud of the other hats that I wear: as a mother, as a grandmother, as a sister, as a daughter. … In particular, I’m proud to be the daughter of immigrant parents who came to this country [and] sacrificed for their children to provide us a better opportunity.”