What is Women’s History Month and International Women's Day?
Since 1978 Women’s History Month (March) has celebrated the achievements of women and the continued pursuit of equality. At the Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association (ACAFA), that story is not just historical. It is local, community driven and measurable. Women serve as leaders, sponsors, volunteers, educators, entrepreneurs and partners who help power year round events and the annual Fair.
International Women’s Day, March 8, was first observed in 1911. Just one year later, the first Alameda County Fair (ACF) opened in 1912. The timing is a meaningful reminder that the Fairgrounds and the global movement recognizing women’s contributions grew up in the same era. For more than a century, both have continued to evolve, creating more opportunities for women to lead, build businesses and shape communities.
Women in Leadership at ACF
Women hold executive leadership roles at ACF including Chief Officer positions. Across 171 seasonal and year round employees, 83 are women representing approximately 49 percent of the workforce.
Angel Moore
COO
Chief Operating Officer Angel Moore’s leadership journey is shaped by persistence, advocacy and the influence of strong women in her family. She comes from a long line of hardworking women and began her career in retail at age 20, quickly learning to advocate for her own growth and ask for opportunities to advance. By age 21, she earned her first management role and continued to grow through hands-on experience across marketing and operations.
Angel shares this advice for the next generation, “Do not be afraid to ask for what you want. Even if the answer is no right now, you will never regret asking. You will always learn and grow from it. Build relationships with other women, find mentors and uplift each other. When you feel like you hit a wall, find the people who will drop everything to be there. We have to think about what we would do if we were not afraid.”
Chief Financial Officer Vivian Wu approaches leadership through both mission and measurable impact. “As a nonprofit, the Alameda County Fair must be both mission driven and financially self-sufficient. We operate as an agent of the County while ensuring we generate the revenue needed to sustain year round operations. Investing in people, whether through Fair vendors, RV guests or OTB partners, is ultimately an investment in long term community impact,” Vivian shared.
From a financial and economic perspective, Vivian sees investment in women leaders, women-owned vendors and women-led programs as both equitable and strategic. ACF focuses on selecting the best partners and leaders for each opportunity and consistently finds women rising to meet that standard.
With decades of experience in a traditionally male dominated field, Vivian understands the value of persistence and progress. She adds, “My advice to the next generation is to persevere and stay positive. Do not take every situation so seriously that you miss the opportunity to learn from it. Most problems are solvable. Focus less on the obstacles and more on the results. Everything will work out if you keep moving forward.”
That representation reflects decades of progress. Early Fairs relied on women as volunteers, educators and community organizers. Over time, those contributions expanded into professional roles across operations, finance, marketing and education. Today, women help guide strategy, manage major projects and support the long term success of the organization.
Women across the organization help drive partnerships, support community outreach, strengthen operations and connect people to year round programs and opportunities.
Vivian Wu
CFO
Women Supporting Community and Connection
Women serve as sponsors and philanthropic partners who help fund youth scholarships and inclusive programming. More than 15 years ago, the volunteer program was created by women who believed in giving back to their community. It has been led by women ever since and continues to grow each year. Today, volunteer leaders help support guest experiences across hundreds of events and play an important role in keeping the organization welcoming and accessible for everyone.
Whether mentoring students, leading initiatives or contributing time and resources, women help expand access to programs and experiences that bring the community together.
Women-Owned Businesses and Local Vendors
Women-owned vendors are an important part of the ACF’s community. From handmade goods and specialty foods to retail booths, entrepreneurs use the Fair as a platform to grow their customer base and expand revenue.
When women-owned businesses grow, the impact circulates locally through job creation, reinvestment and community spending.
Women in Sponsorship and Business Leadership
Women play a significant role in driving sponsorship partnerships and business growth at the Alameda County Fair, including managing all new business. From major Fair sponsors to year round event partners, women are leading companies, making investment decisions and choosing to align their brands with community impact.
Women business owners and operators contribute across retail vendors, food concessions, RV operations and special events. Their participation strengthens revenue streams that support both the annual Fair and year round programming.
When women invest in sponsorships or grow their businesses at the Fairgrounds, the impact extends beyond a single event. It supports jobs, fuels local spending and reinforces the Fairgrounds as a year round economic driver for the region.
Final Thoughts
At the Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association, women lead operations, grow businesses, mentor others, sponsor programs and strengthen community connections for more than a million annual visitors each year.
When women give to their businesses, their communities and future generations, everyone benefits.
