Former State Senate leader Toni Atkins to receive Harvey Milk Leadership Award
During her career, Atkins championed affordable housing, environmental protection, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ causes.
Toni Atkins, who served as president pro tempore of the California State Senate from 2018 to 2024, will be honored with the Harvey Milk Leadership Award at an upcoming event in Palm Springs, it was announced this week.
The breakfast will be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Thursday, May 8, 2024, beginning with a coffee networking hour at 8:30 a.m. followed by the breakfast and program at 9:30 a.m.
Local reporting and journalism you can count on.
Subscribe to The Palm Springs Post
Proceeds from the event will benefit LGBTQ+ programs in the Coachella Valley, with approximately 300 youth typically attending the breakfast each year.
Atkins made history as the first woman to lead both California’s State Senate and Assembly. Beginning her career at a women’s health clinic, she later served on San Diego’s City Council and as acting mayor before being elected to the state Assembly in 2010 and the State Senate in 2016. She is the first person in 150 years to lead both houses of the California Legislature.
During her career, Atkins championed affordable housing, environmental protection, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ causes. She authored California’s constitutional amendment protecting abortion and contraception rights following the Dobbs decision.
The Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast honors the memory of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California, and celebrates his legacy of advocacy for LGBTQ+ equality.
Tickets for the breakfast are available online at www.HarveyMilk.us.
Author
Related Articles
Palm Springs Speaks to open season eight with Go-Go’s co-founder Jane Wiedlin
Wiedlin will discuss her new memoir, perform a few songs and sign books Dec. 8 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
Photographer and Variety editor to be honored at 25th HRC Palm Springs Garden Party
Michael Childers and Marc Malkin will receive awards Nov. 7 at the Dinah Shore Estate. Tickets are available now.
A masquerade will replace the main stage at DAP Health’s 2027 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards
The 33rd annual gala, set for Feb. 20 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, will replace its single headline act with entertainment throughout the room.