sheri stockdale

Sheri Stockdale

Sheri Stockdale, a part-time instructor of dance in Diablo Valley College’s Physical Education Department for the past 14 years, has been named to the Contra Costa Women’s Hall of Fame for 2012.

The Women’s Hall of Fame was established by the county Board of Supervisors in 1997, under the sponsorship of Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier and the Women’s Advisory Committee, now known as the Contra Costa Commission for Women. The Hall of Fame acknowledges those exceptional, multi-faceted women who have enhanced life in Contra Costa County through their careers and volunteer activities. The honorees have made a difference through their efforts toward equity, innovation, service or achievement in commerce or community outreach.

Nominations are open to any woman who resides or works in Contra Costa County, or have played an integral part in the development and/or implementation of a project or projects that have benefited Contra Costa County. Members of the Contra Costa Commission for Women and the Board of Supervisors are not eligible for nomination. 

Stockdale has also taught at Solano Community College for 32 years. She has a lifetime Community College Teaching Credential in Dance, earned after many years as a professional dancer. She has performed, choreographed, and directed musical theatre productions in Contra Costa County for the past 33 years. She has worked on projects for The Willows Theater, Pleasanton Playhouse, Tri-Valley Rep, Solano and Diablo Valley Theaters, Contra Costa Musical Theater, Diablo Light Opera Company, and Diablo Theater Company.

sheri stockdale class“I am extremely surprised to be given this honor,” Stockdale said. “For me, choreographing musicals is a complete joy. This honor is the icing on the cake.”

Stockdale is the winner of the “Women Contributing to the Arts” award for promoting the expression of the performing arts, visual arts and literary arts.

Other winners include:

  • Women Demonstrating Leadership - Ellen Osmundson and Sisleide “Sissi” de Amor Lima
  • Women Creating Community - Mayra Padilla 
  • Women Preserving the Environment -Christina Batt
  • Women Improving Health Care - Cindy Gershein
  • Women Innovating in Science/Technology - Victoria Acquistapace
  • Women Working for Justice - Rhonda James


This bi-annual event is held in March to coincide with the celebration of Women’s History Month. This year’s eleventh annual Women’s Hall of Fame Awards Dinner will be held Thursday, March 22, at the Concord Crowne Plaza, beginning with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the program at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person, or $600 for a table of 10, and must be reserved by March 15. For more information, contact Cahir Carlyn Obringer at 925-324-9595, or womenscommission@gmail.com.