The Chinese saying “women hold up half the sky” supports gender equality. Often truncated to “half the sky,” the phrase has been used as a title for television episodes, news articles, and organizations advocating for women’s rights. As we celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Sheep, Ram, or Goat, I thought the phrase would also be an appropriate blog title to honor a few of the female CEOs who are leading some of the most innovative companies here in Fremont. These women and others like them are doing their part to keep Fremont’s economic engines firing.

Hannah Kain, Founder and CEO, ALOM — Founded in 1997, ALOM is a global leader in supply chain management. In February 2015, Ms. Kain was named a recipient of the esteemed YWCA Tribute to Women Award. This award recognizes the achievements of top-level Silicon Valley executives in a variety of industries.

Christine Liang, Founder and President, ASI Corp — Founded in 1987, ASI is a computer components distribution company with over 100 employees in Fremont. In 2013, the San Francisco Business Times listed Christine Liang No. 1 on its Top 5 Women-Owned Businesses in the Bay Area.

Noreen King, President and CEO, Evolve Manufacturing Technologies — Founded in 1999, Evolve Manufacturing Technologies is a contract manufacturer specializing in medical, life sciences, and industrial equipment market. In December 2014, Evolve opened their new headquarters in Fremont. Fremont is delighted to welcome Evolve to the City’s Innovation Ecosystem.

Emily Liggett, CEO, NovaTorque — Founded in 2005, NovaTorque is a cleantech company focused on creating innovative, cost-effective, and energy-efficient conical-shaped electric motors. A 2006 Energy Efficiency Finalist in the Cleantech Open, NovaTorque has been innovating and sharpening their technology in Fremont for the last ten years.

These are just a handful of the strong women leaders in Fremont. This month, Smart Asset listed Fremont the third-best paying city for women in tech, with a gender pay gap earning ratio of 87% and the only Bay Area city in the top 15 cities.

In the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of the Sheep honors loyalty, hard work, and steadfastness. It only seems fitting that we highlight the achievements of Fremont’s female CEOs to ring in the New Year.