The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE 2022 WOMEN OF THE YEAR
______
HON. JOHN GARAMENDI
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 2022 Women of the Year. The honorees represent some of the most outstanding and dedicated women in California's 3rd Congressional District. Nominated by their peers, these women are recognized for the integral and crucial roles they play in improving the lives of everyone in their communities. This year marks the 102nd anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed and protected women's constitutional right to vote. In securing the right to vote, suffragists broke through a seemingly impenetrable barrier to women's full and equal citizenship in our country, signaling a new era of equality. Yet, even still today, women still face significant barriers to their rights and liberties from pay discrimination to criminalizing women's reproductive rights. I take heart that each of this year's honorees will be a vital part of the work left to be done to realize women's full equality and rights.
The 2022 Women of the Year are:
Robin Tully is an accomplished businesswoman and dedicated community leader. She is the President and Owner of the Tully Consulting Group, where she brings her civil engineering expertise to bear throughout Northern California. Robin offers valuable knowledge of storm water hydrology, LEED sustainable site design, and environmental protection planning. Robin also serves as the Chair of the Dixon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Her involvement in the community stretches wide, from hosting holiday food drives for Dixon Family Services to participating in Toys for Tots and providing an annual STEM scholarship. Robin is an advocate and supporter of youth extracurricular activities for the community, sponsoring multiple Dixon sporting teams and the Special Olympics event, and is herself a black belt in Karate. Robin is known throughout her community for her outstanding career accomplishments and dedication to serving the people of Dixon.
Linda Van Loben Sels is a lifelong resident of the Sacramento River Delta community of Walnut Grove, a place filled with history, cultural richness, and diversity. She is a passionate and dedicated member of the community who serves on several boards, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to preserving the essence of life on the Delta. Following in her mother's footsteps, Linda serves on the Board of Directors: for the Sacramento River Delta Historical Society, working to educate the public on the importance of the Sacramento River Delta's history. Linda also serves as Treasurer of the North Delta Conservancy, an organization dedicated to conserving, sustaining, and enhancing the cultural, agricultural, recreational, wildlife, and natural habitat resources of the region. She is a member of the Walnut Grove Community Church where she is known as a person of spiritual character, honest reputation, and sound judgment, and serves as a Deacon, providing leadership in areas of stewardship and mission outreach. Linda is known throughout the Delta region for the positive impacts she's made, and Walnut Grove wouldn't be the cherished community it is today without the contributions of her and her family.
Chief Master Sergeant Jennifer Wampler entered the Air Force in 1993 and now serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader at David Grant Medical Center on Travis Airforce Base. She has served on bases across the country and South Korea and deployed in support of Joint Task Force Bravo, Operation New Dawn, and contingency operations in response to Hurricane Maria. In her current position, she is the principal advisor to the commander on all matters impacting the more than 2,500 personnel assigned to David Grant Medical Center. She provides operational guidance to the squadrons delivering medical care and services to over 500,000 active-duty members, retirees, veterans, and their families. Her work is critical to ensuring David Grant provides safe and reliable care to 60th Air Mobility Wing personnel and their families. During the COVID-19 Omicron surge, her operational direction was critical to combating the crisis. She also played a pivotal role in coordinating Travis AFB's participation in the FEMA COVID-19 response, supporting seven hospitals in California and across the nation, treating hundreds of patients, and contributing to the national pandemic response. An exceptional leader, Chief Wampler strives to inspire others through mentorship and advocacy. She fosters a climate of empowerment through knowledge by hosting leadership discussions, providing guidance to enlisted leaders on mission concerns and career development opportunities, serving as a guest speaker for the First Tenn Airman's course, and leading the Senior Enlisted Leader Panel at the Non-
Commissioned Officer Professional Enhancement Seminar. Chief Wampler serves her country with honor and distinction, and her major awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Joint Service Achievement Medal.
Janice Wiseman is an active member of the Sacramento Delta region's vibrant community. She has served her community in several different capacities, including as a Member of the Board for the Dr. Paul Barnes Community Park and the Jean Harvie Community Center as well as a volunteer with Delta Home Tours and countless other local organizations. Janice also served for over 30 years as a council member for her local Parks and Recreation department. While raising three children, she became actively involved with the school PTA and Boosters Club and through her local Rotary Club, Janice opened her home to five foreign exchange students, providing them with tremendous opportunities to experience the culture of American life. Janice is a valued member of her community who continues to serve with dedication and enthusiasm.
Kelly Zimmerman is a community advocate who goes above and beyond what is asked of her. In 2019, Kelly introduced and facilitated the newly chartered Soroptimist International of South Yuba whose mission is to transform the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment, and enabling opportunities. Kelly also facilitates several drives for the Hope Program, which engages businesses to provide pajamas, socks, and shoes to families in need throughout Yuba County. She also uses her exceptional community organizing skills to bring about popular events such as the renaissance foundation, school fundraisers, the annual shred event, and many more. She also designs and runs the community calendar and puts together an annual Women in Real Estate event, bringing together over 100 women for a day of inspiration, awards, and relationship-building. This past year, when Kelly became aware of a community member whose home had a collapsing roof and unlivable conditions, she rallied people together to help their neighbor get back in good health and moved into a new apartment with furnishings donated by the community. This is just one example of the way Kelly combines her compassion and drive to bring about positive outcomes. Kelly continuously demonstrates an outstanding commitment to empowering women and serving those in need.
I congratulate each of them and commend them for their work. I am inspired by them and firmly believe when women succeed, America succeeds.
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 164(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 164(2)
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up