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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 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:
Tracy Lahr is a dedicated and passionate teacher who has touched the lives of countless students. Several of her students took the time to write letters nominating her as a Woman of the Year, :describing her as loving, thoughtful, kind, supportive, uplifting, encouraging, and so much more. Their stories describe a woman who goes above and beyond to engage each and every one of her students, providing a supportive presence in their life as well as an inspirational force pushing them to pursue their passions and excel in school and beyond. Tracy teaches Drama, Show Choir, and Leadership classes at Lower Lake High School where students say she never stops working hard on their behalf. She encourages students to become involved in the performing arts and to grow their leadership skills. Her work makes the school a more vibrant place for every student and helps many discover new talents and interests. Tracy truly cares about the health and well-being of each of her students and makes an effort to connect with every one of them, offering support whenever it is needed. Educators play such a critical role in our communities and the lives of every young person. Tracy is an exceptional teacher who is a shining example of what it means to be a positive force in a student's life. While her school is surely sorry to see her retire from teaching, it is well-earned through her years of dedication to her students.
Jill LeVake Abruzzini is an agricultural consultant and youth advocate who is an integral member of her community. She is a third-
generation member of California Women for Agriculture and has served as a representative for the involvement of young women in agriculture in a variety of capacities. After graduating college, Jill went on to become one of the youngest women Pest Control Advisers in the state. As not only the youngest but one of only a handful of women in this male-
dominated profession, one of her greatest accomplishments in the role has been mentoring other young women. She was invited to share her experiences as a panelist for the Grow by FarmHer event at the World Ag Expo and served as a member of the Cal Poly Crop Science Advisory Board. Over the past two decades, she has served in a variety of leadership positions and was recently promoted to Western Marketing Manager with Corteva AgriScience, overseeing operations in nine western states. She has dedicated her entire adult life to helping farmers with their crop protection needs and can frequently be found walking orchards, advising growers on how to manage pests and bring in a healthy crop. In addition to her professional accomplishments and active community involvement, she has three children who share her passions and are active in sports, 4-H and FFA. Her strong commitment to youth in the Yuba-Sutter area is demonstrated by her active involvement and leadership in 4-H and FFA programs. She serves on the Yuba Sutter Junior Livestock Auction Committee and has been a Governor appointee to the Yuba-Sutter Fair Board for six years. Jill is an integral member of the Yuba-Sutter agricultural community and an inspirational mentor for young women in agriculture.
Emily Lo is a dedicated first responder who has spent 31 years as a firefighter, excelling in a career that has not always welcomed women. She immigrated to the United States with her family in 1981 and after attending Solano Community College Fire Academy, was hired by the City of Fairfield Fire Department. A year and a half later, she joined the Davis Fire Department, where she has served ever since. Since then, she has earned an Associate of Science in Fire Technology from American River College, and a Bachelor of Science in Fire Service Management from California State University, Sacramento. She was promoted to Fire Captain in 2002, and in February 2022, after 31 years in the fire service, she became the first female and Asian-American Battalion Chief in Davis Fire Department history. The dedication and strength needed to serve for 31 years as a firefighter is impressive for anyone, but even more so for a minority woman working in a field dominated by men. Throughout her decades-long fire service career, she has been an active member of her union, Davis Firefighters Local 3494, serving as its Treasurer. She also serves as Co-Chair and Commissioner to the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee's Commission to recruit women for the fire service, helping to mentor and encourage young female firefighters. She also volunteers every year during the Davis Firefighter's ``Fill-the-Boot'' Thanksgiving Basket program and gives her time working with a local non-profit organization supporting breast cancer survivors. Through her unselfish service, integrity, strength, and humility, she is an inspiration to all who know her.
Olga Martin Steele is a strong and selfless leader. She is a member of Soroptimist International of Clear Lake where she has served twice as president, bringing new ideas and energy to the group as they serve women in need. She has also served on the Board of Directors as Public Relations Officer and has authored many publications honoring the members, events, and the club's purpose. Olga is a founding member of the Lake County Silver Foundation which was formed to help close funding gaps for senior programs facing budget shortfalls. She has served as the foundation's secretary since 2017 working to successfully serve seniors throughout Lake County. Olga is also a member of the all-
volunteer Lake County Community Radio 98.1 FM to support freedom of speech platform and community radio where she is currently serving her 3rd term as President of the Board of Directors, responsible for budget setting, fund development, and policy making. Beyond this Olga also serves as a radio programmer of ``Voices of Lake County'' where she hosts and produces a list of weekly public affairs and public interest stories. Olga is a dedicated community servant who brings skilled leadership to all she does.
Christa McClure is a dedicated community servant who works tirelessly to improve the lives of people throughout her community. She is currently the Acting Executive Director of Tri-County Respite Care Service, Inc. where she oversees a staff of more than 100 respite care workers and administrative staff. Tri-County Respite Care Service is a non-profit organization serving Yuba, Sutter, Colusa, Nevada, and Placer counties. Under her leadership, the organization provides critical support to caregivers of families with special needs and works to improve the lives of disabled individuals through increased self-
reliance. Christa has also worked in non-profit housing and assisted in the development and implementation of the State Healthcare Exchanges in Montana and Colorado which were created under the Affordable Care Act. Since 2019, Christa has served in many capacities on the Casa De Esperanza Board of Directors where she has generously donated her time to ensure the health of this important organization. Christa has dedicated years to working with others to improve her community through advocacy, philanthropy, and public service work. She is also a loving wife, mother of 8 children, and grandmother of 5 grandsons, and is a wonderful role model to all who know her.
Dr. Frances McCullough is a lifelong educational professional committed to community enrichment and supporting literacy and learning in Solano County. Frances founded the Solano County Commission for Women and Girls to improve the economic status, health and social welfare, and overall quality of life for women and girls in Solano County. She is involved with the National Council of Negro Women, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is President of the Solano Community College Educational Foundation, and is a member of the Solano County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, where she is founding and coordinating a youth academy for Solano County. Frances is most well known for her work with the Solano County Library Foundation where she is a member of the Board of Directors. In her retirement, Frances has been an active and dedicated community servant, helping with the founding of childcare services, founding the Friends of the Library, organizing a civic and social club for African Americans, organizing an annual Black History Program, and leading a Food Bank to feed countless county residents. Her civic involvement and volunteer work have been honored many times over the years. She has been named Grand Marshal for the City of Fairfield's 4th of July Independence Day Parade, Wednesday Club Volunteer of the Month, Tri-
City NAACP Medal of Freedom recipient, Honorary Commander at Travis Air Force Base, Special Ambassador for California Assemblymember Jim Frazier, Solano County Northern Democrat of the Year, and Woman of the Year for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's Solano Valley Chapter. Frances treats volunteer work as her civic duty and serves her community with generosity and humility.
Danette Mitchell is an Opinion Columnist for The Vacaville Reporter and a fierce advocate on a variety of important social issues. She is passionate about elevating Black voices throughout Solano County, ensuring their perspective is heard and represented. Danette has faithfully served as the Tri-City NAACP Communications, Press, and Publicity Committee Chair since 2017 where she monitors local and national 'media for issues and concerns impacting the Black Community. In that role she works to counteract derogatory and erroneous statements in local news media about African Americans and other minority groups, issuing press releases and statements on behalf of the Tri-City NAACP. Danette also serves as an advocate for missing and exploited African Americans. She has partnered with other Solano County residents, hosting a Human Trafficking Awareness event in Vallejo, a city that reports the highest incidence of human trafficking in Solano County. In 2021, Danette interviewed the national Black and Missing Foundation founders featured in the ``Black and Missing'' documentary series hosted by journalist Soledad O'Brien. Danette also served as the planning committee co-chair and member for Vacaville's Inaugural Black History Celebration and subsequent Annual Black History Celebration. Danette is an important voice in our community helping to lift others up and celebrate an important community that does not always receive adequate representation.
Jessica Moser is a tremendous leader that touches many lives of those throughout our district and beyond. Jessica works as a Material Coordinator for Vertex Aerospace, delivering aircraft parts and equipment in support of the KC-JOA Extender aerial refueling tanker at Travis Air Force Base. Beyond her work, Jessica was the President of the Travis Spouse's Club and is the Lead Key Spouse for the 660 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Travis AFB. As President of the Travis Spouse's Club, she was able to network with base personnel, their dependents, and the local community to help care for all personnel and families assigned to Team Travis. She has mentored more than 146 dependents, 85 of whom were dealing with their first deployment overseas. Jessica captained the logistics for Operation Homefront, Operation Proud Farewell, Operation Cookie Drop, the Cost of Courage Foundation, Wreaths Across America, a Holiday Meals military food drive, and a JROTC uniform drive. Jessica also brought her leadership to a global effort when she led an ``End Polio'' community project. Her team coordinated four fundraisers that generated $24 thousand, securing 65 million vaccines, and directly contributing to the goal of worldwide eradication of polio. Jessica was also pivotal in supporting deployed members across the Department of Defense during the Afghanistan Non-
combatant Evacuation Operation. She rallied the community and sponsors to help build care packages, easing the stress of service members during the largest rescue in history. Jessica is an active volunteer with a variety of national and local non-profits bringing resources to military families. Her dedication to service members and their families and her commitment to service before self have been recognized before when she was named the Air Force Nominee for the Department of Defense Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award.
Amy Nore is an inspirational leader in her community who exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader throughout every aspect of her life. In her role as Community Engagement & Emergency Response Administrator for the Yuba County Office of Education, Amy is the face of the Yuba County Office of Education. She actively participates in every community event in both Yuba and Sutter counties, not only representing the Office of Education, but also volunteering her time alongside her husband, children, and her children's families. One of the most difficult roles she has taken on was helping to lead the Yuba County Office of Education through the unprecedented and turbulent times of the COVID-19 pandemic, but she led with bravery and grace. Amy is also involved in many community organizations, such as the Yuba Sutter Task Force, Blue Zones, Yuba Sutter Food Bank, SAYLove, Marysville Art Club, Yuba Sutter Colusa United Way, Yuba Sutter Chamber of Commerce, and South Yuba County Rotary. Amy is an active leader in her community, generously giving her time to countless events and organizations.
Doreen Osumi is a compassionate and dedicated leader in the public school system. She currently serves as the Yuba City Unified School District Superintendent where her work and mentorship have impacted countless individuals in the field of education. Her leadership has not only benefitted every student in the district but has played an important role in mentoring the next generation of public educators. Taking leadership of a community beset by wildfires, unsafe air quality, floods, and the global COVID-19 pandemic, Doreen has risen to meet the moment. She has helped her community cope with the environmental challenge and compensate for the difficulties of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic all the while expressing her passion for public education.
Doriss Panduro is an outstanding leader and public servant in the Solano County community. A lifelong resident of Fairfield, she has become involved with a wide variety of community-based organizations, nonprofits, and grassroots advocacy groups to give back and be of service to the city that raised her. Doriss is a board member of APAPA Solano County Chapter and board member and past president of the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Doriss has served in various public relations roles where she has connected individuals to resources locally and at the State level. She has also worked for three State legislators in the district and State capitol serving her community, She has been a huge advocate for small businesses and the Hispanic community throughout Solano County. This depth and breadth of experience have contributed to her success as a Fairfield City Councilwoman where she has had the opportunity to touch the lives of everyone in the City of Fairfield.
Courtney Payne is a compassionate community advocate who demonstrates selflessness in all that she does. She is a licensed insurance agent and focuses on helping people navigate Medicare and other healthcare options as well as creating, building, and protecting their retirement. Through her work, she has become a phenomenal advocate for seniors throughout her community. Prior to working in insurance, Courtney worked in the field of psychology, helping children on the autism spectrum. Motivated by her experiences as a single parent and the needs she saw in others, she began her passion project, Threads to Thrive, an organization that provides business attire to men and women who cannot otherwise afford professional attire needed for interviews and new employment. This assistance helps remove a barrier to employment and improves confidence for many community members. Courtney also gives her time volunteering with a wide variety of other community organizations and nonprofits where she is known for her hard work and generosity.
Darelyn Pazdel is a dedicated and passionate role model to everyone in her community. She is the current Director of Workforce Inclusion, Community Integration, and Transportation for PRIDE Industries, an organization that works to create employment for people with disabilities. Darelyn is a fierce advocate for people of all abilities, consistently demonstrating her belief that all people have talent, and that when people of all abilities know they are respected and have an opportunity to contribute, they can reach their full potential. Darelyn has also been a part of the Fairfield Suisun Chamber of Commerce for over a decade where she currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors. Along with the 'amazing work she does in her professional capacity, she is an advocate for her community and gives back in any way she can. Darelyn is known as both a champion for small businesses as well as a strong advocate for individuals with disabilities in our community.
I congratulate each of them and commend them for their work. I am inspired by them and firmly believe when women succeed, America succeeds!
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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.
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