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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:
Jamie Elliott has been a strong advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During the time she worked with the City of Davis Parks and Recreation Department, she initiated a key program to provide social and recreational activities for youth and adults, now known as Adaptive Recreation. She has served as a volunteer coach for the non-profit Team Davis and the Special Olympics Team for the city of Davis as well as conducted several other recreational and educational activities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Yolo County. Jamie serves as a personal caregiver for a number of adults with disabilities who do not have family nearby, ensuring they are engaged in Adaptive Recreation, Team Davis, and other community events. She is known by her peers for her fierce advocacy and compassionate leadership which has touched the lives of countless individuals.
Lieutenant Colonel May Euavijitearoon serves her country in the United States Air Force with distinction. She currently serves as the 60th Maintenance Squadron Commander at Travis Air Force Base, California, where she oversees over 500 military and civilian personnel and the maintenance of over $9.2 billion worth of aircraft and equipment critical to the mission at Travis. Under her command, the unit's achievements include the Air Mobility Command's selection as the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence, the fourth consecutive Maintenance Effectiveness Award, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. In addition to her squadron's accolades, May earned the 60th Air Mobility Wing's Field Grade Officer of the Year in 2019, took command in 2020, and won the wing's Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award in 2021. In addition to her exemplary leadership of the 60th Maintenance Squadron, May has done important work to improve diversity, inclusion, and representation within the Air Force and throughout our community. She was the featured speaker at Beale Air Force Base's 2017 Asia-
Pacific Heritage Month Event, served as the only Asian woman sitting on an aviation discussion panel at the Oakland Aviation Museum's Asia-
Pacific Heritage Month event in 2019. And in 2021, the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers Professional invited her to speak about her degree, Air Force career, and her experience as a minority woman in STEM and the military. May immigrated to the United States from Thailand when she was ten years old, and despite English being her third language, always excelled in school. She earned an AFROTC scholarship to Texas A&M University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and went on to earn her MBA from Wilmington University during her first duty station. May is an outstanding leader who has devoted herself to serving her country and is an inspiration to all who know her.
During Nancy Federle's 23-year teaching career she worked with students at all levels, starting at the St. Catherine of Siena School and moving on to Solano Community College. She has a passion for the arts, having taught art and art history to elementary, middle school, and college students. For six years, she has been an active part of the Solano County Chapter of the Climate Reality Project, focusing on local changes to benefit the environment. Nancy also values civic engagement, serving as the Secretary for the Solano County Democratic Club and the Solano County Action Team where she is an integral part of every event that takes place. During Women's History Month, she works on the social media campaign for the Vacaville People's Forum, ``31 Inspiring Women of Vacaville,'' and volunteers her time with the Solano County League of Women Voters. Nancy is known by all who see her at work for the unparalleled generosity, joy, and collegial spirit she brings to everything she does. She is a role model for outstanding career achievement and civic engagement who inspires all who know her.
Cynthia Fontayne is a committed supporter of nonprofits throughout her community working in the fields of civil and human rights, conservation, healthcare, literacy, and the arts. She served for 10 years on the Yuba-Sutter Arts Council where she obtained and managed NEA grants for The Big Read. She also created the Art Everywhere project and has taught art classes in her community. She served as President of the Packard Library, raising funds and helping to organize programs benefitting community members. Cynthia has worked on addressing food insecurity issues by organizing forums and establishing a program called ``A Simple Gesture'' in Yuba and Sutter Counties. In addition, she staged and publicized Socktober, collecting socks benefitting unhoused persons. Cynthia also worked with Bridges for Housing, a nonprofit that helps place families in permanent housing through physical and online presence. She is a founding member of Marysville 2020 and a member of the Bounce Back Marysville Steering Committee. Professionally, she has served as a board member for the Association of Travel Marketing Executives, the Society of American Travel Writers, the California Travel Association, the North American Airlines PR Association, and the Vassar Alumnae/i council. Cynthia's impact can be seen in every facet of her community through her professional and volunteer work.
Christina Forrest has been a fierce advocate of voting rights, multicultural advancements, and veterans' affairs. She has dedicated years to civic engagement, community activism, and voting rights advocacy. She has worked as an advocate for ending housing discrimination and worked with the Episcopal Diocese of California to organize a forum on housing rights. As a military spouse and veteran, herself, having served eight years in Active-Duty Air Force and two years in the Air Force Reserve, she has advocated tirelessly both locally and nationally on behalf of veterans. During the pandemic, she held zoom calls to educate people on the COVID-19 vaccine and organize donations of critical PPE. She has years of experience with community organizations and has been involved with organizations such as the ACLU, the Democratic Black Caucus, and multiple local Democratic Clubs. As a relatively new California resident, Christina wasted no time in becoming an active member of the Tri-City NAACP and earned the Outstanding Volunteer award for 2020. Christina is known by her peers as an effective leader and dedicated community servant.
Elizabeth Gasang has worked for decades on behalf of charitable and philanthropic initiatives. Through her work with CC Yin's McDonald's, she has helped feed tens of thousands of people in our community by orchestrating donations from hundreds of thousands of donors. Elizabeth's organization of charitable events at the Yin Ranch has supported countless organizations throughout Northern California. Through her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, she coordinated the dissemination of a million units of PPE at a time when they were in short supply. She worked in partnership with regional civic organizations and local city and county municipalities to protect our communities during an unprecedented crisis. She has been instrumental in the success of the Solano County Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs organization, Solano County Asian Americans for Good Government, and the Chinese American Association of Solano County. The lasting impact of her hard work and dedication cannot be overstated.
Sandra Gonzalez currently sits on the board of the Fairfield Community Services Foundation where she has been instrumental in putting on important community events benefitting the underprivileged. One notable event is the annual backpack giveaway that ensures students have the tools they need to successfully begin the school year. The annual Christmas toy giveaway is another way she demonstrates her passion to serve, providing gifts for children, as well as food and coats for the families who benefit. Sandra has also served on the board of the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for many years where she has played an important role in serving local businesses. She is currently the Secretary of the chamber, making a positive impact by helping small businesses meet the requirements established by the government to ensure their success.
Tonya Haddix is an active member of the Rio Linda community and a natural leader who generously volunteers her time with a variety of organizations. As a vital member of the Rio Linda Lions Club, she has actively recruited new members and taken on the role of chair for numerous annual fundraising events benefitting her community. Most recently, she played an integral role in Natomas Cares' efforts benefitting the global organization, Rise Against Hunger, where she helped package 46,000 food boxes for needy families around the world. Tonya has contributed hundreds of hours to the Rio Linda Lions Club where her positive enthusiasm, and positivity make her an asset both to her club and the larger community. She is an exceptional leader whose generosity, humility, and contagious smile make her a trusted friend and beloved community member.
Cathy Hemly and her husband Doug are fifth-generation farmers who are proud stewards of the land that their forefathers farmed during the Gold Rush era. Cathy is a leader and strong advocate for sustainable farming practices, and you will often find her leading a tour of the orchards, educating the community, or helping to run the harvest on their family farm. She is deeply committed to the community, having served as an active member of the Delta Community Design Study group which was developed to identify the community's common goals and priorities in the effort to support and enhance historic Delta towns, referred to as the Delta ``legacy communities.'' Her dedication and compassion have enabled her to become a driving force behind the positive changes taking place in her community and her work will have a lasting impact for years to come. Her outstanding career accomplishments and dedication to the betterment of her community are deserving of this recognition.
Alma Hernandez was raised in Suisun City and has dedicated her life to giving back to her community. She has supported community initiatives that included mentoring troubled youth, raising money for music programs in schools, fundraising for the Boys and Girls Club, and raising breast cancer awareness. Seeing a need for additional support for Latina Women across Solano County, she founded a non-profit organization, Latinas de Solano, where she serves as Executive Director. She is the past President and active member of the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce where she is committed to strengthening local businesses. Alma also belongs to a variety of city committees, foundation boards, county-based business organizations, and youth and young adult mentorship programs. She was elected to the Suisun City Council where she currently serves as Mayor Pro-Tem, advocating on behalf of those she represents. She is an outstanding public servant and a valued member of her community.
Sherry Jasara is an unsung heroine in her community who exemplifies inspirational civic engagement through her unique work, philanthropy, and volunteerism. Sherry enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era where she became a Hospital Corpsman Second Class. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, she worked as a healthcare professional and became a Registered Nurse, before retiring in the Trilogy community of Rio Vista. She is an artist, a mother, a breast cancer survivor, and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ Delta Rainbows. She is also an active member of numerous clubs in her community, including the Trilogy Tennis, Pickleball, and Dog Clubs. She is also a strong advocate for veterans. She is kind and comforting to anyone in Rio Vista who is experiencing pain, illness, home-bound, or in end-of-life care, and has become known as the ``Community Caregiver.'' She is there for anyone in need, riding her bike all over town delivering her beautiful hand-drawn watercolor cards to help bring cheer to people experiencing hardship. She provides comfort in whatever way it is needed, reading or singing to others, holding their hand, providing companionship, medical advice, or a listening ear. She makes everyone feel as if she is their guardian angel. She is dedicated to supporting and bringing together those who may feel isolated and providing them with the opportunity and inspiration to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Sherry's positivity and generous spirit have touched the lives of countless people in need.
Amy Kahn has dedicated herself to helping patients with Multiple Sclerosis to receive the care they need and achieve a higher standard of living. Amy is a specialty healthcare consultant, working in the pharmacy division of one of the Nation's largest healthcare companies providing critical medications for the treatment of MS. In just over three years at her current position, she has been promoted to a Field Sales Trainer, served on the National Advisory Board, and won the highest President's Club recognition for her work. She chose to further her professional development through the UC Davis Annex Human Resources Certification Program and shows tremendous commitment to the patients in her work. She goes above and beyond to help any patient in need, from helping the under-insured to secure new sources of funding for medications to assisting patients with mobility and transportation challenges and in navigating their insurance benefits. Amy also serves on the Northern California Multiple Sclerosis Society Board of Trustees and the Dinner of Champions Committee, which raises over half a million dollars each year for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year, Amy was chosen to represent Northern California as a Delegate to the 2022 National Multiple Sclerosis Society Annual Leadership Conference and continues to be an active volunteer at local MS events, such as Waves to Wine Bike MS and Climb MS. Amy has served as the corporate Team Captain for the MS Walks in Sacramento, Reno, and Folsom where she helped raise funds and foster morale.
Kathie Kalafatis is the Founder and CEO of Clean Air Solutions Inc., a company that designs and installs clean rooms for the fabrication and manufacturing of scientific and medical equipment. Kathie is one of a handful of women in this industry and has earned recognition from the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology ``for her contribution to the evolution of modular cleanrooms.'' Kathie has lived in Fairfield for over 20 years where she and her husband raised two children. In addition to her successful company, she has written three children's books, the first of which is a tribute to her children. Her books offer a message of hope and perseverance, and she is often invited to do public readings for children throughout her community. Kathie is also an advocate for women's rights, often attending rallies and sharing her passion through her paintings which depict the strength of women in the face of oppression. Seeing the need for women to come together in support of one another, Kathie created the ``OWLS'' Group
(Offering Women Love and Support), a monthly gathering of women sharing inspirational messages of support and comradery. Kathie's kindness, wisdom, and positivity make her an inspiration to others, and she has a talent for motivating others to join her in serving her community.
Carol Kalamaras spent her career of over 30 years as a librarian and classroom teacher. When she retired from teaching, she became active with the California Retired Teachers Association, serving for over 12 years on the board, and several as co-president. Through her advocacy with California RTA, she works on many issues but has a keen focus on Social Security reform. Her main target for legislative change is the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset which currently harm teachers and widows throughout California and other states. Carol frequently travels to Washington, DC, to meet with my colleagues and advocate on this issue. She is also passionate about equal pay for women, drawing attention to the many women who pause or delay their careers to care for their children and end up diminishing their retirement benefits. This has affected countless women who work in education and other industries, and Carol continues to fight for Social Security reform that would help fill that gap. Through her volunteer work, she also manages the California Retired Teachers Association's scholarship programs providing funds to students in teaching credential programs. She also continues her work as a substitute teacher in the Fairfield-Suisun School District where she continues to have a positive impact on students' lives. Carol acts as a mentor to many and a friend to all and gives tirelessly to her community.
Christine Katzenmeyer is a tireless community servant who has exhibited great commitment and dedication to the Dixon Unified School District. Her continuous service has been unmatched and greatly appreciated by teachers and administrators alike. Over the years, Christine has served on numerous site councils and district-wide advisory committees where she works to ensure her community's schools are the best they can be. For 14 years, she has been a consistent participant in the district Destination Imagination program, working with individuals and groups on an annual basis to help students discover their potential. Christine has also worked diligently to support the Dixon High School Water Polo Team by organizing and hosting fundraisers for the team as well as annual scholarships given to Dixon High School students. Her current work as a Solano County COVID liaison with both Dixon and Vacaville schools helps ensure our students receive the best school experience possible during a difficult time. Her service to the Dixon community has had an impact on countless students and families.
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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