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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:
Yvonne Perkins is being honored as one of California's 3rd Congressional District's Women of the Year. Yvonne is a devoted leader who has been a key part of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. She has played an integral role in embodying the nation's mission by caring for families and her community, strengthening their culture, and promoting self-governance and economic independence for future generations. Yvonne currently sits on the Tribal Council for the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation as well as the Community Fund and several other Tribal committees. While working in these roles, she has played an important part in assisting the Yolo Food Bank fund their Yolo Grown program, Holiday Food Events, and was integral to the Tribe's $2.5 million donation to the Capital Campaign which helped fund the construction of a new food bank facility. Her work with the Community Fund maintains partnerships with over 400 diverse organizations throughout the county State, and country. Yvonne works to continue a philanthropic legacy that has granted more than $38 million in funding to support programs and initiatives dedicated to assisting communities in need. In every role she has taken, she has always been a strong advocate for organizations serving the needs of the people throughout Yolo County. Yvonne is a vital member of the community whose leadership and service to others are an inspiration to all who meet her.
Laura Proctor is the Coordinator for Solano County's Project Linus Chapter, and her passion and hard work have turned this small, but dedicated group into a full-scale operation. A lifelong crocheter, she has always enjoyed making blankets, but Project Linus became a place where she could put her hobby to work for an important cause. Under her leadership, the Solano County chapter of Project Linus achieves its mission to ``provide love, a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need'' through the gifts of new handmade blankets, lovingly created by volunteer ``blanketeers.'' After taking the helm in 2011, she set up chapter meetings, collected all the blankets made by the local volunteers, and distributed them throughout Solano County to any organizations that would have contact with a child who might be in need. Since the organization's inception, over 30,000 blankets have been lovingly made by hand, donated, and distributed to children throughout Solano County. Following the LNU Lightning Complex fire that devastated Vacaville in 2020, Laura reached out to individual families and provided personalized blankets. While Project Linus couldn't rebuild their homes, Laura knew it could provide warm comfort during troubling times. Laura has worked tirelessly with her team of blanketeers to ensure that as many children in Solano County and beyond receive that comfort. Laura's commitment and compassion are inspiring to all who know her.
Tonya Racasner is the Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist at the 60th Air Mobility Command at Travis Air Force Base. She guides operations for three sections, media operations, command information, and community engagement for Air Mobility Command's largest mobility wing. Tonya manages a 16-member communications team, directly supervising six civilian employees, and was instrumental in the team earning 18 higher headquarters awards as well as 14 Wing Staff Agency accolades. She also serves as an advisor to the Commander, senior staff, and external leaders. Tonya is the backbone of critical wing civic leader engagements with the communities surrounding Travis Air Force Base. She has actively coordinated more than three dozen meetings between base and local leaders, fostering stakeholder support for military spousal license reciprocity as well as KC-46 Pegasus operations. She has led four congressional delegate visits through which she has communicated U.S. Air Force quality of life issues and promoted the significance of the 60th Air Mobility Wing mission to elected officials. In 2009, Tonya was appointed as the Acting Deputy Director of Public Affairs in addition to overseeing the Public Affairs budget and working as the Chief of the Media Division on space programs. She has also volunteered with the Solano County Health Department, promoting health awareness and resources to more than 1,000 health fair attendees. Tonya is an invaluable member of the Travis team and a critical part of the Solano community.
Xochitl Rodriguez Murillo has distinguished herself through her service to Woodland, Yolo County, and the State of California. She is dedicated to serving our communities and has left a lasting impact on future generations. In 2016, she broke a glass ceiling for the Latinx community when she ran for local office and became the first Latina to serve as Mayor of the City of Woodland. Xochitl hoped to become an inspiration to others of her generation and future generations to run for office. In 2018, she was instrumental in the passage of the City's first Proclamation in support of the LGBTQ+ community, and in 2020 she contributed to the passage of city and school board measures that support individuals throughout her community. In 2019, she was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as Deputy Secretary for Minority and Underrepresented Veterans at the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Xochitl enjoys public service and advocating for underserved communities. She is currently embarking on projects in support of Yolo County women, youth development programs, and public safety. She is invested in learning the needs of her community and seeking solutions that promote improvements in the quality of life of all those she can reach through her advocacy. Xochitl can often be found giving her time to local schools to inspire K-12 students; participating in Spanish-led presentations to parents seeking local, State, and Federal resources; assisting with citizenship applications; donating Christmas gifts to children of immigrant families; helping women get elected to State and local offices; volunteering during veteran's holidays and fundraisers; and assisting with efforts to help mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lisa Rowland Brasher is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jelly Belly Candy Company, a fifth-generation candy maker, and the first female to hold both titles. Continuing her family's 151-year tradition of candy manufacturing, Lisa has been vital in helping the family-owned company grow into the worldwide sensation it is today. Over the years, Lisa has led company efforts to support local and national charities, including the company's initiatives to support wounded military veterans and their families through the Camo Beans charity program. Her strength and perseverance are infectious, making her an inspiration to all who know her. Her dedication to giving back to the community demonstrates her selfless nature that serves to enrich the lives of those around her. She currently serves on the board of the National Confectioners Association and is a member of the Western Candy Conference. Additionally, she is a proud supporter of Leaven Kids, a non-profit organization benefiting youth in the Fairfield community through faith and education. Lisa exemplifies Solano County's fortitude and resilience. Her in-depth knowledge and work ethic displayed throughout her career is reflected in her everyday life, making her an exceptional leader and role model to others. In 2018, Lisa was inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor in the candy manufacturing world. In her acceptance speech, Lisa stated, ``I am coming to realize that my passions and motivations are my strengths. That it's not about filling my dad's shoes, but rather about planting my feet right alongside them and adding my own unique leadership to our family history.'' This comment truly represents Lisa's courage, commitment to her family's legacy, and determination to make her mark on her family's company.
Dr. Rachel Russo is a Major in the United States Air Force, serving as an Active Duty trauma surgeon at the UC Davis Medical Center while stationed at Travis Air Force Base. Since joining the Air Force in 2007 and completing medical school in 2011, she has become a recognized national leader in trauma surgery, earning recognitions such as the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma's top Military Future Trauma Leader and the Elks National Foundation Alum of the year. Driven by the experiences of military trauma surgeons serving in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, Dr. Russo has spent the last eight years conducting surgical research with the military to develop new methods of saving lives on the battlefield and here at home. Dr. Russo and her colleagues at Travis AFB developed the Partial REBOA technique which works to keep patients suffering from internal bleeding alive until they reach a surgeon. In 2017, she adapted its use for obstetrics, becoming the first in the U.S. to use it to save a mother and her unborn child. Her approach has been called revolutionary and is now used around the world. Dr. Russo now works with other hospitals to establish programs using this method to stop fatal bleeding in pregnant women. She also serves as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at UC Davis and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, an instructor for American College of Surgeons courses, and the Surgical Director of the Combat Casualty Care Research Program at David Grant Medical Center. She is a member of the National Healthcare Disaster Expert panel, an Air Force Critical Care Air Transport Team leader, and contributes to the military's Joint Trauma System Committee on Surgical Combat Casualty Care. Dr. Russo is an individual of exemplary character, a loving mother of two, and an incredible member of our community.
Julie Sandino is an active member of the Sacramento River Delta community of Walnut Grove, a place filled with history, cultural richness, and diversity. She has a passion for restoring and preserving natural habitats and historical architecture throughout California, devoting her time to bringing special historical places back to life. Julie is known for her talent in developing beautiful venues she enjoys sharing with others. Most recently, she and her husband have partnered with the Grassland Environmental Education Center to offer their ranch as a place for students to learn about nature, conservancy, and sustainable agriculture. Julie is also the Founder and President of her own consulting film that has provided event coordinating and fundraising expertise to a variety of public, private, and non-profit organizations for over 30 years. Julie has also spent her life dedicated to civic engagement, becoming involved in local, State, and national initiatives, a value she shares with her husband and has proudly passed on to her children. The positive impact she and her family have had on the Delta community and throughout the State of California will be felt for generations.
Lynne Secrist is a dedicated community servant, educator, and musician whose positive impact can be felt throughout her community. Lynne was a music teacher in the Winters Joint Unified School District for 30 years, teaching a range of ages and types of music. As well as learning a musical skill, her students come away with confidence and a sense of belonging due to her encouragement and inclusivity. Beyond her teaching, Lynne spent years producing ``A Note of Elegance,'' where she brought together musicians throughout the community to perform and raise money to support musical education. Lynne's efforts over the years can be felt in Winters' vibrant music scene, where she has organized adult vocal ensembles, community choruses for annual holiday tree-lighting events, and many other cherished musical traditions in her community. Lynne is also a member of the Guerilla Gardeners, a group that volunteers their time to beautify public spaces. She can also always be found helping out at the many festivals enjoyed in Winters and leads by example, encouraging others to join in serving their community. She is known to all her peers as someone who will never hesitate to lend a helping hand. Her dedication to the betterment of her community and generous spirit are an inspiration to all who meet her.
Dr. Aimee Sisson's outstanding work is visible to all who live, work, attend school, and visit Yolo County. In the fall of 2020, Aimee became the Yolo County Health Officer and guided her county through one of the most challenging times in recent history. As COVID-19 therapeutics, antivirals, and vaccines became available, Dr. Sisson worked to prioritize and protect the most vulnerable, while disseminating truthful and accurate information, always putting the goal of saving lives before all else. Those working alongside her on the COVID response teams appreciated that she always made time for staff and their priorities. She attended daily meetings with staff working in key areas such as vaccinations and school safety to provide guidance and clarity, as well as to gauge how staff managed high levels of stress. In a time of great division in the country, State, and even locally, Aimee continually bridged that divide, both at the individual level, as well as with partner agencies. Her leadership, care, and compassion have never wavered as Yolo County moves into the recovery phase of the pandemic. She also serves as part of a leadership team within the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency, working to support staff in recovering from three challenging years of pandemic response. In this role, Aimee looks for innovations that will have a measurable impact on healing staff and improving the work environment of HHSA. She is a leader in her workplace and a trusted authority throughout Yolo County. No single person has had a greater impact on the COVID-19 pandemic response in Yolo County than Dr. Aimee Sisson.
Dr. Arika Spencer-Brown is an exceptional leader who has over twenty-
five years of experience in teaching and education administration at the early education, primary, secondary, and collegiate levels. She holds an undergraduate degree in Child Development from Sacramento State University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University. She has a profound understanding of equitable education, diversity, and inclusion practices, and fosters positive community partnerships in her work to increase educational opportunities for young people. As the Director of College and Career Pathways, her passion for helping people helps her create endless opportunities for the organization's students through access to higher education and career pathway partnerships. She was instrumental in assisting to facilitate healing racial conversations in the wake of the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. She brought the perspective of her lived experience as a woman of color and her expertise in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion to these conversations that helped countless women advocate for positive change around the country. Arika has also been a proud alumnus of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for 29 years and currently works with the Vallejo Alumnae Chapter to serve the community through social action and education. She also serves on the Site Council for Angelo Rodriguez High School where she assists in developing plans for student achievement and monitors budgetary concerns. Her outstanding career accomplishments and dedication to serving her community make her an inspiration to all who know her.
Mary Stutts is a skilled leader in the field of diversity and inclusion. She currently serves as the Global Chief Inclusion and Health Equity Officer at Real Chemistry where she is a member of the company's Executive Leadership Team. Prior to her position there, Mary was the Chief Inclusion & Health Equity Officer at Stanford Health Care. While serving at Stanford Health Care, she curated the Inclusive Leadership Workshop designed to develop executives capable of leading and growing organizations while creating transformations that address racial and social injustice and inequity amongst all stakeholders. Mary also led Genentech's Diversity in Clinical Trials initiative to increase the representation of people of color and women in clinical trials. Beyond her influential work in her professional life, Mary is a champion for her community who enthusiastically helps those in need. She has been an active part of her church for over 35 years and had been an intricate part of the ministry leadership. Through this, she has supported, nurtured, and developed youth and professionals looking to build their leadership potential. This work inspired her to found the Excellent Life Center, a nonprofit focused on developing underrepresented youth and women aspiring to leadership positions. Mary is a dedicated community servant whose leadership and mentorship will leave a lasting impact for years to come.
Pamela Thompson is a proud Yuba City resident and accomplished community leader. Upon graduation from California State University, Sacramento, Pamela began her career as an administrator with the State of California. In 1993, Pamela and her husband organized the Good Seed Church of God in Christ. Upon her retirement from public service, Pamela became the church's Administrative Assistant and Community Events Coordinator, gathering community support to create important activities and events. For over 30 years, Pamela's church has come together to serve those in need. During the holidays, her congregation organizes a ``Blessings in the Park'' event providing Christmas gifts for over 300 children, and works to feed the homeless population. Pamela also helps run a Community Soup Kitchen and was instrumental in the development of the ``House of Luke'' shelter for men. If there is a need in her community, Pamela always finds a way to address it. She is often sought out by community leaders for her input on civic matters impacting people throughout Yuba City and surrounding areas. She is also a well-known local artist who uses her art to reflect the cultural diversity of Yuba City. She is a compassionate and dedicated community servant always finding ways to help 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!
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 164(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 164(2)
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