Oceanside, CA – On Saturday March 23rd, Assemblywoman Laurie Davies honored the 2024 Women of the Year “Making Herstory” nominees at a reception in Oceanside. The event recognized the valuable contributions of women from California’s 74th Assembly District, celebrating their dedication and impact within their communities. The nominees recognized were:
- Rachel Beld, Vista – Vista Chamber of Commerce CEO, recognized for her dedication to economic development and mentorship of future entrepreneurs.
- Lisa Bechtold, Vista – Chemistry Teacher at Vista High School, recognized for her commitment to education and role as a mentor and inspiration in the Vista Unified School District.
- Denisse Barragan, Vista – Business Owner and Community Advocate, recognized for her active participation in the Vista Chamber of Commerce and support of local education initiatives.
- Louise Balma, Oceanside – City of Oceanside Planning Commissioner, recognized for preserving California’s history through her extensive volunteer work at the California Surf Museum.
- Raye Clendening, Oceanside – Educator and Founder of NCAAWA, Vista Community Clinic-Past President, and Mira Costa College Foundation Board Member, recognized for her extensive service in education and for fostering scholarships and academic growth for women and children.
- Sunita “Sunny” Cooke, Oceanside – Superintendent of Miracosta Community College, recognized for her influential leadership in education and her contributions to business and civic boards.
- Rosa Davis, Vista – Founder of the Gleaning Field Foundation, recognized for her compassionate community outreach and support for the underserved and homeless.
- Eileen Delaney, Fallbrook – Chair of the Fallbrook Planning Group and Chair of the Citizens Law Enforcements Review Board, recognized for her exceptional volunteerism and contributions to the well-being of the Fallbrook community.
- Jeniene Domercq, Fallbrook – Public Utilities Chair of the Fallbrook Planning Group, recognized for her civic engagement and leadership in community development.
- Julia Fister, Oceanside – Executive Director of Studio ACE, recognized for her leadership in the arts and organization of the Valley Arts Festival.
- Gigi Gleason, Oceanside – Community Volunteer, recognized for her impactful volunteerism, serving on the boards of the Tri City Medical Board, Boys and Girls Club of Oceanside, Oceanside Library Foundation, and many more.
- Akina Goodson, Oceanside – Director of Programs for the Network for Exceptional Military Families, and Outreach Coordinator for The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic, recognized for her efforts in delivering health services and creating support networks for veterans and their families.
- Amy Heald, Vista – Former Principal and founder of Springs Charter Schools, recognized for inspiring leadership and the development of the Courage Speaker Series.
- Deborah Howard, Oceanside – Founder and CEO of Life of Liberty Adult Day Program, recognized for her service to individuals with disabilities and community care initiatives.
- Kim Murray, Oceanside – Owner of Beach House Winery and Farm Bureau Member, recognized for her role in local agriculture and business community.
- Grace Redgate, Oceanside – MAAC Volunteer, recognized for her advocacy for economic mobility among historically marginalized groups in San Diego.
- Laurie Shelton, Oceanside – Founder of Lovely Ladies of Oceanside, recognized for fostering a supportive community for women.
- Dr. Anna Serrano, Vista – Ministry Director of Gods Heart Ministry, recognized for her advocacy and resource provision for abused women.
- Jayme Timberlake, Oceanside – Coastal Zone Administrator, recognized for her leadership in coastal preservation and her instrumental role in the Oceanside sand nourishment and retention project.
- Natalie Trevino, Vista – Owner of Twice on Main Street and Vista Chamber of Commerce Member, recognized for her commitment to unifying and serving the Vista community.
Among the nominees, a select few were distinguished with category awards for their exceptional dedication and influence.
Jayme Timberlake was honored with the Excellence in Environmental Stewardship Award for her efforts in preserving the coastal environment of Oceanside.
Lisa Bechtold received the Service to Education Award, acknowledging her inspirational teaching and commitment to her students in Vista.
The Legacy of Leadership and Community Service Award was presented to Raye Clendening, celebrating her four decades of dedication to education and her role in establishing scholarship programs.
Eileen Delaney was awarded the Community Impact Award for her extensive volunteer work that has greatly benefited the Fallbrook community.
Lastly, Louise Balma was recognized with the Service to a Non-Profit Award for her significant contributions to the California Surf Museum, including the organization of their annual gala.
The Woman of the Year event was founded in 1987 by Assemblywoman Bev Hansen (R) and Assemblywoman Sally Tanner (D), who noticed that the California Legislature had no events planned for the month of March, Women’s History Month. In celebration of the contributions to society made by remarkable women throughout California. This yearly event, sponsored and organized by the Women’s Caucus, is greatly anticipated by all Legislators today.
The celebration was held Saturday afternoon at Toasted Gastrobrunch in Oceanside. The Woman of the Year event is sponsored by the California Women’s Caucus and not held at taxpayer expense.
