Volume 166, No. 194 covering the 2nd Session of the 116th Congress (2019 - 2020) was published by the Congressional Record.
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.
“HONORING THE 2020 WOMEN OF THE YEAR” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1027-E1030 on Nov. 16, 2020.
More than half of the Agency's employees are engineers, scientists and protection specialists. The Climate Reality Project, a global climate activist organization, accused Agency leadership in the last five years of undermining its main mission.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE 2020 WOMEN OF THE YEAR
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HON. JOHN GARAMENDI
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, November 16, 2020
Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 2020 Women of the Year. The honorees represent some of the most outstanding and dedicated women in the 3rd Congressional District. Nominated by their peers, these women and the leadership they have provided are being recognized for playing an integral and crucial role in improving the lives of everyone in their communities. This year, we mark the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women's constitutional right to vote. Since then, our nation has seen women take great strides in every American industry from business to politics to the arts. This progress has not come easy and many women who have come before have worked hard and strived to achieve the independence and rights women have today. Though there is more work to be done to ensure that women have equal pay, flexible work schedules, and affordable education, each of the honorees will be a vital part of the of the work to get there.
2020's Women of the Year are:
Judi Booe is a long-time community supporter whose impact is seen and felt by many. As a semi-retired administrative staff member for the Collinsville Levee District, Judi works closely with community members and vendors. Formerly a resident of both Las Vegas, NV and Richmond, VA, Judi's community influence has followed wherever she has been. She is a supporter and board member of many local nonprofits in her community, including the Solano Symphony, Child Haven, Habitat for Humanity, the Vaca Arts Council, and so many others. Her dedication, compassion, and expertise make her well suited to the work she does assisting non-profits to review their by-laws and maintain crucial records. Judi has a generous heart and is the first to offer guidance or direction in any given situation. She leads by example in every setting and is an inspiration to all her peers. Her drive and generosity have earned her numerous awards, including the Solano Symphony League 2015 Volunteer of the Year, the Women's Club of Summerlin 2004 Award of Excellence, Habitat for Humanity Volunteer of the Year, and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Citizen of the Year award. Judi's leadership has made a positive impact on non-
profits and community organizations across the country.
Wendy Breckon is a dedicated public servant who is tirelessly committed to improving her community. Wendy began her public service as an environmental specialist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, before deciding to pursue a law degree. As an attorney, she continued her governmental work, both prosecuting and defending administrative cases for state agencies, and reviewing contracts. She recently retired as an Administrative Law Judge for the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board. She is an expert on employer tax cases and used her expertise to educate other judges on the subject. Wendy is the founder and current chair of the Vacaville Community Association, an organization which advocates for increased transparency and accountability in local government. Under her leadership, the group was instrumental in bringing about policy change at the city level. Wendy also helped found Vacavillians for Fiscal Health and continues to lend her expertise on governmental budgets to the organization, advocating for fiscal accountability at the city level. Wendy's dedication to public service, civic engagement, and improving her community is an inspiration to all her peers.
Aimee Brewer is a guiding force in her community with a passion for ensuring that all individuals live healthy, productive lives. She has put this passion to work at NorthBay Healthcare Group, a community-
based organization that takes in everyone in need of care, regardless of their financial situation. It is her true calling to make a difference in her patients' lives every day. As president of the NorthBay Healthcare Group, her leadership has led to the launch of neurosurgery and robotic surgery programs, the advent of two community urgent care clinics, and the opening of a new state-of-the-art hospital wing. During the early weeks of the COVID-19 outbreak, Aimee lead the NorthBay Command Center team and maintained critical relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, where she promoted the first and most robust safety measures of any hospital. Throughout the pandemic, she has been an integral part of her community's COVID-19 response. Her leadership also stretches beyond the NorthBay Healthcare Group to many community organizations. She serves as Chair of the Solano Coalition for Better Health, Section Chair of the Northern & Central California Hospital Council, and a member of the board for Touro University California, Partnership HealthPlan, and the Solano Economic Development Corporation. Aimee brings strong leadership, boundless compassion, and unwavering generosity to all she does.
Ms. Brenda Cameron is a selfless community servant who has dedicated her time and energy to countless youth organizations across her community. When not working in the UC Davis Evolution and Ecology Department as a lab manager, she has spent her time volunteering with organizations such as the Davis Senior High School Grad Night, Davis youth baseball and softball leagues, the Davis Comic Opera Company, and the Girl Scouts of the USA. Over the years, Brenda has worked closely with the Davis Girl Scouts and the Girl Scouts Heart of Central California Council. She became involved with the organization in 1999 and spent the next 13 years as a troop leader. In 2016, she began serving as the Davis Service Unit Coordinator where she has worked tirelessly to create an improved experience for Girl Scouts in her community. She recently participated in an experience with Girl Scouts and NASA where she learned new ways to encourage young women to get involved in STEM fields. Brenda brought what she learned back to the Davis Girl Scouts where she has helped introduce girls in her community to STEM fields through firsthand experiences. Her many acts of volunteerism have touched the lives of countless girls and young women throughout her community and inspired them to achieve their goals and go on to become young leaders in their own right.
Adrian Carpenter-McKinney has long been an active member of her community. Adrian's upbringing and experiences instilled in her a deep desire to serve communities like hers and help anyone who faced similar adversity. After attaining her law degree, Adrian became a respected prosecutor both in the District Attorney's office and as a Deputy City Attorney for Sacramento. These positions also allowed her to pursue her passion for community involvement and civic engagement. She served as a Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary within Governor Brown's administration where she reviewed potential legislation and counselled the Governor on paroles and commutations. She later started her own consulting firm, where she works to empower young women to take on leadership positions within their community. She also serves as an advisor to Breakthrough Sacramento, a program that she previously participated in herself, where she encourages and assists disadvantaged young students to expand their worldview and works with them to achieve their goals. Adrian also serves on the Board for the Wiley W. Manuel Bar Association, where she has created mentorship programs to support African American law students reach their maximum potential. Adrian has a true passion for serving others and has been a part of numerous community organizations, including AmeriCorps, National Night Out, and the Veterans Stand Down, where she provided legal advice to homeless veterans in the greater Sacramento area. Her work within her community demonstrates her compassion, enthusiasm, and dedication to helping others.
Kristine Cassidy has spent many years shaping Adventist Health with her influence and passion. Her ability to navigate changes and apply innovative thinking has earned her a distinguished career. Many of Kristine's achievements are not widely known, as she rarely seeks the spotlight and instead defers praise to her staff. She has guided Adventist Health through an intense period of change as they gained an affiliation with a new organization, assisted with recovery efforts during the Camp Fire, and became a driving force during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Kristine's commitment to service is an inspiration to all as she consistently works to achieve important community goals and create a better life for everyone in the Yuba-Sutter community. Kristine started at Adventist Health 31 years ago, where she began enhancing dietetic services and developing high levels of food service management. Kristine was then asked to take over Rideout's Assisted Living Services where she elevated it to the premier choice for individuals seeking assisted living and increased its performance to unprecedented levels. Kristine is known to leave every department better than she found it, act as a quiet and steady leader, and is a vital member of her community. Outside of her leadership within Adventist Health, Kristine served as chair of the board of the Yuba-
Sutter Chamber of Commerce where her vision, hard work, and leadership can still be seen through the effective and growing Chamber today. She has also given her time to the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank, the Yuba City High School girls basketball team, and the Yuba College District. Kristine has been a mentor to countless young women and her leadership in the community will be felt for years to come.
Denise Conrado is an activist and dedicated volunteer within her community. Currently serving as the co-leader of Indivisible Colusa County, Denise plays a crucial role in raising the profile of progressive voices and values within Colusa County. Through hard work, determination, and focus, she has spent over two years organizing monthly events for Indivisible Colusa, including Conversations with Community Leaders, a public forum where local leaders and activists come together to find common ground on critical issues to both Colusa County and to the country as a whole. Furthermore, Denise is a founding member of the Colusa County Democratic Central Committee, where she served as Treasurer until August when she decided to run for Colusa City Council. Activism work is not the only place that Denise shines. She is also a dedicated advocate for children, having had a successful career as a school administrator, she volunteers her time with youth organizations and lends her voice to issues impacting children. Denise has consistently worked in her community to promote civic engagement and her optimism, passion, and empathy for others have inspired everyone around her to become forces for good in the community.
Stacey Costello is a talented and passionate community servant whose hard work and dedication have completely transformed the presence and role of her local county library. For the last five years, Stacey has been the Director of Library Services in Colusa County where she has enhanced existing programs, created new programs, remodeled the library, and worked tirelessly to ensure the library remains an integral part of the community. Some of her additions include a summer free lunch program for children under 18, a financial literacy program, a U.S. Census hub, and annual citizenship workshops. During the trying times of adjusting to life with a global pandemic, Stacey quickly adapted to the regulations that affected the library. She made story times digital, established curbside pick-up services, and implemented an appointment system so individuals would still have access to computers, copiers, and other library resources. Stacey's impressive efforts earned her the California State Library's ``Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy'' award in 2018 and a place on the Virginia Yerxa Community Read committee, which she now runs. She has transformed the role of the local library from a place where books are stored to an active community center that caters to adults and children of all ages and abilities. Her creative talent and ability to spread her positive energy to others has made her a crucial asset to her community.
Yvonne Cox is a beloved figure in her community. Living in an area faced with high rates of crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and poverty, she made it her goal to provide children and young adults with a safe place within their community. She understood the importance of providing young adults a supportive location with understanding people to turn to when they were not in school. In 1999, she launched a weekly Tuesday dinner for anyone and everyone who cared to join. In 21 years, Yvonne has never skipped a Tuesday. Her motto is ``Come and serve or be served'' and she ensures that everyone knows they can find a safe place with her. This achievement has not received any financial support or recognition, nor has Yvonne ever asked for assistance. Outside of her work helping the youth in her community, Yvonne owns a cafe that enables her to further help those in need. She opens her parking lot to trailers and cars for evacuees during wildfires, opens her cafe as a warm place for food in the winter months, and has even opened her home to six children under the age of 14 to call their home. Yvonne works closely with many other organizations, including North Coast Opportunities (NCO), Clearlake Senior Center, Sunrise Special Services, and many local grocery stores and markets. Yvonne's selflessness is an inspiration to many within her community. She is a positive role model for children and adults alike, demonstrating what it means to be a selfless, empathetic, and passionate member of the community.
Lois Cross' work in our community has enriched the lives of countless residents from all walks of life. As the System Line Director for Sutter Health and a Sutter Medical Foundation leader she has dramatically expanded the Walk-In Clinic (WIC) network, overseeing the opening of 10 WIC's in the Valley Operating Unit alone. She now directs the 27 Walk-In Clinics throughout the Sutter Health footprint. With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, her role and responsibilities have only increased. By partnering with local military bases, Travis AFB and Beale AFB, Lois has been able to provide video visits to military personnel for evening and weekend care, connecting 15,000 military service members and their families. Beyond her professional work, Lois has served as the President of the Dixon Rotary Club, Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 5160, President of the American Case Management Association for Northern California, Professor at Samuel Merritt School of Nursing, and as a national speaker on the topic of the Affordable Care Act. Furthermore, Lois stands out for her emphasis on the professional development of others; she cares deeply for her teams and works tirelessly to make sure others have professional development and training opportunities. It is precisely this caring and generous mindset that has enabled her to have a positive impact on thousands of lives throughout the district.
Rachel Davidson consistently brings care, compassion, and dedication to the work she does. Six years ago, Rachel began as a Case Manager for the Sacramento Downtown Streets Program where she worked with individuals facing homelessness to find the care and resources they need. Through her demonstrated hard work and respect for the organization's mission, she became the Sacramento Area Director. Through her work, she has helped thousands of Californians find new hope by guiding them out of homelessness, and into steady employment. Her work enables those in need to find the resources that can help them get back on their feet. Rachel treats everyone she meets with the same respect and compassion, regardless of their situation in life. This caring attitude makes her an invaluable member of her organization and a universally respected leader. The work she does empowering those facing homelessness has not only shaped the lives of countless individuals but has had a far-reaching impact on the larger community.
Narinder Dhaliwal has served her adopted community of Yuba City in a profound and meaningful way since first immigrating from England in 1995. Narinder has spent her career in the field of public health and has worked tirelessly to promote improved health and quality of life for all those in her community and beyond. As Project Director for the Education, Training & Research program of California's Clean Air Project, she devoted her passion and expertise to educating tribal communities and young students on the harmful effects of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. She has been recognized many times for her success promoting smoke-free environments and forging invaluable relationships with many of California's tribal communities based on compassion and mutual respect. Narinder has also served as a board member for numerous important organizations, such as the National Child Safety Board, the Peach Tree Health Care System, the Sutter Performing Arts Association, Friends of Yuba City Parks & Recreation, and she currently serves as President of the Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture Board of Directors. She has been instrumental in securing important grants enabling countless community projects and programs. Beyond her community service, Narinder is a role-model and mentor to women of all ages and backgrounds, and is known to be a kind and passionate force in her community.
Anne Marie Flynn has dedicated her career to organizations aimed at helping those most in need. Anne Marie spent seven years working in community development abroad before returning to Davis where she brought her passion and expertise to her own community. Over the years she has worked with many non-profit organizations, including the Rural Community Services Corporation, the Yolo County Food Bank, and the UC Davis program for Regional Change. She is now the Community Development Officer for Mutual Housing California, where she has helped the organization become one of the highest-quality affordable housing developers in the state. Anne Marie has spearheaded numerous programs that have helped residents to improve their financial standing and given them a brighter outlook on higher education. She also oversees fundraising and grant-writing efforts, and advocates tirelessly for increased funding for affordable housing. Under her leadership, residents and staff have built a community around civic engagement that is actively invested in their future. Anne Marie is a talented and dedicated leader determined to build a strong and thriving community. During the COVID-19 pandemic she has put her skill and expertise to work, organizing the delivery of over 30,000 meals to her residents, and ensuring that everyone was taken care of. Outside of work, Anne Marie volunteers her time with organizations such as the Davis Phoenix Coalition and Show Up for Racial Justice, organizations that work towards a more just and equal society. Anne Marie is a passionate, dedicated, and kind community servant whose work has had an impact throughout her community and around the world.
Andrea Garcia has brought hard work and dedication to everything she does; from the beginning of her career raising twins and pursuing higher education, to her current extensive involvement in community leadership. Andrea served as President of the Solano Soccer Club where she took the opportunity to keep children actively engaged in a community activity and ensured that they were surrounded by positive role models. Recently, she was appointed to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission for the National U.S. Youth Soccer League. For years, Andrea has been a strong advocate for minority communities and worked tirelessly to promote diversity wherever she could. As President of the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, she created an environment of inclusivity and empowerment and spearheaded the fundraising efforts for the ``Inspire Learning'' scholarship program which enabled Hispanic students to pursue higher education. As Associate Vice President of University Advancement for Touro University, Andrea helped create the Mosaic Celebration, a fundraiser which has raised over $500,000 and awarded scholarships to 25 students with diverse backgrounds to help with college tuition. Just this year, Andrea has been a part of multiple community efforts, lending her time and expertise to the Touro University Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission, and the Suisun City Economic Pandemic Impact Committee. Andrea is an accomplished community leader and role model with an unyielding work ethic, charitable heart, and compassionate disposition.
Neena Gill will be remembered as a tireless community leader whose constant smile and ceaseless gratitude brought joy to all around her. A Punjabi immigrant, Neena was an integral part of the Yuba-Sutter community. She and her beloved husband Kash are known in the community for farming peaches, prunes, walnuts, and almonds. Neena was also known for her dedication to her students at the Yuba Community College. For the last 30 years she was an academic counselor and professor who advocated tirelessly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. She gave them the courage and direction to succeed in their academic endeavors and pursue their passions. She exemplified this to such a degree that Yuba College created the Neena Gill Spirit Award in her honor, to annually award one Yuba College member who displays spirit and love for their students. Neena was also a strong advocate for women's health, raising over $75,000 to procure a 3D Toma Imaging Machine to assist in Breast Cancer diagnoses. While she herself had her own battle with breast cancer, she did not let it inhibit her courage and relentless dedication to helping those in need. Neena's legacy will continue to reverberate within the campus of Yuba Community College and the greater Yuba-Sutter area. It is my distinct honor to award posthumously the 2020 Woman of the Year Award to Neena Gill.
Nicole Howell devotes herself with unparalleled enthusiasm to making her community a better place, especially for the elderly, English as a Second Language learners, and those facing socio-economic hardship. Her choice of career was driven by the experiences and memory of her grandmother, a Native American woman who faced many of the same struggles Nicole works every day to alleviate. For well over a decade, she has worked within the non-profit sector building programs, teams, and resource networks to educate communities and combat ageism. Nicole's belief in the power and equity of shared leadership has allowed her to thrive as the Executive Director for Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano, and Alameda (OSCCSA), where she is responsible for ensuring that nearly 29,000 long-term care residents and their families have access to the highest level of care and are treated with respect and dignity. During her tenure as Executive Director, Nicole has grown the OSCCSA's budget by over 600 percent while spearheading new programs such as the Solano Elder Justice Program, Telephone Reassurance, Residents' Rights, and Healthcare Career Pathways. Furthermore, her passion, dedication, drive, and expertise have helped Solano County tremendously in combatting COVID-19 and protecting our communities' elderly. At the beginning of the pandemic, she worked to distribute PPE to over 15,000 residents in long-term care and educate the public on the risks of COVID-19 to older adults. Nicole's dedication to culture-changing initiatives and person-centered care philosophies have made her an indispensable part of building healthy communities. Her work advocating for some of our community's most vulnerable members has directly benefited countless individuals.
Sara Johnson has been a staunch advocate for the disadvantaged and incarcerated in Yolo County. As head of the Post-Conviction Relief Unit of the Yolo County Public Defender's Office, Sara works tirelessly on behalf of rehabilitated and incarcerated individuals. She devotes her time and energy to giving hope and assistance to those in prison, ensuring that they are not left without help following a conviction. This work has always been important, but during the Coronavirus pandemic, her advocacy on behalf of medically vulnerable clients has been absolutely critical. She exhausted every option open to those seeking post-conviction relief and successfully secured the release of several eligible community members. As a Disaster Services Worker during the pandemic, Sara also worked with Project Room Key, the state effort to house at-risk homeless individuals and prevent the further spread of COVID-19. She oversaw the care of over 30 individuals affected by homelessness, advocating for their needs. She has also volunteered her time with the Yolo Food Bank and other efforts to assist those in need throughout her community. Sara is known by her peers as a model community servant whose work is both meaningful on an individual level as well as having far-reaching impact within her 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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