Congressman John Garamendi honored 54 remarkable women during the annual Women of the Year Awards on March 15, 2025, at the Clock Tower in Benicia, California. The recognition celebrated local politicians, veterans, community advocates, and other outstanding residents from California’s 8th Congressional District, including 36 from Solano County. Among the awardees, ten hailed from Vallejo and three from Vacaville.
The event commenced with an introduction by Patty Garamendi, who expressed gratitude to the honorees for their service to the community. “It is the undeniable strength in women, a strength born of compassion and not force that has brought so many of you here today,” she stated. She emphasized the significance of their roles, whether as mothers, councilors, teachers, or businesswomen.
Garamendi described the Women of the Year Awards as his and Patty’s favorite event, a tradition they eagerly plan each year following the session calendar from the Speaker of the House. Addressing the current political climate, he described it as a time of challenge and urged the awardees to focus on the positive impact they can have in their communities.
Despite acknowledging the difficulties posed by recent federal budget cuts, Garamendi encouraged the honorees to maintain their vision and determination. “You have a vision about what your community and what your family need, and you will push forward,” he said. He also noted the challenges faced in securing federal support, a situation exacerbated by decisions made earlier in the year by former President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.
During his remarks, Garamendi expressed concern over the impact of rising healthcare costs on constituents. He highlighted a specific case where a resident’s monthly premium would skyrocket from $800 to $2,200. “We simply decided we will not stand aside,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to fight for healthcare access in his district.
Garamendi attributed the ongoing government shutdown to Republican tax cuts that primarily benefited the wealthiest Americans, leading to significant budget deficits. He urged Republicans to take action to restore funding for essential programs such as SNAP and Medicaid, suggesting that a solution could be reached with a straightforward adjustment in the Senate’s continuing resolution.
In her address, Patty Garamendi remarked that the awardees have secured a permanent place in American history through their achievements. “These resolutions that you are receiving mean that your name has been placed in the congressional record in Washington, D.C.,” she said.
The event also highlighted local leadership, with Garamendi praising individuals such as Mayor Steve Young and Solano County Supervisor Monica Brown. Although Mayor Andrea Sorce of Vallejo could not attend, Garamendi recognized her for her commitment to advocacy and public service, noting her efforts to enhance governmental transparency through public meetings.
Among the honorees, Gloria Malgapo of Vacaville received recognition for her leadership within the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Association (APAPA) and her contributions to civic events in Vallejo. Garamendi commended her lifelong dedication to public service and engagement with youth.
Another awardee, Fatimah Hanif, shared her thoughts on the recognition she received for her trauma-informed leadership and wellness initiatives in Vallejo. “It feels wonderful to be recognized,” she said, emphasizing the importance of the smiles she sees on the faces of those she serves as her true motivation.
The following individuals from Solano County were recognized during the ceremony:
– Alize Johnson — Fairfield
– Brittney Greer — Fairfield
– Charmaine Gandy — Fairfield
– Diane Zimmerman — Fairfield
– Heather Henry — Fairfield
– Jana Modena — Fairfield
– Joy Bruno — Fairfield
– Lisa Nelson Bonnington — Fairfield
– Katherine Stokes — Fairfield
– Melissa Nickson — Fairfield
– Nicola Parr — Fairfield
– Sheila McCabe — Fairfield
– Shelmae Turner — Fairfield
– Sriya Srinivasan — Fairfield
– Maria Stats — Fairfield
– Rebecca Grasty — Fairfield
– Gloria Malgapo — Vacaville
– Kim Castaneda — Vacaville
– Marbeya Ellis — Vacaville
– Callie Auguston — Travis Air Force Base
– Brenda Strength — Travis Air Force Base
– Michele Myhand — Travis Air Force Base
– Salud Asaeli — Travis Air Force Base
– Ny Vu — Travis Air Force Base
– Carol Abreu — Benicia
– Kari Birdeye — Benicia
– Andrea Sorce — Vallejo
– Annie Frias-Ramos — Vallejo
– Fatimah Hanif — Vallejo
– Jennie Mojica — Vallejo
– Latyna Young — Vallejo
– Malaysia Gallon — Vallejo
– Terrye Davis — Vallejo
– Vilma Aquino — Vallejo
– Yajaira Rubio Machado — Vallejo
– Delphine Metcalf-Foster — Vallejo
The Women of the Year Awards serve not only as a celebration of individual achievements but also as a reminder of the collective strength and resilience present in communities. Garamendi’s commitment to uplifting voices and advocating for essential services remains a central focus as he continues to represent California’s 8th Congressional District.
