BENICIA, CA – Today, at his 11th annual Women of the Year event, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) honored 42 women from the 8th Congressional District of California who are leaders and visionaries in their communities. These honorees have all made significant contributions to society through public service, business, education, and the local economy.
“Every year, I have the privilege of celebrating the remarkable achievements and contributions of outstanding women in California’s 8th District,” Garamendi said. “These leaders come from diverse backgrounds, and each has had a profound impact on their communities and those around them. It is a privilege to honor their efforts.”
“Their commitment and passion for service merit this recognition, and through this award, their contributions will be preserved and documented in the official Congressional Record in Washington, D.C.,” Garamendi said.
The list of 2024 Women of the Year Honorees is included below:
Contra Costa County:
- Angel Greer (Pittsburg)
- Barbara Akoro (Bay Point)
- Bisa French (Richmond)
- Blanca Hernandez (Crockett)
- Carole Paterson (Fairfield)
- Claryssa Wilson (Antioch)
- Dr. Myra Altman (Kensington)
- Genoveva Garcia Calloway (San Pablo)
- Harpreet Sidhu (Hercules)
- LaShonda White (Richmond)
- Linda Whitmore (Richmond)
- Lori Ogorchock (Antioch)
- Maria Theresa Viramontes (Richmond)
- Maureen Toms (Pinole)
- Myrtle Braxton (Richmond)
- Patricia Durham (El Cerrito)
- Ruthie Abelson Olivas (Pinole)
- Tamara Shiloh (Richmond)
Solano County:
- Brigette Hunley (Fairfield)
- Caroline Villarreal (Fairfield)
- Captain Rachel Marron (Travis Air Force Base)
- Chief Master Sergeant Sandrine Hanley (Travis Air Force Base)
- Chief Master Sargeant Laura Hoover (Travis Air Force Base)
- Colonel Lisa Palmer (Travis Air Force Base)
- Daria Bautista (Travis Air Force Base)
- Dinah Villanueva-Ryan (Vallejo)
- Dr. Bonnie Hamilton (Fairfield)
- Dr. Diane Dooley (Benicia)
- Dr. Tiffáni Thomas (Suisun City)
- Dr. Rozzana Verder-Aliga (Vallejo)
- Guillermina Loera-Diaz (Vallejo)
- Gregoria Torres (Vallejo)
- Kathy Kerridge (Benicia)
- Keycha Gallon (Vallejo)
- Kristina Kauzinger (Vacaville)
- Lieutenant Colonel Christie Taylor (Travis Air Force Base)
- Major Ava T. Margerison (Travis Air Force Base)
- Sigrid J. Perkins (Travis Air Force Base)
- Simone Lane (Vallejo)
- Sriha Srinivasen (Fairfield)
- Tonya Robinson (Suisun City)
- Viola Robertson (Vallejo)
More information:
- You can view photos and biographies of this year’s honorees here.
- A legislative update that was shared at the event is available here.
- A video of the event can be found here.
Previous Stories:
