Garamendi Honors Three Woodland Women at His Annual Women of the Year Awards
WOODLAND, CA – Today, at his 3rd annual Women of the Year Event, Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, Yuba City, Davis, CA) honored 44 women, including three Woodland residents, who are leaders and inspirations in their communities. The women, from all eight counties in the district, have been trailblazers and advocates in community service, business, education, local government, and the military. The honorees from Woodland are Marilyn Hays, Lynnette Irlmeier, and Kristy Wright.
“This may be my favorite day of the year, because it always replenishes my faith in the selflessness and dedication of my constituents, and it inspires me to look within to see what more I can do to help the people I represent,” Congressman Garamendi said. “In every community of this district, down every valley and up every mountain, there are women making a difference. The women we recognized were nominated by their peers, and they come from every walk of life focused on virtually every major issue our diverse district faces.”
Following the introductory remarks and Congressional Commendation presentations, Congressman Garamendi and the women of the year discussed ways Congress and the federal government can do more to improve quality of life in the 3rd District. This conversation touched on increasing the Alzheimer’s budget, devoting more focus to mental health services, alleviating hunger, and tackling the homelessness crisis.
“Every topic you’ve brought up touches on many of the priorities of the women in this room. There’s an education piece, a community service piece, a research piece, a private sector piece, and a public sector piece. I want you to keep my office informed about your concerns, because you have your fingers on the pulse of your community,” Congressman Garamendi said.
Each year, Congressman Garamendi recognizes outstanding women of California’s 3rd Congressional district who have been nominated by their peers and have demonstrated a clear commitment to their community through their leadership and dedication to public service.
About the Women Leaders from Woodland
Marilyn Hays – Marilyn Hays is a community activist, mentor, and dedicated volunteer who is active with many organizations, including Woodland Unified School District and the Greater 2nd Baptist Church. She founded W.E. People, an African American community-based organization designed to create connections in the community. Her lifelong advocacy has touched many lives in Woodland.
Lynnette Irlmeier – Lynnette Irlmeier is the current Executive Director of Empower Yolo, a 24-hour crisis and emergency shelter helping victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and other related crimes. She is also active with the Homeless Poverty Action Committee, United Way, and other worthy charitable organization. She is a visionary leader that is making Woodland and Yolo County a better community.
Kristy Wright – As the Chief Executive Officer and Corporate Secretary for the Woodland Chamber of Commerce, Kristy Wright has made extraordinary contributions to the local community of Woodland. She has spent numerous years volunteering her time serving as a member of the Soroptimist International of Woodland and helping local high school students gain necessary skills to find a job.
Full biographies can be found here.
Full List of 2016’s Women of the Year from the 3rd Congressional District
Nancy Aaberg, Marysville, Yuba County
Helen Andrews, Fairfield, Solano County
Christina Baird, Vacaville, Solano County
Susan Barrett, Maxwell, Colusa County
Rebecca Belk, Fairfield, Solano County
Nicole Braddock, Vacaville, Solano County
Rosario Burton, Vacaville, Solano County
Mary Lou Byer, Yuba City, Sutter County
Nieckol Cook, Clearlake, Lake County
Donna Critchfield, Colusa, Colusa County
Erin Cucchi, Yuba City, Sutter County
Tara Dacus, Fairfield, Solano County
Carolyn Denton, Orland, Glenn County
Sandra Esparza, Vacaville, Solano County
Elly Fairclough, Davis, Yolo County
Anne Fletcher, Yuba City, Sutter County
Kay Green, Fairfield, Solano County
M.R.C. Greenwood, Davis, Yolo County
Dilenna Harris, Vacaville, Solano County
Marilyn Hays, Woodland, Yolo County
Linda Hickman, Dixon, Solano County
Lynnette Irlmeier, Woodland, Yolo County
Jennifer Jelavich, Yuba City, Sutter County
Marsha Krouse-Taylor, Sutter, Sutter County
Julia Lopez, Vacaville, Solano County
Betsy Marchand, Davis, Yolo County
Jody Meza, Orland, Glenn County
Sandy Person, Fairfield, Solano County
Laura Petty, Vacaville, Solano County
Patricia Powell, Dixon, Solano County
Carol Pruett, Vacaville, Solano County
Nicole Riley, Yuba City, Sutter County
Terry Rivera, Colusa, Colusa County
Yvonne Robbins, Fairfield, Solano County
Lea Rosenberg, Davis, Yolo County
Estella San Juan, Vacaville, Solano County
Debbra Springsteen, Browns Valley, Yuba County
Christine Stifter, Orland, Glenn County
Jean VanderGheynst, Davis, Yolo County
Sandra Waterhouse, Walnut Grove, Sacramento County
Keetra Welling, Fairfield, Solano County
Kristy Wright, Woodland, Yolo County
Mariko Yamada, Davis, Yolo County
Rosalind Young-Reid, Fairfield, Solano County