The spirit of service, resilience, and leadership was on full display as Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco hosted the Fourth Annual Women of the Year Awards Ceremony, bringing together community leaders, families, and elected officials to celebrate extraordinary women making a lasting impact across Southeast Los Angeles County.
Held in recognition of Women’s History Month, the event highlighted the achievements of ten remarkable women whose dedication continues to shape stronger, more connected communities.
In her welcome message, Assemblywoman Pacheco reflected on the significance of the celebration, noting that these honorees represent the heart of their communities, leaders whose work creates real change and inspires future generations.
This year’s honorees represented cities throughout the region, each bringing a unique story of commitment and impact:
- Reggie Donahue (Downey) – A lifelong volunteer and community advocate whose decades of service through education, youth programs, and local organizations reflect her belief that volunteering is truly a “work of heart.”
- Yecenia Lopez (Bell) – A 29-year community leader focused on housing justice, environmental advocacy, and equitable access to healthcare and education across Southeast Los Angeles.
- Aimee Pineda (Bell Gardens) – A passionate advocate for underserved communities, working to address social injustice while organizing food drives and community support efforts.
- Susie De Santiago (Cudahy) – A dedicated public servant and nonprofit leader whose work in youth programs, environmental justice, and community events continues to uplift families across her city.
- Luz Perez (Downey) – A cornerstone of the Downey Unified School District, helping build and sustain the TLC Family Resource Center into a trusted community resource for over two decades.
- Annette Limon (La Habra) – A lifelong educator and mentor who has empowered students through literacy programs, vocational training, and outreach supporting individuals facing hardship.
- Mary Lane-Carlson (La Mirada) – A devoted volunteer focused on public safety and emergency preparedness, serving through CERT, the Red Cross, and local communications networks.
- Angela Tasker (Norwalk) – A leader in community service and emergency preparedness, with years of dedication to civic engagement, prison ministry, and local outreach efforts.
- Captain Melissa Hammond (Santa Fe Springs) – A respected leader with the California Highway Patrol, recognized for her commitment to public safety, leadership, and community partnerships.
- Ronnie Gran (Whittier) – A longtime resident and volunteer whose decades of service reflect a deep-rooted commitment to her community and its future.
The ceremony featured a moving Presentation of Colors by Southeast Academy and a heartfelt National Anthem performance by Coryna Scharer, setting a tone of pride and reflection. Attendees were also inspired by keynote speaker Betty Porto, co-owner of Porto’s Bakery & Café, who shared her family’s journey and emphasized the importance of perseverance, community, and staying rooted in purpose. Each honoree’s story served as a reminder that meaningful change often begins with service, whether through education, public safety, advocacy, or simple acts of kindness that ripple outward.
As Assemblywoman Pacheco shared, these women are not only leaders in their fields but also role models whose dedication continues to inspire the next generation. The luncheon concluded with a collective sense of gratitude and celebration, honoring not only the accomplishments of these exceptional women but the communities they continue to uplift every day.
