[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 194 (Monday, November 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1022-E1023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE 2020 WOMEN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          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 work to get there.
  2020's Women of the Year are:
  Born and raised in Colusa County, Janita Smith has used her 
creativity, determination, and skilled leadership to make a vast and 
visible impact on her community. Janita is a dedicated advocate for the 
most vulnerable populations in her community. For years, she has 
donated her time to reducing hunger by volunteering at and coordinating 
food drives, including an annual giveaway for the Christmas holiday. In 
1998 she co-founded the Colusa County Food Basket Association, creating 
a nonprofit organization that dedicates itself to serving those in most 
need throughout Colusa. What began as a very small community outreach 
program has now grown into an immensely rewarding Colusa County 
community service program that has served and fed an average of 450 
local families every holiday season for the past ten years. Recently, 
Janita collaborated with a local veteran's group to identify and create 
a register of all deceased veterans interred at the local Catholic 
cemetery. She spent nearly two years researching and networking with 
local families to ensure that all veterans were accounted for. Her work 
ensured that all 245 veterans were honored on Memorial Day with an 
American flag on their grave, marking their service and sacrifice. 
Janita's compassion, generosity, and heartfelt dedication to making her 
community a better place are an inspiration to all who know her.
  Gina Tarke is more than just a volunteer in the Sutter County area, 
but a devoted leader with an extensive record of service to her 
community. Gina is known for her work ethic and constantly extends her 
hand to assist projects across the community with a kind heart. She has 
been the driving force behind many student, youth, and community 
projects. She spearheaded the Sutter Community Flag Project, has been 
in 4H Leadership for over 18 years, directs Sutter Union High School 
Football fundraising dinners and annual Meet the Huskies events, and 
never hesitates to lend a hand to the Sutter Youth Organization. 
Despite having children who have outgrown the youth activities in her 
community, Gina continues to volunteer her time ensuring that all 
Sutter youth have the opportunity to benefit from these programs. Under 
her leadership, the Yuba-Sutter 4H has expanded its reach over the 
years, providing vital learning opportunities to thousands of students 
in the community and offering invaluable leadership experiences. Gina 
has not only given her own time and generosity to youth organizations 
throughout her community, but also encouraged others to do the same by 
raising awareness of the need and benefit of each program. Her 
leadership, volunteerism, and generosity have touched countless 
individuals and left a lasting impact throughout her community.
  Marie Teria is a dedicated community servant whose leadership, 
generosity, and compassion inspire all who know her. Her volunteer work 
with organizations such as the Casa De Esperanza, the Shady Creek 
Outdoor Education Foundation, the Live Oak High School Key Club, and 
local Kiwanis Clubs demonstrate her commitment to helping those in 
need. As a leader within the Kiwanis Clubs of Yuba City and Live Oak, 
Marie has worked tirelessly to organize fundraising events like the 
annual Kiwanis Lobster Feed that enable the organization to support 
students, families, and charitable organizations throughout the 
community. She also serves as the Key Club Advisor at Live Oak High 
School, teaching students important values such as cooperation, 
responsibility, and community service. Under her leadership, the club 
has tripled its membership and increased their community involvement. 
Marie also serves on the board of the Shady Creek Outdoor Education 
Foundation which provides scholarships to low income families to send 
their children to outdoor education camps. She works to ensure that no 
child is deprived the benefit of these formative experiences due to 
their family's economic situation. Her passion for serving others led 
her to serve on the board of Casa de Esperanza for the past eight 
years, where she demonstrates her commitment to improving the lives of 
survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking. Over her many years 
of community service, she has been recognized with numerous awards, 
including the Modem Woodmen ``Hometown Hero'' Award, State of 
California Legislature and Congressional Recognition as Ambassador of 
the Year, the William A. Dunlap Fellowship, and many more. Marie's 
extensive volunteer work and tireless advocacy on behalf of children 
and families has touched the lives of many and will leave a lasting 
impact on her community
  Raji Tumber has made vast and meaningful contributions to the Yuba-
Sutter area throughout her lifetime. As a caring mother, exceptional 
community leader, and engaged volunteer, she finds countless ways to 
make an impact, whether as a past board member of the American Red 
Cross or by volunteering her time to the local Tierra Buena Gurdwara, 
which serves over 20,000 Sikhs in the area. Her work as a board member 
of the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank has helped the organization further its 
mission to distribute food to over 16,000 individuals each and every 
month. She also gives her time working with SEV A, an organization that 
promotes selfless service and works to provide meals to homeless 
individuals across the region. Raji's leadership is characterized by a 
warm and outgoing nature, coupled with the highest standards of 
integrity and professionalism in all she does. Her work has promoted 
transparency in the Punjabi community, allowing more women to be 
actively involved in breaking down barriers at two of the local 
Gurdwaras. Through her effective leadership and enthusiastic approach, 
she continues to touch the lives of many throughout the Yuba-Sutter 
community.
  Mary Vasquez is a third-generation resident of Vacaville who has 
followed in her family's footsteps to support and represent her 
community. For several years, Mary worked with her father in the family 
business, where she was instilled with a strong and independent work 
ethic. Using this experience as a foundation, Mary attended UC Davis 
and San Francisco State University, becoming the first member of her 
family to receive a graduate degree. Mary has now worked for 13 years 
at UC Davis where she is the Associate Director of the Academic Senate. 
Through her work, she enables UC Davis to carry out their mission of 
teaching, research, and public service. In her free time, Mary 
dedicates herself to supporting and improving her local community. As a 
devoted mother of three, Mary is heavily involved with her children's 
schools and served on the Vacaville Bobby Sox Board for two years. She 
has also spent seven years supporting the Cal Inc. Cares Relay for Life 
Team where she has helped to raise over 20 million dollars for the 
American Cancer Society. Most recently, Mary was appointed by the mayor 
to the Vacaville Parks and Recreation Commission where she advises the 
City Council on matters important to her community. Mary is an engaged 
and dedicated member of her community who is always working willing and 
eager to help out where it is needed.
  A long-time resident and devoted civic leader in Vacaville, Jeanette 
Wylie is a determined advocate for everyone in her community. Having 
retired after 22 years teaching with Travis Unified School District, 
education is one of Jeanette's many passions. She spent eight years as 
President of the Travis Unified Teachers Association where she 
supported teachers at all levels and worked to advance

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their priorities as a delegate to the California Teachers Association's 
State Council. Jeanette is tireless in her efforts to engage others and 
ensure that everyone in her community has a place to express their 
beliefs and take part in the democratic process. She currently serves 
on her county's Democratic Central Committee where she promotes 
accountable leadership and encourages civic engagement. Jeanette 
aspires to be a leader in her community who listens to the needs of 
everyone. Recently she has been reaching out to her neighbors and peers 
to have conversations on city safety, the importance of neighborhood 
parks, plans to address poverty, and providing quality education to 
future generations. Jeanette's years of service as an educator and 
community advocate are an inspiration to all who know her.
  Robin Ziegenmeyer is an enthusiastic community servant who has made 
significant contributions to programs benefitting local children and 
families. Robin has coached little league, organized school field 
trips, and provided digital media for school, sports, and community 
organizations in Sutter. As a dedicated member of the Sutter Youth 
Organization, Robin works with the community to maintain the foundation 
along with its recreational centers and philanthropic events. Robin's 
work on behalf of the Sutter Youth Organization has allowed the center 
to be renovated and updated, providing facilities where youth can 
gather to play sports, train, and swim recreationally. Her work has 
benefitted countless members of the community, enabling a beloved city 
institution to flourish. Robin is a kind, generous, and enthusiastic 
leader in her community whose work will leave a lasting legacy.
  I congratulate each of them and commend them for their work. I am 
inspired by them and firmly believe when women succeed, America 
succeeds.

                          ____________________