[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 104 (Friday, June 17, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO LAWANDA LYONS-PRUITT--CALIFORNIA'S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL WOMAN 
                              OF THE YEAR

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                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 17, 2022

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Madam Speaker, each year, through the Women of the Year 
Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central 
Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to 
recognize one outstanding Women of the Year Award recipient, Lawanda 
Lyons-Pruitt of Santa Maria, California.
  A longtime resident of Santa Maria, Lawanda Lyons-Pruitt has been a 
leader on behalf of communities of color in Santa Maria and Lompoc for 
over two decades.
  Lawanda has been the President of the Santa Maria-Lompoc NAACP 
chapter for more than 14 years. Inspired by her early childhood 
experiences in segregated Mississippi before eventually moving to Santa 
Maria after high school, Lawanda has long served as a record-keeper for 
Black families in the area and organizer of community events that 
emphasize the importance of honoring Black history.
  In her longstanding commitment to resolving racial injustice like she 
experienced as a child, Lawanda worked in the Santa Barbara County 
Public Defender's Office for over three decades. After earning her 
degree in criminology from Cal State Long Beach, Lawanda became an 
investigator for the Public Defender's Office in 1984. Eleven years 
later, she was named the department's Chief Investigator, making her 
the first African American woman in California to serve in that 
position. Lawanda made a career of treating people with compassion and 
respect, working to ensure that each defendant received their 
constitutional right to a good defense.
  Where Lawanda sees a need, she takes action. After the murder of 
George Floyd, she used her position on the Santa Maria Police 
Department's police advisory board to call for the creation of a 
civilian review board to investigate officers accused of abuse and help 
rebuild trust between the police and community.
  With the many daunting challenges brought on by the COVID-19 
pandemic, her leadership has guided many in the community to safely 
face those challenges. In the destructive wake of COVID-19, Lawanda 
became a trusted source for information about the virus and the 
vaccine. She is a strong advocate for COVID-19 vaccination within the 
BIPOC community, taking the time to talk through questions and fears, 
helping to ease vaccine hesitancy and encourage individuals to protect 
themselves and those around them. She gives so much of her time, 
energy, and resources to serve our community.
  Lawanda's openness and commitment to her community is a testament to 
her selflessness. She is a worthy candidate for this honor and a role 
model for community leaders of all kinds.
  I am honored to recognize Lawanda for her continued commitment to 
uplifting and advocating for Black communities across the Central 
Coast. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional 
woman of California's 24th Congressional District, Lawanda Lyons-
Pruitt, for her incredible service to her community.

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