[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 164 (Tuesday, October 18, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1051-E1053]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                  HONORING THE 2022 WOMEN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 18, 2022

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 2022 Women of 
the Year. The honorees represent some of the most outstanding and 
dedicated women in California's 3rd Congressional District. Nominated 
by their peers, these women are recognized for the integral and crucial 
roles they play in improving the lives of everyone in their 
communities. This year marks the 102nd anniversary of the 19th 
Amendment, which guaranteed and protected women's constitutional right 
to vote. In securing the right to vote, suffragists broke through a 
seemingly impenetrable barrier to women's full and equal citizenship in 
our country, signaling a new era of equality. Yet, even today, women 
still face significant barriers to their rights and liberties from pay 
discrimination to criminalizing women's reproductive rights. I take 
heart that each of this year's honorees will be a vital part of the 
work left to be done to realize women's full equality and rights.
  The 2022 Women of the Year are:
  Yvonne Perkins is being honored as one of California's 3rd 
Congressional District's Women of the Year. Yvonne is a devoted leader 
who has been a key part of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. She has played 
an integral role in embodying the nation's mission by caring for 
families and her community, strengthening their culture, and promoting 
self-governance and economic independence for future generations. 
Yvonne currently sits on the Tribal Council for the Yocha Dehe Wintun 
Nation as well as the Community Fund and several other Tribal 
committees. While working in these roles, she has played an important 
part in assisting the Yolo Food Bank fund their Yolo Grown program, 
Holiday Food Events, and was integral to the Tribe's $2.5 million 
donation to the Capital Campaign which helped fund the construction of 
a new food bank facility. Her work with the Community Fund maintains 
partnerships with over 400 diverse organizations throughout the county 
State, and country. Yvonne works to continue a philanthropic legacy 
that has granted more than $38 million in funding to support programs 
and initiatives dedicated to assisting communities in need. In every 
role she has taken, she has always been a strong advocate for 
organizations serving the needs of the people throughout Yolo County. 
Yvonne is a vital member of the community whose leadership and service 
to others are an inspiration to all who meet her.
  Laura Proctor is the Coordinator for Solano County's Project Linus 
Chapter, and her passion and hard work have turned this small, but 
dedicated group into a full-scale operation. A lifelong crocheter, she 
has always enjoyed making blankets, but Project Linus became a place 
where she could put her hobby to work for an important cause. Under her 
leadership, the Solano County chapter of Project Linus achieves its 
mission to ``provide love, a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to 
children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need'' 
through the gifts of new handmade blankets, lovingly created by 
volunteer ``blanketeers.'' After taking the helm in 2011, she set up 
chapter meetings, collected all the blankets made by the local 
volunteers, and distributed them throughout Solano County to any 
organizations that would have contact with a child who might be in 
need. Since the organization's inception, over 30,000 blankets have 
been lovingly made by hand, donated, and distributed to children 
throughout Solano County. Following the LNU Lightning Complex fire that 
devastated Vacaville in 2020, Laura reached out to individual families 
and provided personalized blankets. While Project Linus couldn't 
rebuild their homes, Laura knew it could provide warm comfort during 
troubling times. Laura has worked tirelessly with her team of 
blanketeers to ensure that as many children in Solano County and beyond 
receive that comfort. Laura's commitment and compassion are inspiring 
to all who know her.
  Tonya Racasner is the Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist at the 
60th Air Mobility Command at Travis Air Force Base. She guides 
operations for three sections, media operations, command information, 
and community engagement for Air Mobility Command's largest mobility 
wing. Tonya manages a 16-member communications team, directly 
supervising six civilian employees, and was instrumental in the team 
earning 18 higher headquarters awards as well as 14 Wing Staff Agency 
accolades. She also serves as an advisor to the Commander, senior 
staff, and external leaders. Tonya is the backbone of critical wing 
civic leader engagements with the communities surrounding Travis Air 
Force Base. She has actively coordinated more than three dozen meetings 
between base and local leaders, fostering stakeholder support for 
military spousal license reciprocity as well as KC-46 Pegasus 
operations. She has led four congressional delegate visits through 
which she has communicated U.S. Air Force quality of life issues and 
promoted the significance of the 60th Air Mobility Wing mission to 
elected officials. In 2009, Tonya was appointed as the Acting Deputy 
Director of Public Affairs in addition to overseeing the Public Affairs 
budget and working as the Chief of the Media Division on space 
programs. She has also volunteered with the Solano County Health 
Department, promoting health awareness and resources to more than 1,000 
health fair attendees. Tonya is an invaluable member of the Travis team 
and a critical part of the Solano community.
  Xochitl Rodriguez Murillo has distinguished herself through her 
service to Woodland, Yolo County, and the State of California. She is 
dedicated to serving our communities and has left a lasting impact on 
future generations. In 2016, she broke a glass ceiling for the Latinx 
community when she ran for local office and became the first Latina to 
serve as Mayor of the City of Woodland. Xochitl hoped to become an 
inspiration to others of her generation and future generations to run 
for office. In 2018, she was instrumental in the passage of the City's 
first Proclamation in support of the LGBTQ+ community, and in 2020 she 
contributed to the passage of city and school board measures that 
support individuals throughout her community. In 2019, she was 
appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as Deputy Secretary for Minority and 
Underrepresented Veterans at the California Department of Veterans 
Affairs. Xochitl enjoys public service and advocating for underserved 
communities. She is currently embarking on projects in support of Yolo 
County women, youth development programs, and public safety. She is 
invested in learning the needs of her community and seeking solutions 
that promote improvements in the quality of life of all those she can 
reach through her advocacy. Xochitl can often be found giving her time 
to local schools to inspire K-12 students; participating in Spanish-led 
presentations to parents seeking local, State, and Federal resources; 
assisting with citizenship applications; donating Christmas gifts to 
children of immigrant families; helping women get elected to State and 
local offices; volunteering during veteran's holidays and fundraisers; 
and assisting with efforts to help mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
  Lisa Rowland Brasher is the President and Chief Executive Officer of 
the Jelly Belly Candy Company, a fifth-generation candy maker, and the 
first female to hold both titles. Continuing her family's 151-year 
tradition of candy manufacturing, Lisa has been vital in helping the 
family-owned company grow into the worldwide sensation it is today. 
Over the years, Lisa has led company efforts to support local and 
national charities, including the company's initiatives to support 
wounded military veterans and their families through the Camo Beans 
charity program. Her strength and perseverance are infectious, making 
her an inspiration to all who know her. Her dedication to giving back 
to the community demonstrates her selfless nature that serves to enrich 
the lives of those around her. She currently serves on the board of the 
National Confectioners Association and is a member of the Western Candy 
Conference. Additionally, she is a proud supporter of Leaven Kids, a 
non-profit organization benefiting youth in the Fairfield community 
through faith and education. Lisa exemplifies Solano County's fortitude 
and resilience. Her in-depth knowledge and work ethic displayed 
throughout her career is reflected in her everyday life, making her an 
exceptional leader and role model to others. In 2018, Lisa was inducted 
into the Candy Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor in the candy 
manufacturing world. In her acceptance speech, Lisa stated, ``I am 
coming to realize that my passions and motivations are my strengths. 
That it's not about filling my dad's shoes, but rather about planting 
my feet right alongside them and adding my own unique leadership to our 
family history.'' This comment truly represents Lisa's courage, 
commitment to her

[[Page E1052]]

family's legacy, and determination to make her mark on her family's 
company.
  Dr. Rachel Russo is a Major in the United States Air Force, serving 
as an Active Duty trauma surgeon at the UC Davis Medical Center while 
stationed at Travis Air Force Base. Since joining the Air Force in 2007 
and completing medical school in 2011, she has become a recognized 
national leader in trauma surgery, earning recognitions such as the 
American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma's top Military Future 
Trauma Leader and the Elks National Foundation Alum of the year. Driven 
by the experiences of military trauma surgeons serving in Operations 
Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, Dr. Russo has spent the last eight 
years conducting surgical research with the military to develop new 
methods of saving lives on the battlefield and here at home. Dr. Russo 
and her colleagues at Travis AFB developed the Partial REBOA technique 
which works to keep patients suffering from internal bleeding alive 
until they reach a surgeon. In 2017, she adapted its use for 
obstetrics, becoming the first in the U.S. to use it to save a mother 
and her unborn child. Her approach has been called revolutionary and is 
now used around the world. Dr. Russo now works with other hospitals to 
establish programs using this method to stop fatal bleeding in pregnant 
women. She also serves as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at UC Davis 
and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, an instructor 
for American College of Surgeons courses, and the Surgical Director of 
the Combat Casualty Care Research Program at David Grant Medical 
Center. She is a member of the National Healthcare Disaster Expert 
panel, an Air Force Critical Care Air Transport Team leader, and 
contributes to the military's Joint Trauma System Committee on Surgical 
Combat Casualty Care. Dr. Russo is an individual of exemplary 
character, a loving mother of two, and an incredible member of our 
community.
  Julie Sandino is an active member of the Sacramento River Delta 
community of Walnut Grove, a place filled with history, cultural 
richness, and diversity. She has a passion for restoring and preserving 
natural habitats and historical architecture throughout California, 
devoting her time to bringing special historical places back to life. 
Julie is known for her talent in developing beautiful venues she enjoys 
sharing with others. Most recently, she and her husband have partnered 
with the Grassland Environmental Education Center to offer their ranch 
as a place for students to learn about nature, conservancy, and 
sustainable agriculture. Julie is also the Founder and President of her 
own consulting film that has provided event coordinating and 
fundraising expertise to a variety of public, private, and non-profit 
organizations for over 30 years. Julie has also spent her life 
dedicated to civic engagement, becoming involved in local, State, and 
national initiatives, a value she shares with her husband and has 
proudly passed on to her children. The positive impact she and her 
family have had on the Delta community and throughout the State of 
California will be felt for generations.
  Lynne Secrist is a dedicated community servant, educator, and 
musician whose positive impact can be felt throughout her community. 
Lynne was a music teacher in the Winters Joint Unified School District 
for 30 years, teaching a range of ages and types of music. As well as 
learning a musical skill, her students come away with confidence and a 
sense of belonging due to her encouragement and inclusivity. Beyond her 
teaching, Lynne spent years producing ``A Note of Elegance,'' where she 
brought together musicians throughout the community to perform and 
raise money to support musical education. Lynne's efforts over the 
years can be felt in Winters' vibrant music scene, where she has 
organized adult vocal ensembles, community choruses for annual holiday 
tree-lighting events, and many other cherished musical traditions in 
her community. Lynne is also a member of the Guerilla Gardeners, a 
group that volunteers their time to beautify public spaces. She can 
also always be found helping out at the many festivals enjoyed in 
Winters and leads by example, encouraging others to join in serving 
their community. She is known to all her peers as someone who will 
never hesitate to lend a helping hand. Her dedication to the betterment 
of her community and generous spirit are an inspiration to all who meet 
her.
  Dr. Aimee Sisson's outstanding work is visible to all who live, work, 
attend school, and visit Yolo County. In the fall of 2020, Aimee became 
the Yolo County Health Officer and guided her county through one of the 
most challenging times in recent history. As COVID-19 therapeutics, 
antivirals, and vaccines became available, Dr. Sisson worked to 
prioritize and protect the most vulnerable, while disseminating 
truthful and accurate information, always putting the goal of saving 
lives before all else. Those working alongside her on the COVID 
response teams appreciated that she always made time for staff and 
their priorities. She attended daily meetings with staff working in key 
areas such as vaccinations and school safety to provide guidance and 
clarity, as well as to gauge how staff managed high levels of stress. 
In a time of great division in the country, State, and even locally, 
Aimee continually bridged that divide, both at the individual level, as 
well as with partner agencies. Her leadership, care, and compassion 
have never wavered as Yolo County moves into the recovery phase of the 
pandemic. She also serves as part of a leadership team within the Yolo 
County Health and Human Services Agency, working to support staff in 
recovering from three challenging years of pandemic response. In this 
role, Aimee looks for innovations that will have a measurable impact on 
healing staff and improving the work environment of HHSA. She is a 
leader in her workplace and a trusted authority throughout Yolo County. 
No single person has had a greater impact on the COVID-19 pandemic 
response in Yolo County than Dr. Aimee Sisson.
  Dr. Arika Spencer-Brown is an exceptional leader who has over twenty-
five years of experience in teaching and education administration at 
the early education, primary, secondary, and collegiate levels. She 
holds an undergraduate degree in Child Development from Sacramento 
State University, a Master of Business Administration from the 
University of Phoenix, and a Doctor of Education in Organizational 
Leadership from Brandman University. She has a profound understanding 
of equitable education, diversity, and inclusion practices, and fosters 
positive community partnerships in her work to increase educational 
opportunities for young people. As the Director of College and Career 
Pathways, her passion for helping people helps her create endless 
opportunities for the organization's students through access to higher 
education and career pathway partnerships. She was instrumental in 
assisting to facilitate healing racial conversations in the wake of the 
murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. She brought 
the perspective of her lived experience as a woman of color and her 
expertise in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion to these 
conversations that helped countless women advocate for positive change 
around the country. Arika has also been a proud alumnus of Delta Sigma 
Theta Sorority for 29 years and currently works with the Vallejo 
Alumnae Chapter to serve the community through social action and 
education. She also serves on the Site Council for Angelo Rodriguez 
High School where she assists in developing plans for student 
achievement and monitors budgetary concerns. Her outstanding career 
accomplishments and dedication to serving her community make her an 
inspiration to all who know her.
  Mary Stutts is a skilled leader in the field of diversity and 
inclusion. She currently serves as the Global Chief Inclusion and 
Health Equity Officer at Real Chemistry where she is a member of the 
company's Executive Leadership Team. Prior to her position there, Mary 
was the Chief Inclusion & Health Equity Officer at Stanford Health 
Care. While serving at Stanford Health Care, she curated the Inclusive 
Leadership Workshop designed to develop executives capable of leading 
and growing organizations while creating transformations that address 
racial and social injustice and inequity amongst all stakeholders. Mary 
also led Genentech's Diversity in Clinical Trials initiative to 
increase the representation of people of color and women in clinical 
trials. Beyond her influential work in her professional life, Mary is a 
champion for her community who enthusiastically helps those in need. 
She has been an active part of her church for over 35 years and had 
been an intricate part of the ministry leadership. Through this, she 
has supported, nurtured, and developed youth and professionals looking 
to build their leadership potential. This work inspired her to found 
the Excellent Life Center, a nonprofit focused on developing 
underrepresented youth and women aspiring to leadership positions. Mary 
is a dedicated community servant whose leadership and mentorship will 
leave a lasting impact for years to come.
  Pamela Thompson is a proud Yuba City resident and accomplished 
community leader. Upon graduation from California State University, 
Sacramento, Pamela began her career as an administrator with the State 
of California. In 1993, Pamela and her husband organized the Good Seed 
Church of God in Christ. Upon her retirement from public service, 
Pamela became the church's Administrative Assistant and Community 
Events Coordinator, gathering community support to create important 
activities and events. For over 30 years, Pamela's church has come 
together to serve those in need. During the holidays, her congregation 
organizes a ``Blessings in the Park'' event providing Christmas gifts 
for over 300 children, and works to feed the homeless population. 
Pamela also helps run a Community Soup Kitchen and was instrumental in 
the development of the ``House of Luke'' shelter for men. If there is a 
need in her community, Pamela

[[Page E1053]]

always finds a way to address it. She is often sought out by community 
leaders for her input on civic matters impacting people throughout Yuba 
City and surrounding areas. She is also a well-known local artist who 
uses her art to reflect the cultural diversity of Yuba City. She is a 
compassionate and dedicated community servant always finding ways to 
help those in need.
  I congratulate each of them and commend them for their work. I am 
inspired by them and firmly believe when women succeed, America 
succeeds!

                          ____________________