[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 164 (Tuesday, October 18, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1061-E1062]
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

[[Page E1062]]

country, signaling a new era of equality. Yet, even still 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:
  Robin Tully is an accomplished businesswoman and dedicated community 
leader. She is the President and Owner of the Tully Consulting Group, 
where she brings her civil engineering expertise to bear throughout 
Northern California. Robin offers valuable knowledge of storm water 
hydrology, LEED sustainable site design, and environmental protection 
planning. Robin also serves as the Chair of the Dixon Chamber of 
Commerce Board of Directors. Her involvement in the community stretches 
wide, from hosting holiday food drives for Dixon Family Services to 
participating in Toys for Tots and providing an annual STEM 
scholarship. Robin is an advocate and supporter of youth 
extracurricular activities for the community, sponsoring multiple Dixon 
sporting teams and the Special Olympics event, and is herself a black 
belt in Karate. Robin is known throughout her community for her 
outstanding career accomplishments and dedication to serving the people 
of Dixon.
  Linda Van Loben Sels is a lifelong resident of the Sacramento River 
Delta community of Walnut Grove, a place filled with history, cultural 
richness, and diversity. She is a passionate and dedicated member of 
the community who serves on several boards, demonstrating an 
extraordinary commitment to preserving the essence of life on the 
Delta. Following in her mother's footsteps, Linda serves on the Board 
of Directors: for the Sacramento River Delta Historical Society, 
working to educate the public on the importance of the Sacramento River 
Delta's history. Linda also serves as Treasurer of the North Delta 
Conservancy, an organization dedicated to conserving, sustaining, and 
enhancing the cultural, agricultural, recreational, wildlife, and 
natural habitat resources of the region. She is a member of the Walnut 
Grove Community Church where she is known as a person of spiritual 
character, honest reputation, and sound judgment, and serves as a 
Deacon, providing leadership in areas of stewardship and mission 
outreach. Linda is known throughout the Delta region for the positive 
impacts she's made, and Walnut Grove wouldn't be the cherished 
community it is today without the contributions of her and her family.
  Chief Master Sergeant Jennifer Wampler entered the Air Force in 1993 
and now serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader at David Grant Medical 
Center on Travis Airforce Base. She has served on bases across the 
country and South Korea and deployed in support of Joint Task Force 
Bravo, Operation New Dawn, and contingency operations in response to 
Hurricane Maria. In her current position, she is the principal advisor 
to the commander on all matters impacting the more than 2,500 personnel 
assigned to David Grant Medical Center. She provides operational 
guidance to the squadrons delivering medical care and services to over 
500,000 active-duty members, retirees, veterans, and their families. 
Her work is critical to ensuring David Grant provides safe and reliable 
care to 60th Air Mobility Wing personnel and their families. During the 
COVID-19 Omicron surge, her operational direction was critical to 
combating the crisis. She also played a pivotal role in coordinating 
Travis AFB's participation in the FEMA COVID-19 response, supporting 
seven hospitals in California and across the nation, treating hundreds 
of patients, and contributing to the national pandemic response. An 
exceptional leader, Chief Wampler strives to inspire others through 
mentorship and advocacy. She fosters a climate of empowerment through 
knowledge by hosting leadership discussions, providing guidance to 
enlisted leaders on mission concerns and career development 
opportunities, serving as a guest speaker for the First Tenn Airman's 
course, and leading the Senior Enlisted Leader Panel at the Non-
Commissioned Officer Professional Enhancement Seminar. Chief Wampler 
serves her country with honor and distinction, and her major awards and 
decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force 
Commendation Medal, and the Joint Service Achievement Medal.
  Janice Wiseman is an active member of the Sacramento Delta region's 
vibrant community. She has served her community in several different 
capacities, including as a Member of the Board for the Dr. Paul Barnes 
Community Park and the Jean Harvie Community Center as well as a 
volunteer with Delta Home Tours and countless other local 
organizations. Janice also served for over 30 years as a council member 
for her local Parks and Recreation department. While raising three 
children, she became actively involved with the school PTA and Boosters 
Club and through her local Rotary Club, Janice opened her home to five 
foreign exchange students, providing them with tremendous opportunities 
to experience the culture of American life. Janice is a valued member 
of her community who continues to serve with dedication and enthusiasm.
  Kelly Zimmerman is a community advocate who goes above and beyond 
what is asked of her. In 2019, Kelly introduced and facilitated the 
newly chartered Soroptimist International of South Yuba whose mission 
is to transform the lives and status of women and girls through 
education, empowerment, and enabling opportunities. Kelly also 
facilitates several drives for the Hope Program, which engages 
businesses to provide pajamas, socks, and shoes to families in need 
throughout Yuba County. She also uses her exceptional community 
organizing skills to bring about popular events such as the renaissance 
foundation, school fundraisers, the annual shred event, and many more. 
She also designs and runs the community calendar and puts together an 
annual Women in Real Estate event, bringing together over 100 women for 
a day of inspiration, awards, and relationship-building. This past 
year, when Kelly became aware of a community member whose home had a 
collapsing roof and unlivable conditions, she rallied people together 
to help their neighbor get back in good health and moved into a new 
apartment with furnishings donated by the community. This is just one 
example of the way Kelly combines her compassion and drive to bring 
about positive outcomes. Kelly continuously demonstrates an outstanding 
commitment to empowering women and serving 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.