[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 210 (Friday, December 12, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING JoANNE MEADE YOUNG AS CALIFORNIA'S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL WOMAN OF 
                                THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 12, 2025

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, each year, I have the privilege of 
honoring women on the Central Coast who have made a meaningful impact 
in our community through the Women of the Year Award. This year, it is 
my pleasure to recognize JoAnne Meade Young of Santa Barbara, 
California, for her outstanding contributions to education and 
community leadership.
  JoAnne's lifelong commitment to educational equity was shaped early 
in life. Born on February 11, 1946, she attended a segregated two-room 
Catholic school--an experience that profoundly influenced her 
dedication to ensuring that low-income children, children of color, and 
students with learning disabilities received equitable access to 
learning and support.
  JoAnne began her career in Ohio, where she served in Title 1 schools 
as a Primary Language Development Specialist and later as a Library 
Media Specialist. Her talent for instructional leadership led her to 
Middletown, Connecticut, where she became an Instructional Consultant 
responsible for diagnostic testing and monitoring literacy and math 
programs. In 1987, JoAnne made history as the first Black principal in 
the Hamden Connecticut School District.
  After relocating to Santa Barbara in 1990, JoAnne once again broke 
barriers, becoming the first Black principal in Santa Barbara County 
when she was appointed principal of Mountain View School in Goleta. 
Over the next 17 years, she served as principal of Brandon, El Rancho, 
and Ellwood Schools and directed the Goleta State Preschool. Throughout 
her career, JoAnne centered the well-being and success of all students. 
She introduced innovative enrichment opportunities--including drumming 
circles, swing dancing, and visiting artist programs--and organized a 
Spring Sing performance at UCSB's Campbell Hall that brought together 
hundreds of students and families.
  Following her retirement in 2007, JoAnne continued her public service 
by directing the Santa Barbara County Spelling Bee, co-founding the 
Santa Barbara Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, and serving on the 
board of the Family Service Agency. She remains a dedicated community 
leader through her work with Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County 
where she is Treasurer and Tri-Chair of Membership & Community 
Engagement, and she represents District 2 as a Commissioner for Women.
  In 2024, she was elected to the Democratic Central Committee for 
District 2 and was honored as Women of the Year by California State 
Senator Monique Limon.
  It is with great pride that I honor JoAnne Meade Young as a 2025 
Woman of the Year for her exceptional leadership, her steadfast 
advocacy for educational equity, and her lasting impact on the Santa 
Barbara community. Her work has enriched generations of students and 
continues to strengthen the Central Coast.

                          ____________________