OCEANSIDE, CA–Assemblywoman Laurie Davies hosted the “Woman of the Year” award for the 74th District in honor of Women’s History Month. The event, held at the Toasted Gastropubs in downtown Oceanside, gathered remarkable nominees and their supporters for a luncheon celebration. Each woman received individual recognition for her unique local contributions. Davies and her team decided to pick multiple women for the title.
This year honored a select few in various categories for their outstanding contributions to the North County area. Among the recipients was Jayme Timberlake of Encinitas, recognized for her “Excellence in Environmental Stewardship” as an environmental analyst for over 15 years. Dr. Ana Serrano, Ministry Director of God’s Heart Ministry, was honored for her “Service to a Non-Profit,” focusing on women’s abuse recovery. Lisa Bechtold, a science teacher at Vista High School, received recognition for her “Service to Education,” while Raye Clendening, a long-time educator and college board member, received recognition for her “Legacy of Leadership and Service” in Oceanside. Additionally, Eileen Delaney of Fallbrook was acknowledged for her significant “Community Impact.”
These women were part of a larger group of outstanding women who were nominated those in their community, including Louise Balma, Denisse Barragan, Rachel Beld, Sunite “Sunny” Cooke, Rosa Davis, Jeniene Domercq, Julia Fister, Gigi Gleason, Akina Goodson, Amy Heald, Deborah Howard, Ilima Kam Martinez, Kim Murray, Grace Redgate, Laurie Shelton, and Natalie Trevino.
The “Woman of the Year,” program was established to annually honor and celebrate remarkable women across the state for their significant contributions to their communities. This initiative has highlighted the exceptional achievements of women, showcasing their local leadership. Davies expressed her gratitude to all the nominated women for their tireless efforts, emphasizing how their dedication inspires hope and propels progress in our communities.
Laurie Davies and her team provided a space for exceptional women to be celebrated. The Woman of the Year event, founded in 1987 by Assemblywomen Bev Hansen and Sally Tanner, began from the observation that the California Legislature lacked planned events during Women’s History Month. Today, this annual event is anticipated by legislators and community members alike, continuing to honor the profound impact of women throughout local “herstory.”
