Central Valley women honored as Women of the Year in Fresno
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Senator Anna M. Caballero honored three women from Madera, Merced, and Fresno counties during the Women of the Year for Senate District 14 event on Friday.
Caballero says that they celebrated the Women of the Year, and apart from that they will recognize Women from Distinction because it was so hard to choose just three.
Caballero named Melissa Morales of Merced County, Dezi Woods-Jones of Madera County, and Ginabel M. Lorenzo as the Women of the Year. She also named seven Women of Distinction.
According to officials, Morales is from Merced County and has overcome many obstacles in life. She went from being incarcerated to becoming a licensed clinical social worker. After she lost her son in 2022, she focused on the resilience and growth that she drew from her grief, the strength to help others in their healing process.
Madera County Woman of the Year, Woods-Jones was a former Oakland City Council member and vice mayor. She was the first woman to run for Mayor of Oakland. She has a long history of civic involvement and worked with many well-known Civil Rights leaders, officials said.
The last Woman of the Year is from Fresno County, Lorenzo, is the owner of a business specializing in succulents and houseplants based in Coalinga, CA. She started her business in 2020 and in two years became the recipient of the Coalinga Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year 2022 Award, according to officials.
The women who were named Women of Distinction are below:
LaTanya V. Richard, Merced CA
Cynthia Kelly, Merced CA
Marta Garcia, Madera CA
Pam Grewal, Madera CA
Yolanda S. Randles Fresno, CA
Dr. Cassandra Little, Fresno CA
Dr. Sonia Relingo, Fresno CA
Caballero said it was her honor to recognize women from Madera, Merced, and Fresno counties for their contributions to the health and well-being of the communities.
“Through their leadership, public service, dedication, and collaborative spirit, we have seen neighborhoods transformed and strengthened. Senate District 14 thrives and is a better place to work and live because of their passionate advocacy,” Caballero said.
The event was on Friday and was from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It was held at 4949 E. Kings Canyon Rd. in Fresno.
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