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Rialto resident Ana Gonzalez honored as Senate District 29 Woman of the Year at the California State Capitol.
REDLANDS, CA— On March 7, 2025, Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) hosted the 9th Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon, recognizing outstanding women from the 29th Senate District for their exceptional contributions to their communities. This year, the event received over 100 nominations, highlighting the incredible work being done by women across the Inland Empire.
This annual tradition honors women who have demonstrated leadership, resilience, and dedication in fields such as public service, education, healthcare, business, and advocacy. These honorees represent the best of the 29th Senate District, inspiring others and shaping a brighter future for the region.
“The Women of Distinction we celebrate today have dedicated their lives to service, leadership, and lifting up our communities,” said Senator Reyes. “They are the educators, advocates, business leaders, and trailblazers who are creating a lasting impact in the 29th Senate District and beyond. It is important that we take the time to recognize their hard work, honor their contributions, and ensure that their voices are heard.”
2025 Women of Distinction Honorees:
- Lizbeth Abeln – Community Organizer, Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice
- Dolores Armstead-Robinson – President, Empire Management Properties
- MaryHelen Betancourt – Board Member, Colton Area Museum
- Ashley Bettas-Alcala – President, San Bernardino Teachers Association
- Cecilia Antoinette Callicott – President, City of San Bernardino Water Board
- Diana Ordaz Cherrington – Founder, Alpha Prime Health Insurance Solutions
- Dr. Claudia M. Davis – Vice Chair, Community Hospital of San Bernardino Board
- Pamela Deans – Executive Director, Microenterprise Collaborative of Inland Southern California
- Lois Sicking – Retired Air Pollution Engineer, California Air Resources Board
- Ana Gonzalez – Executive Director, Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ)
- Jamie Lamb – CEO, Cedar House Life Change Center
- Jeanette Lopez – Executive Assistant to Chief Mark Kling, Rialto Police Department
- Dr. Alexandra Lopez-Vera – Director, Vida Medical Spanish Program at California University of Science and Medicine
- Carmen Millner – Owner, Kiddie Academy Child Care Learning Center
- Leticia Nava-Cruz – Director of Administrative Services and City Treasurer, City of Highland
- Kristin Bryan Pierce – President & CEO, Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty
- Diana Randolph – Vice President, Pathway from Boys to Men
- Heather Rawlings-Polk – Executive Director, Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce
- Juana Sotelo – Chairperson, Women of Steel Local 8599, United Steelworkers
- Alisha Stanly – CFO, Enterprise Building & 320 Premier Hall
- Patricia Williams – Founder & Executive Director, Angels’ Closet Charities
- Arlinda Wilson – Survivor Specialist, California State University, San Bernardino
2025 Senate District 29 Woman of the Year: Ana Gonzalez
This year, Ana Gonzalez was named the 2025 Woman of the Year for her tireless advocacy and leadership in environmental justice. As Executive Director of the Center for Community Action
and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ), Ana has championed policies that promote clean air, water, and healthier communities. Her dedication to intersectional advocacy has empowered marginalized communities and fostered meaningful change.
“Ana’s work in environmental justice has transformed lives and ensured that community voices are heard in key decision-making processes,” said Senator Reyes. “Her leadership is an inspiration, and we are proud to honor her as our 2025 Woman of the Year.”
Ana also serves on the South Coast AQMD’s Environmental Justice Advisory Group and the California Transportation Commission’s Interagency Equity Advisory Committee, working to advance policies that protect vulnerable communities. A proud graduate of Cal State San Bernardino, she has spent nearly three decades uplifting the Inland Valley through advocacy, organizing, and leadership.
State Capitol Recognition
On March 11, 2025, Ana was honored at the California Senate’s Woman of the Year Ceremony in Sacramento, where she was recognized for her unwavering commitment to justice and
community empowerment. Senator Reyes extends her deepest gratitude to all the honorees for their service and dedication to making the 29th Senate District and the entire Inland Empire a better place.
For photos and more information about the 2025 Women of Distinction and Woman of the Year, visit https://sd29.senate.ca.gov/news/inland-empire-women-distinction-honored-senator-eloisegomez-reyes.
