Rep. Garamendi honors 22 Contra Costa women with 13th Annual Women of the Year awards

52 women total including more from Solano County

By Cameron Niven, Office of Congressman John Garamendi

BENICIA, CA – On Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at his 13th annual Women of the Year event, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08) honored 52 women from California’s 8th Congressional District, including 22 from Contra Costa County, who are leaders and visionaries in their communities. Each honoree has made a real difference in our community through public service, business, education and the local economy.

“Every year, I’m honored to recognize the remarkable women of California’s 8th District who serve as the backbone of our community,” said Rep. Garamendi. “They come from every corner of our district and from many different backgrounds, and they work in a wide range of fields. Each is united by the profound impact they have on the people around them.”

“Their commitment and passion for service deserve recognition, and through this award, their contributions will be preserved for generations in the official Congressional Record in Washington, D.C.”

In a post on Facebook following the event the Congressman also wrote, “Yesterday I had privilege of recognizing 52 women from California’s 8th Congressional District at my annual Women of the Year celebration. These women are leaders and visionaries who are making a real difference in our community through public service, business, education, and the local economy. Thank you to every honoree for all you do. Congratulations!”

In addition, Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor posted photos of the event and celebrated the honorees from West County on his Facebook page including pages from the booklet with a narrative of each of the honorees who live in his district.

He also wrote, “A truly epic day celebrating with the #womenoftheyear from West Contra Costa County! Thank you Representative John Garamendi and Patricia Garamendi for honoring and supporting the women who work to lead our communities with compassion, excellence, and fortitude!”

The 2026 Women of the Year Honorees are:

Contra Costa County:

• Laura Jacques (Antioch)
• Lisa Lacy (Antioch)
• Champagne Brown (El Cerrito)
• Stacy Wayne (El Cerrito)
• Susan Duncan (El Cerrito)
• Christine Mathias (El Sobrante)
• Jamela Smith-Folds (Hercules)
• Christine Dean (Martinez)
• Rachel Shoemake (Martinez)
• Annisha Geran (Pittsburg)
• Kaitlin Clink (Pittsburg)
• Annie King-Meredith (Richmond)
• Elana Bolds (Richmond)
• Maria Del Rocio Martinez Luna (Richmond)
• Mary Ann Dawkins-Padigela (Richmond)
• Dr. Mayra Padilla (Richmond)
• Michelle Denise Milam (Richmond)
• Nwaeze Nmereole (Richmond)
• Shasa Curl (Richmond)
• Amanda Jenkins (San Pablo)
• Dr. Rocio Hernández (San Pablo)
• Yolanda Mendoza (San Pablo)

A video of the event can be found here and see more photos here.

Congressman Garamendi represents California’s 8th District in the U.S. House of Representatives which currently includes portions of Contra Costa County along the northern waterfront from Richmond to Antioch. After the 2026 election, the new district will only include portions of West County.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.