Assemblymember Eloise Reyes Names Woman of the Year

SAN BERNARDINO>> Women from the Inland Empire came together on Saturday, March 4, at Sundowners restaurant in San Bernardino for the 2017 Women of the Year Luncheon. State Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes, representative of the 47th district, honored women who were selected as finalists for Woman of the Year award. Many women from the cities of Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Rialto and San Bernardino, as well as the unincorporated areas of Muscoy and Bloomington were in attendance. “It brings me pure joy to see the different types of women and professions that are represented here,” Reyes said. "Educators, community advocates, county employees, heads of nonprofits, students, business owners and counselors were among those honored." During the event, Reyes stressed the importance of the work these women have done for the community, which includes fighting for environmental justice, better education, clean water and more. "I’m in this room and I’m surrounded by leaders who have given so much in so many different ways, and I congratulate all of you,” Reyes said. The final nominees were: Kim Rocha, Heather Butterworth, Dr. Manuela Sosa, Aurora Reyes, Rachel Warner, Rosa Gomez, Ellen Miller, Lady Venice M. James, Bobbi Jo Chavarria, Amparo Miramontes, Angela Wilkinson, Socorro Gomez, Margie Miller, Annette May, Dana Jamison, Claudia Lopez, Olivia Penaloza, Denise Benton, Kim Carter, Patricia L. Nickols-Butler, Eileen Chen, Sadia Khan and Trini Gomez. The above women were all given certificates for the hard work they have displayed and the dedication they have shown their communities. Reyes then went on to announce that Jessie Gomez, who is Reyes' mother, would go on to become the 47th Assembly District Woman of the Year. Jessie Gomez, the daughter of immigrants, came to the U.S. at the age of 19. Despite having only a third grade education, she learned about budgeting, living frugally, and the importance of saving for the future. By the age of 29, Gomez was a mother of six and a homeowner. Jessie made sure to pass on to her children the values which were instilled in her as a child. She raised her children to work hard, give back, and never forget where they came from. “Today, she remains my strongest supporter. She is my mentor and my Shero,” Reyes said. Reyes thanked Sundowners Restaurant, who was happy to host the event, as they employ at least 90 people in the community. Reyes encouraged all the women in the audience and everyone else present to continue doing amazing work in the community. She closed the ceremony with the words, “Just like we were inspired by other women growing up, we are inspiring the next generation of Sheros.”