Congratulations to the 2024 Women of the Year! Their achievements, leadership, and contributions are truly inspiring and make a significant impact on society. Keep shining and paving the way for future generations!
Get to know the women making moves in our community! Read about them below:
Judy Stabile: With over 40 years as a visual artist, Judy Stabile has been deeply involved in the arts community, curating numerous exhibits and co-founding initiatives like Sculpture Is and Moveable Murals. She's also dedicated to arts education advocacy and has served on various committees and commissions, receiving recognition for her volunteerism and contributions to the arts.
Mattie Scariot: As Festival Director of the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, Mattie Scariot has overseen remarkable growth, expanding the festival to multiple cities and diversifying its programming to be inclusive and empowering. Her leadership has earned the festival prestigious awards, and she's actively engaged in various arts and culture organizations, including serving as a founding board member of the Gilroy Arts Alliance.
Voahangy Rasetarinera: Voahangy Rasetarinera's entrepreneurial journey is deeply rooted in her multicultural upbringing, leading her to blend her passion for food with a commitment to community impact. Through her business, The Giving Pies, she not only creates delicious treats but also supports various local initiatives, embodying a culture of generosity and social responsibility.
Esabella Bonner: Esabella Bonner is a dynamic activist and entrepreneur dedicated to social justice, particularly in bridging communities and advocating for marginalized groups. She founded Black Surf Santa Cruz to promote wellness and advocacy through surfing and serves as an equity advisor for numerous local organizations, earning recognition for her anti-racism work.
Jennifer Malutta: With a background in political strategy and advocacy, Jennifer Malutta has devoted over a decade to higher education priorities and community improvement. Her strategic leadership at San José State University has secured significant funding for projects advancing racial justice and environmental sustainability, showcasing her commitment to public service.
Kris Munro: Kris Munro's tenure as Superintendent for Santa Cruz City Schools is marked by her dedication to student-centered education and equity. She's spearheaded initiatives to increase college readiness among students and secure local funding for educational programs while championing mental health support and workforce housing for school staff.
Kerrie Romanow: Kerrie Romanow is a trailblazer in sustainability, leading innovative programs for the City of San José to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact. Her visionary leadership has garnered recognition, including awards for her initiatives and contributions to climate action and sustainability efforts.
Denise Coley: Denise Coley's leadership spans business development and healthcare advocacy, focusing on empowering underrepresented communities impacted by Parkinson's Disease. Through initiatives like PD MOVERS and her involvement in various boards and councils, she's dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for Parkinson's patients and caregivers.
Kim Noll: Kim Noll is an educational psychologist and activist committed to removing barriers for neurodivergent learners and marginalized communities. Through her private practice and advocacy efforts, she strives to improve mental health services in schools and promote social justice locally and nationally.
Ankita Jain: Ankita Jain is a driven student and social entrepreneur making strides in academia and community empowerment. Through initiatives like HelpSapiens and Bryn Mawr Kalā, she's dedicated to women's mental health empowerment and social innovation, earning recognition for her leadership and commitment to positive change.
Janice Bremis: Janice Bremis is a pioneering advocate for eating disorder awareness and support, having founded the Eating Disorders Resource Center in Silicon Valley. Her personal journey fuels her dedication to providing resources and fostering understanding surrounding eating disorders, making her a beacon of hope and resilience for countless individuals and families.
Carmel Jud: Carmel Jud's journey from survivor to entrepreneur and activist is characterized by her commitment to empowering marginalized communities. Through initiatives like Rising Worldwide, she's transforming the lives of survivors through economic justice and community building, embodying the belief that nothing is impossible.
Peggy Flynn: Peggy Flynn's decades-long dedication to community service and advocacy has left a lasting impact on numerous organizations and initiatives. From her leadership roles in various boards and committees to her grassroots efforts in environmental and civic engagement, she's been a beacon of inspiration and inclusivity for her community.
This year, we received so many amazing nominations; it was amazing to read about all the great work women are doing in the 28th Assembly District. I am looking forward to our annual Women of the Year celebration. We will be accepting nominations year-round, so nominate a great woman today!