Garamendi Celebrates 54 Remarkable Women of the Year in Benicia

Congressman John Garamendi honored 54 exceptional women on March 15, 2025, during the annual Women of the Year Awards held at the Clock Tower in Benicia, California. This event recognized prominent figures from his 8th Congressional District, including politicians, veterans, and community advocates, with 36 of the awardees hailing from Solano County. Among those recognized were ten women from Vallejo and three from Vacaville.

The ceremony commenced with an introduction by Patty Garamendi, who expressed gratitude towards the honorees for their contributions to the community. “It is the undeniable strength in women, a strength born of compassion and not force that has brought so many of you here today,” she stated. Patty emphasized the importance of service and dedication in various roles, highlighting that their commitment reflects a heart of service.

During the event, John Garamendi described the awards as one of his and Patty’s favorite occasions, noting that they start planning immediately after receiving the session calendar from the Speaker of the House. He acknowledged the current political climate as challenging but urged the awardees to maintain a focus on the positive aspects of their work. “You have a vision about what your community and what your family need, and you will push forward,” he said.

Garamendi also addressed recent budget cuts that have affected federal support for local communities, attributing these changes to decisions made by former President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans. “We’re not going to bring buckets of money, that’s not going to happen,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for local leaders to adapt to these financial constraints.

In discussing the government shutdown, Garamendi criticized Republican tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the wealthy. “That created a huge deficit, and to pay for that deficit, they made a decision to go after programs that everyday Americans depend upon,” he stated. He urged Republicans to fund essential programs like SNAP and Medicaid, suggesting that the shutdown could be resolved swiftly with bipartisan cooperation.

Amid these pressing issues, the awards ceremony celebrated the achievements of remarkable women. Gloria Malgapo from Vacaville was recognized for her significant leadership within the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Association (APAPA), where she has been instrumental in engaging young people in civic life. Garamendi praised her “lifelong trailblazing commitment to public service.”

Although Vallejo’s Mayor Andrea Sorce was unable to attend, Garamendi highlighted her unwavering dedication to advocacy and public service. “She embodies public service with courage, passion, and purpose,” he remarked, noting her efforts to increase governmental transparency through public meetings.

Another honoree, Fatimah Hanif of Vallejo, expressed her gratitude for the recognition of her work in trauma-informed leadership. “It feels wonderful to be recognized,” she said, attributing her motivation to the smiles of those she serves. “Honestly, the award and the recognition, it’s wonderful, but seeing the faces and the smiles and people sharing their experiences is what really, really keeps me going,” Hanif added.

The complete list of awardees from Solano County included a diverse group from various professions and backgrounds, each contributing to their communities in meaningful ways. Garamendi emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating that Democrats will continue to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in their initiatives.

The Women of the Year Awards not only recognized individual achievements but also served as a reminder of the collective strength within the community. Each awardee’s name will be recorded in the congressional record, ensuring their contributions are acknowledged in American history.