STANISLAUS COUNTY -- The Stanislaus County Commission for Women has announced its Outstanding Woman of Stanislaus County award recipients for 2013.
The honorees are: Pamela Able, Solange Altman, Sandra de Alcuaz, Mary Lou Dieterich, Dr. Lynette Grandison, Maree Mundelius Hawkins, Dr. Lynn Lysko, Dotty Nygard, Mary Ann Sanders, Leah Silvestre and Yamilet Valladolid.
The commission will posthumously honor Helen Pierce as a Woman of History.
Three Outstanding Young Women, Jenna Anderson, Analisa Freitas and Fallon Ferris, will be presented awards and scholarships.
Awards will be presented March 16 at the commission's 34th annual dinner, held at the Assyrian Cultural Center of Bet-Nahrain, 3119 Central Ave., Ceres. The event begins at 6 p.m.
Cost is $40 and paid reservations are required by Tuesday. Tickets are not available at the door. Reservation forms are available at www.StanislausWomen.org.
For more information, contact Belinda Rolicheck at (209) 988-6674 or email brolicheck@hotmail.com.
The Stanislaus County Commission for Women is an independent, nongovernmental organization that promotes an awareness of issues that concern women.
Helen Pierce
Woman of History 2013
Helen Pierce lived the values of independence, community and the pursuit of knowledge and education. She earned a bachelor of science degree in Library Science from the University of Illinois Library School in 1929 and became a librarian for Modesto Junior College in 1931. A vital member of the Modesto community, she was one of the principal founders of the Fortnightly Book Club in 1935, which continues to meet to this day. Helen served as president of the Modesto chapter of the American Association of University Women in 1933. In 1947 the city of Modesto faced a variety of population growth challenges, including inadequate sewage facilities, school shortages, outdated codes and ordinances and traffic problems. The AAUW's Social Studies Committee, of which she was a member, saw the need for a League of Women Voters chapter in Modesto as a way to inform citizens about important community issues and encourage public participation in the city's plan for future growth. Helen, along with other committee members, took on the challenge to start a local provisional LWV group and served as its first president. Since then, the LWV has been a driving force in the community to keep voters abreast of current issues and events. Pierce's leadership role in AAUW and LWV underscored her commitment to create a more livable and friendly environment for women, families and children — and served to highlight the fact that women can be powerful agents of change in the community.
Pamela Able
Outstanding Woman 2013
Pamela Able is the first female superintendent in Modesto City Schools' 141 year history. She started with Modesto City Schools in 1994 as a teacher, moving on to vice principal, principal, director of human resources, associate superintendent of educational services pre-K-6 and became superintendent on July 1, 2011. In this position, Pam has worked to foster a spirit of cooperation and relationship-building between employee groups, as seen through the establishment of the MCS Heroes program and the Three C's for the District: Communication, Collaboration and Celebration. She serves as a board member to the Stanislaus Partners in Education, the Education Foundation of Stanislaus County, and the Boys' and Girls' Club, and is co-chair of the March of Dimes Walk for Babies campaign. Pam has served as a keynote speaker at many community workshops and events, including the Parents Make a Difference conference, "The Future Is Up to You" Girls' Conference and the Parent Institute for Quality Education graduations. Pam's commitment to student achievement extends beyond her professional duties and she exemplifies all the qualities of a true leader.
Solange Altman
Outstanding Woman 2013
Solange has been an active member of the Latino Community Roundtable for more than 14 years and in 2004 was selected as "Latina of the Year" by its members. She is a strong voice in our community, advocating for education and youth. Solange has an immigration law practice in Modesto and regularly speaks on immigration issues at community and faith-based events. For the past two years, she has acted as chairwoman for the "Free Day of Legal Assistance in Spanish," a forum held at the Rematito Open Flea Market on Crows Landing Road. She has convened attorneys to provide pro bono legal assistance to underserved communities, addressing foreclosure, bankruptcy, family law and immigration concerns. Thanks to Solange's leadership, more than 800 people have received free legal help. She took the lead in organizing volunteers to host free workshops to help local undocumented students complete Dream Act paperwork. This will give these students the opportunity to continue their higher education, to seek a work permit and obtain a driver's license. More than 500 students have attended the workshops, saving parents hundreds of dollars. Solange is a true role model and her passion to help everyone is an inspiration for our community.
Mary Lou Dieterich
Outstanding Woman 2013
Mary Lou Dieterich is a lifelong advocate for children. A teacher and school administrator for 40 years, Mary Lou was on the staff of Chrysler School from 1966 to 1988, serving as a teacher, reading specialist, Title I coordinator, vice principal and principal. In 1989, Mary Lou was named founding principal of Agnes Baptist Elementary School and remained the school's leader until her retirement in 1996. Her commitment to children has continued into retirement, as Mary Lou has served as interim principal at several K-6 schools and teaches reading to adults in the Stanislaus County Office of Education's StanRead Adult Literacy Program. She continues to volunteer weekly at the Stanislaus Family Justice Center, interacting with women and children who have been victims of domestic violence. She cooks meals for homeless people and provides clerical work on behalf of Emanuel Lutheran Church. In 2004, the Governing Board of the Stanislaus Union School District honored Mary Lou for her years of service by naming the seventh campus in the district the Mary Lou Dieterich School.
Lynn Lysko
Outstanding Woman 2013
Lynn Lysko is a passionate educator, communicator and innovator. A native of Ontario, Canada, Lynn moved to California in 2000 to work for the Stanislaus Union School District as a vice principal and later as a principal. Her keen ability to think outside the box attracted the attention of the Stanislaus County Office of Education, where she acted as an education consultant for three years. During her tenure at SCOE, Lynn wrote and delivered Principals' Training and Teacher Modules for a variety of curricula. She became the director of instructional services, curriculum, and instruction and staff development for Modesto City Schools in 2005 and was hired as principal for Grace Davis High School in 2010. At Davis, Lynn has created a school culture that respects employees and students. She developed the highly touted Modesto City Schools' Language Institute, an innovative program that increased graduation rates for newly immigrated English learners. A lifelong learner, Lynn received her Doctorate of Education in 2012 to ensure that the focus of her work be research-based and grounded in theory. Lynn completed the Train the Trainer professional development, which allows her to support teachers with the new Common Core State Standards and Smarter Balanced Assessments. At the request of the district office, she trained all of Modesto City Schools' administrators in professional learning communities — evidence of Lynn's commitment to academic achievement.
Mary Ann Sanders
Outstanding Woman 2013
Most of us know Mary Ann Sanders because of the elementary school and adjoining park named in her honor. This distinction came as a result of the impact she had on the many school children and teachers who have benefited from her leadership. Mary Ann started as the assistant superintendent/principal at the Waterford School District in 1976, but she was quickly recruited by the Sylvan Union School District to become principal of C.F. Brown Elementary School, then principal of Standiford. She retired as the principal of Orchard Elementary. In addition to this work, she has been an educational leadership instructor at St. Mary's College, executive director of Association of California School Administrators and campus clinical coordinator at Brandman. Since 2003, she has been a trustee for Stanislaus County Office of Education. Mary Ann is currently on the board of Boys and Girls Club of Stanislaus County, Education Foundation of Stanislaus County and Saint Luke's Family Practice. She is a member of Commonwealth Modesto and is past president and active member of Sunrise Rotary.
Fallon Ferris
Outstanding Young Woman 2013
A senior at Downey High School in Modesto, Fallon is one of those rare student-leaders that come along once in a decade. She participated in three sports all four years and acted as the team manager for the varsity football team. Fallon maintains a rigorous academic courseload of all AP classes while participating in worthwhile extracurricular activities. As president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club and the Black Student Union at Downey, Fallon envisioned and coordinated the logistics for the first Holiday Marketplace, which raised almost $800 for both clubs. She is deeply involved with the Downey drama and choir programs, sacrificing her lunches to practice. Fallon was selected by the city's business and legal leaders to be a member of Modesto's Youth Court and she served as an intern for California State Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen. She is also dedicated to her family, helping out when challenges arise. Whatever the activity, Fallon completes it with honor, dignity and a positive attitude.
Sandra de Alcuaz
Outstanding Woman 2013
The mission of the First Tee Program, Central Valley (formerly Modesto) Chapter, is to positively impact the lives of Stanislaus area youth by providing educational programs that ensure character development and the mastery of life skills through the game of golf. Thanks to the leadership and commitment of Sandra de Alcuaz, this mission is achieved year after year. Since the group's inception in 2003, Sandra has served as the First Tee's executive director, bringing a passion and business savvy to the chapter that has resulted in national recognition. One of Sandra's greatest strengths is her ability to communicate the importance of the First Tee program to all, including the children in the program, their parents, volunteers, donors and board members. Under her direction, the First Tee, Central Valley, has impacted more than 11,500 youth through introductory and intermediate classes at more than 50 after-school sites and agencies, mentored 18 at-risk Modesto junior high students, awarded 12 college scholarships of $2,000-plus and trained more than 330 community volunteers to help enrich the lives of youth through golf. The First Tee, Central Valley is one of the best-known and respected chapters of The First Tee network — a testament to Sandra's tireless efforts.
Dr. Lynette Grandison
Outstanding Woman 2013
As a local pediatrician, Lynette impacts the lives of young women over the course of their most formative years. She empowers girls (and their moms) to address issues of good hygiene, proper nutrition, self-esteem, sexuality and mental health. Lynette's main concern and involvement with young women in our community extends beyond the doors of her Sutter Gould treatment rooms in Ceres — she spends weekends counseling young girls at a Chrysalis retreat to strengthen their spiritual and community leadership skills, and mentors children living in a Sierra Vista Group Home. A committed Soroptimist, Lynette directs her service towards education, the environment, health, human rights and status of women, international goodwill, and social and economic development. She acts as a lay leader for First Methodist Church in Modesto, where she inspires others to lead and serve from the heart — a service model to inspire the next generation of Outstanding Women.
Dotty Nygard
Outstanding Woman 2013
When Dotty first came to Riverbank more than 10 years ago, she noticed great disparities between different neighborhoods — some lacked grocery stores with fresh fruit and vegetables within walking distance from homes, and there was a high incidence of gang activity and violence. As a nurse, she was keenly aware of the health and socioeconomic problems associated with poor living environments, such as increased rates of obesity, asthma and domestic violence. Dotty soon took action by starting the Riverbank Community Gardens in 2009 on land donated by the Riverbank Unified School District. The certified garden has become a source of income for families who tend to the large plots as extra produce is sold at the Farmers' Market. Dotty also took over the helm of the Riverbank Farmers' Market, instituting practices to make fresh produce more affordable for low-income residents and making the market the central meeting place for Get Fit Riverbank, another program Dotty started with community stakeholders to encourage healthy activities and eating education. Since her election to the Riverbank City Council in 2009, Dotty remains committed to policies that support greener energy solutions and a healthier community. She started the Riverbank Beyond Earth Day, an event that educates families about how to conserve energy, eat healthy and save money — more than 1,000 community members participate each year.
Leah Silvestre
Outstanding Woman 2013
Like most MBA's, Leah Silvestre's career began with a traditional business focus, providing financial analysis for corporations in the high-tech industry. Although Leah achieved professional success in the private sector — she oversaw a $100 million software division and started her own consulting company, Infinite Solutions — she searched for something more fulfilling. After moving from the Bay Area to the Central Valley, Leah found her passion in the nonprofit world serving as a volunteer for Haven Women's Center. Within one year of volunteering, Leah was brought on board as the executive director. During her five years at Haven, Leah developed management strategies and implemented program structure that laid the groundwork for organizational growth. She brought in new funding and offered a comprehensive understanding of budgeting and business. Following her time at Haven, Leah became the executive director of the Parent Resource Center, a nonprofit child abuse prevention and family resource center. During her tenure at PRC, Leah worked to build stronger, healthier families by offering volunteer in-home mentoring, support services and parenting education classes to parents who are at risk for child abuse and neglect. This work touched the lives of many children, ensuring that they are safe and nurtured. Recently, Leah accepted a new position as chief operating officer at Great Valley Academy charter school.
Yamilet Valladolid
Outstanding Woman 2013
Yamilet is an active volunteer who works to better our society through the support of services that encourage and advocate for youth and community empowerment. She is an instrumental member of the Hispanic Leadership Council, a nonprofit organization that provides leadership, mentoring and scholarships to Stanislaus County high school students. A founding member of the Latino Leadership Development Collaborative, Yamilet advocates for civic engagement by fostering leadership roles for potential civic leaders in our region. She is the director of the Latino Business Association Foundation, which allocates mini-grants and scholarships to local nonprofits and students. She mentors underprivileged youth at Mark Twain and Hanshaw middle schools as part of First Tee of Stanislaus County. In 2012, Yamilet received the Amiga Award from the American GI Forum for her support of local veterans, and she has been honored with Certificates of Appreciation from the TZU Chi Foundation, Bret Hart Elementary School and Modesto City Schools for her dedicated commitment to their programs.
Jenna Anderson
Outstanding Young Woman 2013
Jenna is an active young woman who lives an examined, engaged life. She participates in Mock Trial and mentors junior high students in her church youth ministry. Jenna was chosen to be the student representative for Turlock High School's Strategic Planning Committee, which developed the school's mission statement, as well as the THS Budget Committee, which provides input into fund allocations for the entire school. Jenna helped reinvigorate the Interact Club after it was inactive for five years, raising money for Polio Plus and other important causes. As part of a mission group, Jenna visited the city of McCloud and worked on beautification projects and, as a People to People ambassador, she represented local youth while traveling through Europe. She is a four-year member and current president of the Relay for Life Club, helping to raise $5,700 for cancer research. An active member of student government, Jenna served as freshman class president and now is the senior class president. She is also Key Club president and organizes community service projects, such as collecting food for the poor and making cards for veterans. Jenna has been a competitive athlete on the Turlock High swim, tennis and track teams for all four years of school and earned Academic-All Conference honors for each varsity season, currently posting a 4.1 GPA.
Maree Mundelius Hawkins
Outstanding Woman 2013
A native of Sacramento, Maree grew up in Modesto, graduating from Downey High School, Modesto Junior College and California State University, Fresno, where she earned a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1972. After four years as a reporter for the Lodi News Sentinel, she returned to Modesto in 1976 as the public information officer for Modesto City Schools. In 1980, Maree began her 27-year career with the Modesto Irrigation District. Maree put her PR skills to work on a volunteer basis, helping Community Hospice and serving on the Doctors Medical Center Foundation Board and The Salvation Army Advisory Board. Committed to literacy and education, Maree joined the Stanislaus County Library Foundation Board in 2012. Since joining the board, Maree has organized an Author Spotlight Series at the Salida library; brought Dr. Abraham Verghese, author of "Cutting for Stone," to an event at the Gallo Center for the Arts; and helped on two successful Author's Garden Galas. Thanks to Maree's efforts, the foundation now funds the children and teen Summer Reading Program and eBooks at the library.
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