2024 Senate District 33 Wonder Women
Every year during Women’s History Month, it is a tradition in the Legislature to honor outstanding women from communities across the state. This year, in partnership with Dr. Nina Richardson, the First Lady of Long Beach, and Dawn McIntosh, the first female City Attorney, we recognized twenty-three remarkable women from Senate District 33, spanning Long Beach, Signal Hill, and Southeast Los Angeles. Congratulations to our 2024 Wonder Women honorees, and a heartfelt thank you for their exceptional contributions and achievements in our community!
2024 Senate District 33 Wonder Women
Alison Bruesehoff
Alison Bruesehoff has been a leader in the non-profit world, specifically museums, for 22 years. Currently Executive Director of Rancho Los Cerritos (RLC) Historic Site, she’s spent the last eight years overseeing its operations and growth. In addition to RLC’s ongoing maintenance and restoration, she’s led initiatives including the “Looking Back to Advance Forward” multimillion-dollar stormwater recapture and reuse project, the creation and execution of a strategic master plan process, the newly reimagined 4th Grade school tour experience, and extensive Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility stakeholder training and implementation. Alison’s time is spent working with multiple Southern California organizations.
Angie Mancillas
Mrs. Angelina Mancillas-Iturriria is the Manager of External Affairs for the Water Replenishment District (WRD). She leads the agency’s government affairs, education, and outreach programming, serving over 4 million people in the 43 cities in Southern Los Angeles County. Before joining WRD, she worked in the office of Congresswoman Linda Sánchez for over a decade. Angie grew up near South Gate and is a huge South Gate tap water fan! She has served her community as a Little League baseball coach and a Girl Scout Troop Leader. She resides in Belmont Heights with her wife, Michelle.
Caylee So
Caylee So was born in a refugee camp in Thailand just after her parents escaped the Cambodian genocide. Shortly after high school, Caylee joined the Virginia Army National Guard, serving two tours in Iraq. She later received her MFA in Film Directing from Chapman University. Caylee co-founded the Cambodia Town Film Festival, and her award-winning feature film "In the Life of Music" was Cambodia's 2018 Oscar submission. Her latest film, "The Harvest," a Hmong American family drama, is set to be released in 2024. She's currently in production on her latest documentary, "KhmerAspora."
Charmaine Morales
Charmaine Morales, RN, president of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) since 2022, is a leader in healthcare and labor. Charmaine pursued her passion for bedside nursing after successfully owning a small business. Her inclusive leadership style has sparked a new spirit of activism and expansion at UNAC/UHCP, representing more than 35,000 healthcare professionals throughout California and Hawaii. She is of Mexican-American and Filipino heritage, making her UNAC/UHCP’s first president of color. She also serves as vice president of the Los Angeles Labor Council, California Labor Federation, and National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees.
Cherilyn Walker
Cherilyn Walker is a dedicated educational leader focused on creating environments of safety, equity, and community for the students and faculty of Long Beach. She is a compassionate advocate for eliminating harmful systemic educational practices and prides herself on her ability to build authentic and impactful relationships. In addition, Cherilyn is a casting director and professional performer. She attributes the skills she learned in theatre to her success as an educator and now as an assistant principal. She is grateful for her amazing mentors and looks forward to continuing to serve the amazing community of Long Beach.
Dima Habibeh
Chef Dima, the Chef and owner of AMMATOLI in downtown Long Beach, blends traditional Levantine dishes with her unique flair, inspired by her Palestinian and Syrian heritage. She creates a warm, inviting atmosphere using only the freshest ingredients and cherished family recipes. Recognized as a semifinalist for Best Chef in California at the 2024 James Beard Awards and featured in the LA Times 101 Best Restaurants in LA for three years, Chef Dima's passion for cooking and hospitality extends beyond the kitchen. She personally designed AMMATOLI's ambiance, ensuring a memorable dining experience and making it a standout destination in Long Beach and beyond.
H. Maxie-Viltz (Max)
H. Maxie-Viltz (Max) graduated from the University of Redlands with a B.A. in Business Management and received a Certificate in Government Contracts Management from UCLA. Max is the owner and operator of Village Treasures, which was established in 1997 as a World Imports shop emphasizing African imports. The business features artifacts, artwork, textiles, furniture, clothing, jewelry, miscellaneous items, and home décor items. Over the last twenty years, Maxie-Viltz has served on various boards and committees. Her priority project is with the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach, which provides a history of the African-American/Black community in Long Beach. She serves on the Board of Directors as the Facilities Chair.
Jenn Estacio
Jenn Estacio, a dynamic marketer, community organizer, and mother of three, boasts 16+ years of experience in marketing, non-profits, and startups. After graduating with dual majors in business marketing and public relations from Cal State Long Beach, she found her passion for community building within the Filipino community and held many leadership roles. After kids, she reignited her community spirit, launching the Flipp Family in 2019. This venture produces family-friendly experiences, educates about Filipino culture, and collaborates with AAPI/Women-led businesses. Jenn also co-founded KUBO LB in 2022, a creative haven supporting diverse small businesses and cultural programming. Passionate about community, creativity, and family, Jenn's journey unfolds at the intersection of entrepreneurship and advocacy.
Juanita Wilson
Juanita Wilson, founder of MAMA J JACKETS in 2016, epitomizes community-driven compassion. She has dedicated herself to providing warmth to children in the Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School neighborhood. She goes above and beyond, personally covering jackets and cleaning service expenses. More than 2000 jackets have been distributed over the past seven years. Ms. Wilson's unwavering commitment makes her a respected figure in Long Beach and an inspiring force for change, showcasing the transformative power of community service.
Julie Darrell
Julie Darrell is the owner and founder of Bring Your Own (BYO) Long Beach, a local refill shop that reduces single-use plastics in the community. BYO is Long Beach’s first local resource for refilling customers’ containers for everyday non-toxic products like dish soap, hand soap, laundry detergent, and eco-friendly and reusable goods. Since 2017, BYO has diverted over 80,000 containers from the waste stream by offering refills in reused or repurposed containers. Julie believes that small steps can significantly impact collective action and that although we can’t do everything, everyone can do something.
Laverne Duncan
LaVerne Duncan, Founder and retired Executive Director of the Andy St. Community Association (ASCA), led efforts to improve North Long Beach. Together with residents and city staff, she helped establish California's first Multi-family Improvement District. Since 2009, ASCA has funded youth and adult programs and awarded scholarships to more than 35 students. For 12 years, LaVerne organized a multicultural Black History Month Celebration honoring African American history and Long Beach's trailblazers. She is also a founding member of the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach.
Lourdes Ocampo
Lourdes Ocampo was born in 1964 in a small town in Guanajuato, Mexico. Lourdes had to deal with hardships and obstacles growing up. She eventually moved to the US when she was a teenager. Lourdes has been involved with the community with her work as an instructional volunteer and a lead instructor. She has received many recognitions which include Certified Breakthrough Instructor at Breakthrough Parenting and Parent Recognition Community Activism and Leadership Recognition with the California Legislature Assembly, Parent recognition Florence-Firestone Supervisor First District, The Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund. As a mother, grandmother and leader of the community, Lourdes has always been a great example when it comes to helping out others.
Maricela Parga
Maricela Parga dedicated nearly two decades to community health and education in Paramount, CA. Starting as a Promotora in 2003, she bridged gaps between the Latino community and health resources. Her journey continued at California State University, Long Beach, where she promoted Latino health and HIV prevention until 2016. Maricela's commitment expanded to parent involvement in education, leading workshops, and serving on Paramount Unified School District committees. Her leadership grew through programs like INSPIRE and roles with the California Association for Bilingual Education. In 2005, she initiated the ¡Despierta Mujer! Conference which has been empowering women in Paramount for 17 years. Maricela's passion stems from her love for community and dedication to education.
Mayra Castaneda
Mayra is a Latina originally from Michoacan, Mexico, she came to Los Angeles with her parents in the 1980s at the age of 5. Raised in South Gate, she completed her education there, culminating in graduation from Cal State Long Beach in 2003. For 26 years, she has been an integral part of Lynwood St. Francis Medical Center, beginning her journey as a nurse assistant at 17 and steadily advancing to become a Trauma Ultrasound Technologist. Additionally, she holds significant roles as an Executive Board member for SEIU-UHW and a union steward leader, advocating for the voices of 700 employees and marginalized communities.
Naida Tushnet
Naida C. Tushnet, Ph.D., was an educator, first as a high school teacher and, for most of her career, as an applied researcher of educational and community-based programs. Since her retirement, she has served on commissions focused on improving the quality of life for seniors, serving as Chair of the Long Beach Commission on Aging, on the executive board of the Long Beach Gray Panthers and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSULB. She also serves on the steering committees of advocacy groups such as the Long Beach Area Peace Network, Long Beach Rising, and several Long Beach Democratic clubs. She received a BA from Grinnell College, an MA from Columbia University in history, and a PhD from Washington University in St. Louis in Policy Analysis and Administration.
Nickeya Hannah
Nickeya Hannah leads Hygiene First, championing menstrual health with innovative solutions. Her mission empowers individuals by offering safe, sustainable, and comfortable products via vending machines and global workshops. Through her tireless efforts and commitment to equity, Nickeya Hannah ensures that the information not only meets the highest of standards but also highlights the inequity to the underfunded community for all-genders, but most importantly women and girls. Revolutionizing hygiene, Nickeya Hannah fosters inclusivity and support for all genders.
Nilda Parrado Langston
Nilda Parrado Langston, born and raised in Bolivia, emigrated to the United States at 17 to pursue a better future. She learned English at Long Beach City College and started working in the marine industry in Catalina. She is the only female marine owner and operator in Long Beach, and holds a USCG Captains License. She owns The Sea View Cruises, which is dedicated to offering marine ecotours in Long Beach. Nilda is a wife and a mother of 2 beautiful girls and 4 dogs; Along with her friends she started Solidaridad con Bolivia, a non-profit dedicated to assisting women and children in her native Bolivia.
Norma Diaz
Norma Diaz was born in Mexico and immigrated to the U.S. 22 years ago. As a co-founder of the Walnut Park Civic Engagement Project (WPCEP) group with her husband, they collaborate with organizations and government offices to provide resources and increase civic participation in her community. Norma pursued classes in Civics and Politics at Long Beach University and now conducts anti-bullying workshops in schools, driven by her passion for child safety and community welfare. Her journey exemplifies a dedication to advocacy and empowerment.
Olivia Silva Maiser
Olivia has experience in the private and government sector. With appointments to positions in the federal, state, and municipal branches of government, she has served elected officials as a U.S. Congressional Field Deputy, as Special Assistant to the California Attorney General, representing law enforcement agencies and crime victims, and as Special Assistant to the Long Beach City Auditor for community outreach and communications. Olivia is involved in numerous community groups, such as the Rotary Club of Long Beach, Leadership Long Beach (Honorary Board of Governors), and the Historical Society of Long Beach (Board of Directors).
Samona Caldwell
Samona Caldwell is the Director of the Business Connect Program, a supplier diversity initiative with the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission (LASEC). Her primary role is to grow and develop the program, collaborating with internal and external partners. Mrs. Caldwell is an advisory board member for the Brotherhood Crusade, a board member for Ascencia – Homeless services, the Signal Hill Police Foundation, Executive Services Corps of Southern CA, and a Board Chair for Educate California. Samona holds a city-wide position with the Diversity Coalition Committee, in the City of Signal Hill, is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, and is an alum of Leadership CA, 2020, and UC Davis.
Yolanda Castro
With a professional journey since 1983, Yolanda Castro leads as Executive Director at Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board SELACO WDB, driving workforce development. Her leadership fosters regional collaboration, aids marginalized groups, and earns accolades from the International Association of Workforce Professionals. Recognized for high performance, SELACO WDB marks 40 impactful years. Castro, also the First Vice Chair of the California Association of Workforce Boards, contributes to the growth of the state's workforce system. She has a degree in Sociology and Public Administration. In addition, she's committed to crafting initiatives addressing job seekers' needs while fostering regional business expansion.
Yvonne Wheeler
From her early involvement in the civil rights movement to challenging discrimination in the workplace, Wheeler's journey has led her to a career spanning various leadership roles, including Communications Workers of America Local 9586, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), and American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Her career has been dedicated to bridging the gap between the African American community and the labor movement. Currently, Wheeler is the first African American woman to serve as the President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and is also Vice Chair of the California Democratic Party’s Labor Caucus.