Spotlight

Women's History Month 2025

Celebrating Women's History Month

 

Happy Women’s History Month! Thousands gathered in Los Angeles for International Women’s Day to champion women’s rights and rally for the work still ahead. Let’s continue to uplift and recognize the contributions of women this month and every day! 

In Senate District 33, we’re keeping the momentum going by highlighting incredible women in our communities. We honored our Woman of the Year, Tina Kennedy—a dedicated leader in education for 40 years in the City of Avalon. We also celebrated Latina History Day, recognizing the resilience, leadership, and lasting impact of Latinas, including a special moment with civil rights icon and labor leader Dolores Huerta!

Senate District 33 Woman of the Year

Woman of the Year Tina Kennedy and Senator Gonzalez on the Senate Floor

 

I was proud to honor Tina Kennedy as District 33's Woman of the Year! Tina began her teaching journey in 1981 in Long Beach, CA, at just 18 years old. She later moved to Avalon in Catalina Island, where she dedicated 40 years to shaping young minds first as a teacher, and then as Director at P.L.A.Y. Preschool. Through nature-based learning, arts and crafts, and strong family engagement, she nurtured confidence, curiosity, and a love for education in countless children and parents. After an incredible career, she retired last year, leaving a lasting legacy in the community she served so passionately. 

 

Meeting with Dolores Huerta!

Senator Gonzalez with Dolores Huerta at the Senator's Capitol Office

 
I had the great honor of meeting with the incredible Dolores Huerta—civil rights icon, labor leader, and co-founder of the United Farm Workers. Her lifelong fight for justice and empowerment continues to inspire generations. ¡Sí se puede!

 

Senate District 33 Wonder Women 2025

 

Anne Esperanzate, a first-generation Filipino immigrant, was born in Rome, Italy, and moved to California at age 12. As a Reiki Master, Sound Healer, Spiritual Life Coach, and Child Life Specialist, she’s committed to uplifting underrepresented communities by breaking limiting beliefs and helping individuals rediscover their purpose. Through Kubo Long Beach and Kubo Organizing-Project, she amplifies Filipinx identities. Anne is launching the Healing Roots Initiative, focused on holistic support for post-disaster survivors. She dreams of leaving a legacy that honors the rich tapestry of diverse roots, weaving together a world where individuals feel seen, valued, and connected in a harmonious embrace of humanity.

 

 

 

 


 

Angela Dixon-Hamlett, LCSW, is a dedicated mental health professional with the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services. She supervises the Long Beach Black Infant Health Program, providing participants with mental health services and empowering Black birthing individuals with resources for healthy, bright futures. As a field instructor for California State University Social Work programs, she mentors interns supporting this vital initiative. Passionate about uplifting the Black community, she feels blessed and honored to work in this arena.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Alexandra Melgoza is a pillar of the Florence-Firestone community, serving as President of the Florence-Firestone Community Leaders, Chief Financial Officer of the Florence-Firestone Community Organization, and lead facilitator for the Los Angeles County Trauma Prevention Initiative. She leads bi-monthly food distributions, supports affordable housing, and champions public safety initiatives to address violence and homelessness. Alexandra is also dedicated to the arts, local culture, and enhancing park spaces, reinforcing her commitment to fostering a thriving environment for families.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bertha Jimenez, founder of Arte Jimenez Studio located in Paramount, has over 15 years of experience as a licensed esthetician. Her work has been featured at Hollywood Forever “Día de los Muertos” and in major projects like The Late Late Show and Fall Out Boy videos. In 2025, she brought cultural representation to New York Fashion Week’s Runway 7, representing the iconic Catrina. As a proud Paramount resident and community leader, she serves as an Ambassador of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce where she uplifts the business community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celia Tejeda, born in Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco, moved to Catalina Island in the 1970s with her family. She worked as a housekeeper for the Catalina Island Company and in the 1980s joined a company called the Three Little Maids. Alongside her husband, Celia also managed several restaurants, including Marcelino’s and The Sand Trap. She raised four children on Catalina Island and is now a proud grandmother of 13 and great-grandmother of 6. Despite battling lymphoma for the past year, Celia remains strong and enjoys spending time with her family during her retirement on the island.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iris Delgado is a community organizer from Huntington Park who focuses on building power, healing, and camaraderie through running. Since founding Huntington Park Run Club a year ago, Iris has fostered a space for hundreds of walkers, runners, and cyclists from South East Los Angeles to stay active while advocating for safer streets. Iris currently serves as a health commissioner for the city of Huntington Park and works as an epidemiologist for the LA County.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandy Meyers, originally from Ohio, moved to Southern California at the age of 21. After studying business at Pasadena City College, she worked as a childcare provider in Altadena for over five years. Through Cambodian classical dance, she became an integral part of our local Cambodian American community. In 2020, she proudly established Khemara Kids, a website that provides educational resources in Khmer. Her invaluable contributions within the educational space, led her to work with the Signal Hill Public Library to create the Khmer Story Time program for kids. Through this initiative, and Khemara Kids, she continues to spread Khmer culture and literacy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jalesia Duran holds a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach. She is a member of the Lakewood Jaycees, Chair of Lemonade Day Lakewood, and Recording Secretary for Soroptimist Lakewood/Long Beach Area. Through Lemonade Day, young entrepreneurs learn how to set up, market, and run their own successful lemonade stand in which Jalesia provides mentorship opportunities for bright futures. Her career focus spans through sports, hospitality, education, and the public sector. She is also a Philanthropic Advisor for Sigma Kappa at CSULB and an alumna of the Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joy Janes is a two-time President of Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach and a 22-year member. She has held key roles in the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and has contributed significantly to her community through political activism, especially advocating for women's rights. With expertise in accounting, banking, and fundraising, Joy served 12 years on the Lakewood Planning and Environment Commission and is currently on the Measure L Citizens Oversight Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Linda Timmons, a community leader in Paramount, California, serves as a City Planning Commissioner and the President of the Rotary Club of Paramount. She is also the founder of Paramount Women’s Empowerment and Vice-Chair of the Paramount Unity Committee. Dr. Timmons is an advisor for graduate students and early-career therapists, staying at the forefront of advancements in family therapy. She is committed to continuous learning and improving family dynamics in her community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jane Close Conoley serves as the seventh President of California State University, Long Beach. Previously, she was interim Chancellor at the University of California Riverside. Dr. Conoley has authored or co-authored over 130 books, articles, and book chapters, including Positive Psychology and Family Therapy. She serves on numerous community boards and has received several honors throughout her career. Her research in school safety, educator excellence, and student achievement has received significant recognition, and she remains dedicated to creating pathways for student success in higher education.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reba Birmingham, a practicing attorney for over 20 years in Long Beach, specializes in probate, estate planning, and adoption. A Valedictorian at Pacific Coast Law School, Reba earned her bachelor’s degree from CSULB in 2013. She helped establish California’s putative spouse rights for registered domestic partners in 2008. Reba has been recognized as a "Super Lawyer" in 2023, 2024, and 2025. She is also an author and active community volunteer, contributing her leadership skills to various causes.