Local women to be honored at luncheon
15 San Luis Obispo County Women to be honored March 11
— The Fourth Annual Women’s Wall of Fame Luncheon will recognize the achievements of 15 inspirational women from across San Luis Obispo County on Saturday, March 11 at Madonna Inn.
From this unique group of 15, three will be named to the Wall of Fame at the luncheon. Their names and year of the award will then be inscribed on a permanent plaque next to the Wall of Fame.
“There are more than 130,000 girls and women in San Luis Obispo County, and the purpose of the County of San Luis Obispo Commission on the Status of Women is to represent them when advising the SLO County Board of Supervisors in making decisions on their behalf,” said Women’s Wall of Fame Committee Co-Chair Christine Noffz. “Recognizing these women during the wall of fame luncheon acknowledges the meaningful work they do and also inspires other women to do the same.”
The nominees are:
Candace Gammons of Paso Robles is a bank branch manager, volunteers all while attending college.
Debra Balke of San Luis Obispo is the Central Coast’s one-and-only Pediatric Neurologist.
Cathy Ahearn of San Luis Obispo is a teacher and as a community volunteer.
Jessica Lorance of San Luis Obispo is the MASH (Mobile Assistance and Services Addressing Homelessness) event coordinator with the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services.
Jill Bolster-White of San Luis Obispo has been the executive director of Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) for 25 years.
Kaila Dettman of San Luis Obispo is involved in community service through her work at the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County.
Marie Wilson of San Luis Obispo has been a member of RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) since 1988.
Mila Vujovich-La Barre of San Luis Obispo has served in the SLCUSD as a Spanish teacher for 33 years at SLO High School and Laguna Middle School.
Shirley Summers, MSW, LCSW of Atascadero has a lifelong commitment to volunteerism and community-building.
Ann Fryer of San Luis Obispo is a teacher, girl’s basketball coach, and a coach to children with learning disabilities.
Diane Marchetti of San Luis Obispo is a volunteer for the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum and has served that organization in the capacity of museum manager for over three years.
Eloisa Medina of San Luis Obispo began as a Lay Patient Navigator at French Hospital Medical Center the mammography screenings alone experienced an 118-percent increase in 2015.
Maria Garcia of Paso Robles helped found the Hispanic Business Association in Paso Robles. In her time as President, she has helped to award many students with scholarships, help business owners succeed, and help with the Mexican Consulate.
Vera Wallen, Ph.D. of Cambria and Cayucos was superintendent of Schools for the Coast Union, Cambria, and Cayucos school districts from 1988 through 1997.
Sue Benitez of Paso Robles is involved with Paso Robles Library, Friends of the Library, County Grand Jury, Traditions Home Owners Association, SESLOC Supervisory Committee, and the Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation.
The Women’s Wall of Fame award is an expansion of the annual County of San Luis Obispo Commission on the Status of Women – “Woman of the Year Award.” Nominations are submitted to the Commission from organizations throughout San Luis Obispo County of women who have given in an exemplary way to better the lives of others throughout the year. Entries are reviewed by a panel of commissioners from outside the county. All nominees will be recognized at the luncheon on Saturday, March 11, 2017.
To purchase tickets at $35 each, go to www.slowomen.org, and click on the link for the Women’s Wall of Fame.
The Commission on the Status of Women is an official advisory group to the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors since 1975. The Commission identifies issues of concern to the women of San Luis Obispo County that compliments the focus of other advocacy or advisory organizations or provides a new forum for additional issues women face.
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