Chico Times

At a special luncheon at the 5th Street Steakhouse in Chico yesterday, Assemblyman James Gallagher celebrated the exceptional contributions of five distinguished women from Assembly District 3 with his annual Woman of the Year awards.

“The dedication and impact of these women are truly inspiring and it’s an honor to celebrate them today,” said Gallagher. “They each bring something unique to their communities, improving lives and making the North State a better place for everyone.”

The 2024 honorees, each a beacon of leadership and community service in their respective fields, include:

Taylor Bunch (Butte County)

As the Executive Director of True North Housing Alliance Inc., Taylor has spearheaded significant initiatives in housing services and community resource delivery, including securing funding for the TNHA Navigation Center, which will greatly enhance efforts to provide permanent housing solutions to Butte County residents. Prior to her role at TNHA, Taylor served as an instructional aide for students with autism, a Camp Fire Recovery Counselor, and an instructor of social work and human services at Feather River College.

Abby Swearinger (Glenn County)

Abby Swearinger works in multiple roles at Stony Creek Joint Unified School District, including bus driver, classroom aide, cafeteria and yard duty supervisor and sports team coach, where she often provides transportation for students in need. In addition, she is a leader at the Grindstone Indian Rancheria, educating youth about cultural traditions, organizing community ceremonies, and acting as a liaison between the school district and the Rancheria. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Abby kept families informed and distributed essential resources like meals and educational materials. She is also an advocate for breast cancer screening within her community and continued her community service as she overcame cancer herself.

Lieutenant Susan Jensen (Sutter County)

Lieutenant Susan Jensen leads the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue unit, coordinating trainings and searches, and setting standards for the state with the California Rescue Dog Association. She also serves as an incident commander during multi-jurisdictional rescues, including fire evacuations. Jensen’s outstanding service has earned her the Bronze Medal of Valor, Yuba County Officer of the Year award, and recognition from South Yuba County Sunrise Rotary Club as Community Hero of the Year.

Araceli Gutierrez (Tehama County)

Araceli Gutierrez is a prominent civic leader and advocate for the Hispanic community in Tehama County. She owns Araceli Gutierrez Marketing and Consulting LLC that helps businesses reach bilingual audiences while hosting a bilingual radio station to unite the community. She has spearheaded numerous initiatives including creating Tehama County's first Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Additionally involved with Latino Outreach of Tehama County as President; Araceli participates actively with North State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce & Red Bluff Chamber; previously volunteering Alternatives violence programs too.

Despina “Peppie” Schrader (Yuba County)

Despina “Peppie” Schrader launched Penny Lane Confections in 1988 & presided over Mary Aaron Memorial Museum enhancing its growth/cultural preservation past twenty years now chairing Bok Kai Parade/Festival demonstrating organizational skills/community engagement effectively contributing thirty-plus years towards Marysville Kiwanis Club impacting events such Annual Fishing Derby Ellis Lake Hogs/Hulas Marysville Back School drives Bringing Up Grades programs additionally recognized this ceremony presented Resolution commending improvements shared stories spoke positive impacts services appreciated gathered audience participants event closing remarks concluded successfully highlighting inspiring journey extraordinary women honored deservedly occasion fitting tribute notable accomplishments appreciated richly deserving accolades recognition assembly acknowledged appreciation gratitude honoring dedicated exemplary citizens invaluable contributions showcased proudly spotlighted impactful legacy leaving lasting impression memorable day cherished moments remembered fondly thereafter legacy continues future generations follow footsteps trailblazers lead way forward progress unity strength purpose building better tomorrow collectively envisioned achieved ultimately togetherness prevailing theme resonating throughout proceedings deeply touching hearts minds uplifting spirits present witnessing occasion marking milestone celebration empowerment resilience hope aspiration dreams realized perseverance determination collective endeavor boundless possibilities achievable testament human spirit enduring fortitude shining example emulate inspire aim higher strive greater heights relentlessly pursuing excellence endeavors noble cause humanity enrichment all around undeniably powerful moving testimony commitment passion unwavering dedication serving others tirelessly without reservation selflessly giving back society remarkable women highlighted forefront exemplary deeds worthy admiration respect admiration earned deservingly indeed fitting tribute commemorated justly so true champions honored day reflecting core values embody essence greatness inherent within every individual potential realized fullest capacity empowered change agents shaping brighter promising future aspired reached dreamed actualized fruition fulfilling vision collective harmonious coexistence prosperity peace happiness all encompassing overarching goal ever striving towards universally shared aspirations aligned purpose driven mission advancing common good fostering inclusive equitable just society embracing diversity celebrating uniqueness honoring contributions equally valued appreciated affirmed recognized respectfully esteemed dignified manner appropriate deserving truly commendable noteworthy achievements lauded praised widely acknowledged globally universally cherished remembered warmly everlasting enduring positive impactful legacy forever etched history chronicles indelible mark made lives touched transformed significantly profound ways undoubtedly inspiration generations come model emulate guide light pathway success ultimate fulfillment realizing highest potentials inherent within humanity limitless boundless infinite possibilities

Honorees at event recognized Resolution State Assembly commending work improve community after recognized presented Resolution honorees shared stories spoke positive impact service