Jaylene Moseley recognized as Woman of the Year
Pasadena, CA – In Celebration of Women’s History Month in March 2017, Assemblymember Chris Holden recognized the 41st Assembly District’s Woman of the Year, Women of Distinction Honorees and Nominees at his Annual Open House. The women were honored for their service and work that has a made a positive impact in their community.
With fifty nominations throughout the district, Flintridge Center President, Jaylene Moseley from Pasadena was named the 2017 Woman of the Year for the 41st District.
“Jaylene Moseley has been a force of impact for Northwest Pasadena and West Altadena for more than 30 years through her leadership of the Flintridge Center,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Jaylene is a friend, a leader and an inspiration to all. She is a woman who exemplifies a life of purpose, fulfillment and joy.”
Women of Distinction from throughout the district include Jacqueline Collier (Altadena), Elizabeth Bingham (Claremont), Dr. Beatriz Gonzalez (La Verne), Gayle Montgomery (Monrovia), Christy McKinzie (Rancho Cucamonga), Margie Green (San Dimas), Rachelle Arizmendi (Sierra Madre), Carol Calandra (South Pasadena), and Alcuyn Pitts (Upland).
“The 2017 Women of Distinction are passionate leaders that improve the lives for thousands of individuals and families in 41st Assembly District and beyond,” said Holden. “They demonstrate exceptional leadership that all of us should aspire to.”
Biographies for the 2017 Woman of the Year and Women of Distinction:
Jaylene Moseley, Pasadena – Under the leadership of Jaylene Moseley, Flintridge Center continues to be a catalyst for community empowerment, with a focus on reintegration. Nearly two-thirds of all state prisoners re-offend. Working with a network of service providers and public agencies, Flintridge Center’s reintegration services provide a pathway to employment and a new life – proving that the cycle is not inevitable. The identity statement of the Flintridge Center, “Relentless Commitment, Transformed Lives,” is the core spirit of Jaylene Moseley as she has dedicated her life’s work to break the cycle of violence and create opportunities for every Pasadena and Altadena resident to become a productive, fulfilled, self-sufficient member of the community.
Jacqueline Collier, Altadena – Through her volunteer work at the Walter Hoving Home, Jacqueline Collier has helped women in recovery, engaging them in spiritual counseling, communication and creativity to help them realize their full potential. She also feeds the homeless each month and provides them with clothing and toiletries. In addition, she volunteers with the Salvation Army, senior centers and various other ministries.
Elizabeth Bingham, Claremont – Pastor Elizabeth Bingham has served as Pastor for the Pilgrim Congregational Church since 1993. Her outstanding attribute is caring for others and supporting human rights within the community. The church hosts a celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. each year. She is past president of the Pomona Rotary Club and Fairplex Child Development Center Board.
Dr. Beatriz Gonzalez, La Verne – Dr. Beatriz Gonzalez has made a significant impact at the University of La Verne. As Vice Provost & Chief Diversity Officer, she works with faculty, staff and students to ensure their success and build diversity on campus. She has been a strong supporter of student led initiatives, including the first Center for Multicultural Studies. Dr. Gonzalez is a fellow of the American Council on Education. She is viewed as a mentor and the driving force behind the many achievements of the university.
Gayle Montgomery, Monrovia – Gayle Montgomery has raised funds for various community organizations, including the Southwest Museum, LA Philharmonic, Women's Heart Health and the LA Homewalk. In addition, she is the community liaison for a Cub Scout Pack. One of her most important achievements is the creation of Operation Save a Vet and Walk a Mile, which gave over 600 people on skid row clothes, tarps and rain gear.
Christy McKinzie, Rancho Cucamonga – Christy McKinzie is the founder and executive of Ladies of IE for Strong Communities, which was founded after Isaiah Shelton was and hit and killed while walking to school. After the organization successfully established two crossing guard positions that improved public safety, she worked with Upland’s Community Restoration team and the Upland Police Department to provide services and housing to uplands homeless population.
Margie Green, San Dimas – Margie Green has been a devoted community member dedicating herself to volunteering and helping others in San Dimas. During Margie's 30 plus years as a San Dimas Chamber of Commerce member, she served on the board for 10 years, and chaired various community activities. As a life member of the San Dimas Historical Society and board member, she helped design and assemble its museum and volunteers as a docent. She has also been very involved in the San Dimas Festival of Arts.
Rachelle Arizmendi, Sierra Madre – Rachelle Arizmendi was elected to the Sierra Madre City Council in 2014. In April 2016, she was selected to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. She has worked to enhance and improve the quality of life in Sierra Madre and surrounding communities by becoming involved in issues of regional significance. She also serves as CEO of Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment that serves over 40,000 people each year in the areas of job training, employment, early childhood education, financial education and asset building.
Carol Calandra, South Pasadena – Carol Calandra has provided exceptional service to veterans who often have a difficult time transitioning into civilian life after their military service. She is devoted to this clientele and has provided stability and compassion to this vulnerable population. She also teaches in the Rehabilitation and Counseling Program at California State University of Los Angeles to educate others who want to work with the veteran population.
Alcuyn Pitts, Upland – Alcuyn Pitts is an army veteran who has provided valuable service to active duty troops through the United Service Organization (USO). Many troops go through the Ontario USO when heading out to training at 29 Palms, Fort Irwin or going home. She actively supports the annual Labor United Against Cancer Run/Walk to raise money for cancer research.