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Assemblymember Boerner Honors San Diego Women for International Women’s Day

For immediate release:

DEL MAR, CA. — Today, as part of her annual Women of Impact ceremony, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) recognizes 11 women from the 77th Assembly District in honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. This ceremony recognizes the contributions of local women.

“Women's rights may be under attack, but these women have always persevered despite all the odds against them. They have inspired generations, given back to their communities, and provided services and assistance to those in need,” stated Assemblymember Boerner. “These women are trailblazers and will continue breaking glass ceilings. Thank you to all of our 2025 Women of Impact honorees.”

Assemblymember Boerner recognized the following individuals for her 2025 Women of Impact Ceremony:

Woman of the Year: Dr. Rebecca Rakow-Penner, MD, Ph.D. (La Jolla) – UC San Diego

Advocacy & Activism: Jennifer Phelps (La Jolla) – Youth4Climate;

Military: Crystal Hazelton (Solana Beach) – Coastal Specialty Physical Therapy;

Health & Human Services: Saundra Pelletier (Encinitas) – Evofem Biosciences;

Education: Katrina Waidelich (Carlsbad) – Carlsbad High School;

Community Service: Laura Chez (Pacific Beach) – We See You San Diego;

Civic Engagement: Sarah Brothers (San Diego) – Downtown San Diego Partnership;

Business & Entrepreneurship: Dr. Cynthia Burzell, Ph.D. (Encinitas) – Aequor Inc.;

Arts & Culture: Jessica Hanson York (Point Loma) – Mingei International Museum;

Young Leader: Stephanie Zuniga (San Diego) – E3 Civic High School; and

Young Leader: Ciana Aurich (San Diego) – San Diego High School.

 

For a list of the honorees and their biographies, please click here.

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Assemblymember Tasha Boerner represents the 77th District, which encompasses Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Coronado and the coastal communities of La Jolla south to Downtown San Diego. You can learn more about Assemblymember Boerner at a77.asmdc.org, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter/X.