Cheryl Lynn Sinclair. Photo courtesy of Sinclair.
[Redwood City, CA] A steadfast advocate and caring supporter of grieving parents, a dedicated lobbyist who has contributed to improving the wellbeing of seniors and those with disabilities, and a lifelong educator, are among the inductees into the 2011 San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame, the county’s premier showcase for women who make a difference every day in our community.
This year, the Commission on the Status of Women is proud to announce that six women and two young women will be inducted into the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame on March 24 at the South San Francisco Conference Center.
“It is the great privilege of the Commission on the Status of Women to recognize the contributions and achievements of these exceptional women and young women,” said Martina Tello, President of the Commission. “The Women’s Hall of Fame is a reminder of the wealth of talent and generosity women bring to our county communities every day of the year.”
This year’s event is proud to recognize our Gold & Silver Sponsors. Our Gold Sponsors are ABC7/KGO-TV and Comcast. Our Silver Sponsor is Seton Medical Center.
For information about the Hall of Fame awards banquet, please call the Commission on the Status of Women at 650-363-4463, or visit the Commission’s web page at www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/csw. A list of past inductees is also available on the website. Tickets can be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/144126.
About the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame
In 1984, the Commission on the Status of Women established a permanent Women’s Hall of Fame to recognize outstanding women for their contributions to the well being of San Mateo County. Impartial judges selected from outside our county read the numerous nominations with names redacted to ensure a fair and unbiased process, before selecting the finalists. The women are honored for their outstanding contributions to their profession, their generous work as volunteers, or both.
In 1992, a second category, “Young Women of Excellence” was added to the Women’s Hall of Fame. To be nominated, “young women” must be high school juniors or seniors or the equivalent. The award aims to give visibility to young women’s accomplishments in community service, academic achievement, and acts of courage in their daily lives.
About the 2011 Women’s Hall of Fame Inductees
The information below briefly summarizes highlights of their achievements; additional information about their many contributions is readily available. The honorees are listed alphabetically.
Ann Therese Ban of South San Francisco is a long-time teacher, professor, and innovator in the field of education who has received awards and been recognized by Stanford and Princeton Universities for her effective, pioneering teaching methods in math and science.
Raegene Lee Castle of Redwood City rebounded from her life-threatening experience with meningitis to become a staunch advocate for the hearing disabled in San Mateo County and beyond; she has served on both the state and national boards of the Hearing Loss Association and works tirelessly to raise awareness about and the quality of life for those affected by hearing loss.
Celia Hartnett of San Carlos is an energetic defender of nature and open space in San Mateo County and a selfless, caring community member who comforts parents suffering the loss of their newborn children; her activism and kindness have touched the lives of countless residents throughout the county.
May Lacsamana Nichols of San Mateo has served the county for many years, first as Post Master of Half Moon Bay and then as a dedicated advocate for seniors throughout the county, where she has been instrumental in the passage of important legislation and has provided vital services to seniors through her position as Senior Services Coordinator at Edgewater Isle Senior Housing.
Karen Schwarz of Redwood City has demonstrated her passion for education through many years of service in appointed and elected positions including president of the San Mateo County Board of Education and member of the San Mateo Community College District Board, where she has served for 14 years and has been an integral force implementing many important changes undertaken by the District.
Cheryl Lynn Sinclair of Pacifica has dedicated herself to improving health care in San Mateo County throughout the last 22 years; as Director of Community Outreach for the Coastside Adult Day Health Center and Chair of the RotaCare Coastside Clinic’s Advisory Council, she has worked tirelessly to improve quality of and access to health care for the county’s coastside residents.
2011 Young Women of Excellence
Jessica Esquivel of Redwood City is a senior at Sequoia High School who demonstrates her commitment to justice and her community through dedicated volunteerism, leadership as Co-Chair of the San Mateo County Youth Commission, and tenacious advocacy for LGBTQ equality and teen mental health issues.
Alison Nicole Logia of Redwood City is a junior at Sequoia High School who excels in academics, athletics, and the performing arts, and is passionate about serving her community; as president of Sequoia’s Key Club, she leads much of the student body in a variety of community service endeavors throughout San Mateo County.
