Rep. Judy Chu Honors San Gabriel Valley Congressional Women of the Year

The 10 honorees were recognized for their commitment to giving back to the community.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:36pm

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A warm, nostalgic painting depicting a group of women in professional attire gathered together in a sunlit community space, their faces obscured but their body language conveying a sense of camaraderie and purpose.The Congressional Women of the Year awards honor the San Gabriel Valley's most dedicated community leaders and public servants.San Gabriel Today

Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, honored 10 women from the San Gabriel Valley as Congressional Women of the Year for their dedication to public service and community advocacy. The annual event recognized mentors, community leaders, and public servants who have made significant contributions to the region.

Why it matters

The Congressional Women of the Year awards highlight the important role women play in shaping the San Gabriel Valley, from supporting disaster recovery efforts to advocating for youth development and immigrant rights. The honorees serve as inspirational role models and demonstrate the power of civic engagement and community-driven leadership.

The details

The 10 honorees were selected through a nomination process that recognized their passion, drive, and the admiration of their neighbors and fellow citizens. The women were honored on April 4 for their commitment to giving back to the San Gabriel Valley in a variety of ways, including executive leadership, public service, arts education, and humanitarian work.

  • The awards ceremony took place on April 4, 2026.
  • This was the 16th year for the Congressional Women of the Year event.

The players

Rep. Judy Chu

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing California's 28th congressional district, which includes the San Gabriel Valley.

Chen

The executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network (EFSN), now called Every Fire Survivor's Network (EFSN), which has become the nation's largest survivor-led recovery hub, connecting more than 10,000 survivors and allies impacted by the Eaton, Palisades, and Malibu fires.

Joy

A former deputy mayor of Los Angeles who has emerged as a prominent national voice on disaster recovery, insurance accountability, and community-led rebuilding, advocating for more resilient and inclusive recovery systems.

Nicholls-Ali

An arts educator, photographer, and advocate for Career Technical Education (CTE) and Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) who has inspired students for more than 20 years and serves in leadership roles across multiple arts organizations.

Sanchez

A strategic leader and volunteer who has served as secretary of the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association Board and lead volunteer for its signature events, helping bring beloved traditions like the Holiday Fair and Halloween Haunting to life.

Goldberg

A retired civic leader who has become an advocate for immigrant rights, supporting refugee resettlement efforts, including sponsoring Afghan families through Operation Allies Welcome.

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What they’re saying

“'Every single honoree has been selected through an exhaustive process that begins with a nomination from their neighbors, friends, or family—the people in their communities who know them best and see their service up close. We received a flood of nominations from cities across the 28th congressional district of California, and the winners stood out not only because of their passion and drive, but because of the admiration from their neighbors and fellow citizens.'”

— Rep. Judy Chu, U.S. Representative

“'I'm so proud of these role models and am honored to be recognizing them.'”

— Rep. Judy Chu, U.S. Representative

The takeaway

The Congressional Women of the Year awards celebrate the vital contributions of women leaders in the San Gabriel Valley, showcasing their dedication to public service, community advocacy, and making a positive impact on the lives of their neighbors. These honorees serve as inspirational role models, demonstrating the power of civic engagement and community-driven leadership.