In recognition of Women’s History Month, 15 women from a wide variety of backgrounds were recently honored for their hard work and resilience in serving Valley communities.
Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria’s second annual “Women Leading the Way” event awarded women from the 27th Assembly District, which includes most of Merced County, along with parts of Madera and Fresno counties.
A two-hour ceremony was held March 9 at the San Joaquin Winery in Madera.
“Women creating positive change in our communities deserve to be uplifted and celebrated,” said Soria.
“All 15 women are leading the way for those who will follow in their footsteps. This event provides our community inspiration, networking opportunities and reminds all that we are stronger together.”
Soria introduced each woman individually in front of more than 100 community members. She told the Merced FOCUS the 15 women represented the best of her district.
“It is important we continue to empower women from the Central Valley,” she said. “I am honored to be able to recognize these trailblazing women.”
The following is a list of the honorees:
Anabel Serna
Serna was honored for her extensive work as a program coordinator with Cultiva Central Valley, organizing resources during the COVID-19 pandemic and a flood that devastated Planada in 2023.
“Her leadership shone brightly in the aftermath of the Planada floods, exemplifying resilience and dedication to community welfare,” said Soria.
When Serna received the email notifying her that she would be honored, she was so busy helping others that she set it aside to read later.
“When I found out exactly what it was, I was very excited,” she said. “It was so motivational for all the women who were there. Seeing them there reminded me of the path we are all following to do good and that we have set for others to follow.”
Serna was accompanied at the event by her daughter, who gained a new perspective on her mother and women in general.
“Venimos de una cultura donde la mujer no esta involucrada en ningun sistema – We come from a culture where women are not involved in the system,” she said in Spanish. “These events changed our daughter’s perspective. They helped them see the bigger picture of what we’re fighting for.”
After the event, Serna noticed her daughter had become more interested in and involved in her work. “She comes into the office more often,” she said.
Annissa Fragoso
Fragoso is owner of a Farmer’s Insurance branch in Merced and president of the Merced Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“She’s been a driving force in the MCHCC for nine years,” Soria said. “Annissa’s passion for
community leadership extends to the Kids Discovery Station and Merced Main Street
Association boards, where she advocates for children’s outlets and supports Downtown Merced businesses.”
The honor came as a surprise and an honor for Fragoso, who said she’s been involved in the community out of love for helping others.
“When someone recognizes the work that we do, it’s very humbling,” she said. “I hope I have provided some sort of encouraging footprint for young women to follow or do similar work. I always encourage women to find something they love and do it passionately.”
Rosa Nuno
Delhi’s own Rosa Nuno was recognized for being a beacon of empowerment as a dedicated community leader.
“Her unwavering support for the Planada community during their time of need reflects her compassionate nature,” said Soria. “(Nuno) currently serves as a community health worker with Valley Onward. Rosa embodies a spirit of empowerment, compassion, and cultural preservation.”
Nuno had conflicted feelings about receiving the award, saying she was honored but didn’t feel worthy.
“Siento que me falta mucho trabajo todavia – I feel like I still have a lot of work to do,” she said in Spanish. “I think these events help motivate younger women to do good things.”
Jessica Moran
Hailing from Los Banos, Jessica Moran serves as the dean of instruction at the Merced College campus in her hometown.
In 2020 she was elected to represent District 2 on the Los Banos Unified School District Governing Board.
“I felt amazingly honored when Assemblywoman Soria read my bio,” said Moran. “At that moment, I realized the impact we make collectively. I think we are trying to do something good and leave a legacy. I was humbled that someone would take the time for that recognition.”
Moran said events like these help to honor the women who don’t usually share the spotlight and present younger generations of women with role models they can emulate.
“The more diversity that we have in role models, the more that we can encourage the younger ones,” she said.
As she continues to better herself, Moran is working on a higher-education doctorate focusing on community colleges. Her dissertation highlights the resilience of Latina women.
Anna Cervantes
Hailing from Firebaugh, Anna Cervantes was honored for her work with the Firebaugh Food Bank, an alcohol and drug abuse support group for parents of people with substance use disorders who need counseling and support.
She has a hands-on approach to community care, such as personally delivering hot meals to senior citizens.
“Cervantes, an embodiment of compassion and dedication, has tirelessly worked to make a difference in the lives of those in need,” said Soria. “Her commitment and hard work have facilitated crucial donations for needy families and seniors through the food bank’s giveaway program in Firebaugh.”
Gameelah Mohamed
A resident of Merced, Mohamed was honored for her role in developing, guiding, and leading a team of trained volunteers to deliver essential service programs to disaster-affected communities.
She has also collaborated with public safety officers specializing in human trafficking investigations, showcasing her commitment and dedication to addressing critical issues.
“(Mohamed) has a strong background in victim advocacy, support services, and trauma-informed care,” said Soria. “(She) currently works as a disaster program manager with the American Red Cross and is the criminal justice chair for the NAACP of Merced County.”
Karla Sejas
Focusing on the needs of military and veteran families, Karla Seijas from Merced was honored as an emerging leading voice in addressing these needs.
During the event she was highlighted for her role in recognizing the necessity of AB 1745, which expanded the college fee waiver for the veteran dependents program to include spouses of partially disabled veterans and their children.
“(Seija’s) dedication reflects a profound understanding of the needs and challenges faced by those who have served, making her an invaluable advocate supporting our military community and their families,” said Soria.
Lataria Hall
Lataria Hall, vice president of student services at Fresno City College has been a dedicated advocate for education. She works to close achievement gaps for underrepresented students, focusing on empowering young women.
“Her impact extends district-wide through mentorship programs,” said Soria. “Hall embodies cultural pride by serving on the board of the Fresno African-American Cultural Museum, showcasing her commitment to preserving and celebrating diversity.”
Linda Dash
Linda Dash from Atwater, a longtime leader behind the Miss Merced County Pageant and co-founder of the POW-MIA initiative in Merced County, was also an honoree.
“Dash is the epitome of a true civil servant, embodying dedication and service,” said Soria.
Mayya Tokman
UC Merced applied mathematics professor Mayya Tokman was honored as the driving force behind UC Merced Calteach.
Tokman also spearheaded and co-founded Kids Discovery Station (KiDS), the first children’s museum in Merced. She continues to serve as executive director and president of the board.
The Merced educator, who is founding faculty at UC Merced, has also chaired the UC system-wide CalTeach executive committee, showcasing her commitment to shaping future educators.
“In response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she led efforts to close equity gaps in calculus courses as the department chair for applied mathematics,” said Soria.
Marylene Riley
Marylene Riley of Merced has been a tireless advocate for peace in her community.
After her sons Marlis and Michael were violently killed in two separate incidents, she founded the annual Riley Brothers Victims Remembrance Walk in honor of them and others who have lost their lives to violence.This year will be the walk’s 15th year.
Through consistent volunteerism, Soria described Riley as an integral part of uplifting and improving the lives around her.
Riley teaches women’s Sunday school and was appointed to the Merced County District Attorney’s Community Advisory Board.
Ofelia Ochoa
Mendota’s Ofelia Ochoa was honored for her advocacy work for the rights of children with special needs in her community. Her dedicated effort reflects a commitment to making a positive impact.
“Beyond advocacy, (Ochoa) generously donates both time and goods to support local farm workers,” said Soria.
Sara Bosse
Representing Fresno and Madera, Sara Bosse has led local, regional, and state-wide health initiatives since 1998 to create healthy, equitable communities in California through policy, systems, and environmental change interventions.
As director of the Madera County Department of Public Health, she was a prominent figure in the battle against COVID-19 in Madera County.
“Her impactful role extends beyond, as she serves as a member of the Cal Viva Commission, contributing significantly to healthcare initiatives in the Central Valley,” Soria said.
See Lee
Former career educator for the Empower and Youth Opportunity Program, See Lee of Merced was honored for her work implementing gang intervention, prevention programs, and community involvement.
“As a co-founder of Hmong Movement Organizing for the Next Generation (HMONG), she plays a crucial role in fostering community empowerment,” said Soria.
“Lee’s ongoing efforts extend to supporting the Hmong community, where she co-coordinated the first Hmong Women and Hmong Law Enforcement Conference in the Central Valley, showcasing her commitment to fostering unity, empowerment, and cultural celebration.
Tiffani Gong
Tiffani Gong from Atwater was honored for her commitment to enhancing the educational system by supporting staff and students.
“Gong is a stalwart educator. She has dedicated over two decades to molding young leaders in the Winton and Atwater School Districts,” said Soria.
“Her unwavering passion for student success has earned her the prestigious title of Principal of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators.”
Christian De Jesus Betancourt is the bilingual communities reporter at The Merced FOCUS, a nonprofit newsroom covering Merced. The Merced FOCUS is part of the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative.