Rep. Garamendi honors two Antioch residents with 13th Annual Women of the Year awards
22 from Contra Costa County, 52 total
Learn why the congressman honored the two women from Antioch
By Cameron Niven, Office of Congressman John Garamendi
BENICIA, CA – On Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at his 13th annual Women of the Year event, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08) honored 52 women from California’s 8th Congressional District, including 22 from Contra Costa County and two from Antioch, who are leaders and visionaries in their communities. Each honoree has made a real difference in our community through public service, business, education, and the local economy.
“Every year, I’m honored to recognize the remarkable women of California’s 8th District who serve as the backbone of our community,” said Rep. Garamendi. “They come from every corner of our district and from many different backgrounds, and they work in a wide range of fields. Each is united by the profound impact they have on the people around them.”
“Their commitment and passion for service deserve recognition, and through this award, their contributions will be preserved for generations in the official Congressional Record in Washington, D.C.”
The event was held in Benicia at the Clocktower and the women from Antioch who were honored are Laura Jacques and Lisa Lacy.
In a post on Facebook following the event the congressman also wrote, “Yesterday I had privilege of recognizing 52 women from California’s 8th Congressional District at my annual Women of the Year celebration. These women are leaders and visionaries who are making a real difference in our community through public service, business, education, and the local economy. Thank you to every honoree for all you do. Congratulations!”
When reached for comment about the honor, Antioch resident Laura Jacques said, “I was very honored. I was really humbled by some of the other women who were there and I was thinking, ‘do I really belong here?’ I was really surprised.”
“It was a really nice event,” she added.
The 2026 Women of the Year Honorees are:
Contra Costa County:
- Laura Jacques (Antioch)
- Lisa Lacy (Antioch)
- Champagne Brown (El Cerrito)
- Stacy Wayne (El Cerrito)
- Susan Duncan (El Cerrito)
- Christine Mathias (El Sobrante)
- Jamela Smith-Folds (Hercules)
- Christine Dean (Martinez)
- Rachel Shoemake (Martinez)
- Annisha Geran (Pittsburg)
- Kaitlin Clink (Pittsburg)
- Annie King-Meredith (Richmond)
- Elana Bolds (Richmond)
- Maria Del Rocio Martinez Luna (Richmond)
- Mary Ann Dawkins-Padigela (Richmond)
- Dr. Mayra Padilla (Richmond)
- Michelle Denise Milam (Richmond)
- Nwaeze Nmereole (Richmond)
- Shasa Curl (Richmond)
- Amanda Jenkins (San Pablo)
- Dr. Rocio Hernández (San Pablo)
- Yolanda Mendoza (San Pablo)
A photo and a bio about each woman were included in a program provided to each honoree at the event and a plaque showing their information entered into the Congressional Record was presented to them by the congressman.
Laura Jacques – Antioch – Contra Costa County
Laura Jacques is a dedicated member of the Antioch Historical Society and the Woman’s Club of Antioch. In her role with the Historical Society, Laura is essential in organizing and running several community events, including the city’s 150th anniversary and the relocation of the Red Caboose. Laura continuously goes above and beyond, whether it is helping produce a commemorative coin, a book documenting Antioch’s history, or a celebratory barbecue.
As a part of Antioch’s Woman’s Club, Laura has worked tirelessly to transform her local community. She has dedicated her efforts to enhancing the Woman’s Club’s outdoor space, while also spearheading the early stages of a new mural on the building’s exterior that will celebrate local history and art. In addition to directly supervising the reconstruction of the space, Laura was instrumental in the project’s fundraising.
Across all her roles, Laura consistently drives positive change in her community through her leadership, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to excellence. Her efforts have benefited Antioch community members of all ages and her dedication to supporting the community is truly worth celebrating.
Lisa Lacy – Antioch – Contra Costa
Lisa Lacy is a dedicated member of the Antioch community who works tirelessly to protect and care for the local feral feline population of Antioch. Starting her days in the early hours of the morning, Lisa works to trap, transport, house, and medicate feral felines across Antioch. She has worked tirelessly to prepare formerly feral cats for their new lives in loving homes through trap, neuter and return efforts. Lisa has helped to create a more humane environment for our feline friends and those who enjoy their company.
To educate and empower her fellow Antioch community members, Lisa created the Scruffy to Fluffy information page. Community members can find adoptable cats, as well as information on how best to deal with those that are feral. Many community members have turned to her after receiving litters that are too large for them to manage, and Lisa has helped to arrange adoptions and other methods of care.
Her work has benefited both 4-legged and human members of Antioch’s community, and her dedication does not go unnoticed. Lisa’s dedication to caring for Antioch’s feline population reflects the very best of community service and continues to make a meaningful difference for both animals and residents.
Lisa Lacy did not attend the event and did not provide a photo of herself for the program. Efforts to reach her were unsuccessful prior to publication time.
A video of the event can be found here and see more photos here.
Congressman Garamendi represents California’s 8th District in the U.S. House of Representatives which currently includes portions of Contra Costa County along the northern waterfront from Richmond to Antioch. After the 2026 election, the new district will only include portions of West County.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
the attachments to this post:
Laura Jacques with Rep. Garamendi & other honorees 10-23-26
Laura Jacques & with Rep. Garamendi 10-23-26
Garamendi & Women of the Year 3
John & Patti Garamendi at 2026 Women of the Year event
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