fbpx
westerlund dyer

Dora Westerlund and Fresno Jerry Dyer pose during the city's Women of the Year ceremony on Wednesday. Photo by Ben Hensley

published on March 30, 2023 - 2:13 PM
Written by

The 2023 Women of the Year for the City of Fresno were announced Wednesday featuring eight women selected by the seven Fresno City Council members and Mayor Jerry Dyer for their service in the community.

The event, scheduled at the end of March for Women’s History Month, celebrates the successes of women leaders in Fresno.

“I know that in my office that I’ve found success through making sure that I surround myself with women who get things done,” Dyer said. “From my city manager, to my chief of staff; two of my three assistant city managers, my director of communication, assistant communication director…I just believe in it.”

Deby Hergenrader and Garry Bredefeld
District Six Councilmember Garry Bredefeld and his honoree Deby Hergenrader. Photo by Ben Hensley

 

This year’s honorees ranged from nonprofit leaders to local business owners and even a Fresno Police detective. The eight women honored were presented with a plaque commemorating their achievements and each gave a few words following their recognition.

“We’ve honored people in the past that have been a physician, doctor, police officer, journalist —  people who are making significant differences,” said District Six Representative Garry Bredefeld.

Annalisa Perea and family
Family and coworkers of Ariana Motter pose with District One Councilmember Annalisa Perea. Motter, a Fresno police officer, was unable to attend. Photo by Ben Hensley

 

This years honorees are:

Mayor’s honoree: Dora Westerlund – President and CEO of the Fresno Area Hispanic Chamber of commerce. Spearheaded the creation of the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation.

District 1: Ariana Motter – Fresno police officer since 2015. Participated in an investigation that led to the arrest of the suspects responsible for a Fresno mass shooting in 2019.

District 2: Kim Shehadey – Coordinator of the Assistance League and coordinates the organization’s auxiliary, Assisteens, a four-year mentoring program aimed at preparing high school students to lead philanthropic fundraising, organizational and leadership skills.

District 3: Benita Vasquez – Began volunteering to address school safety concerns over 15 years ago. Helped build a crosswalk monitoring team and continues to be a spokesperson for green spaces, neighborhood infrastructure, waste reduction and other community-related issues.

District 4: Kina McFadden – Founder and CEO of Eye Connect Dots consulting firm. Coordinator of hundreds of block parties in the community collaborative “Bringing Broken Neighborhoods Back to Life,” and hosts community engagements with United Way.

Vang
District Five Councilmember Luis Chavez, his honoree Maiyer Vang and her grandmother. Photo by Ben Hensley

 

District 5: Maiyer Vang – Executive Director of Parent University with the Fresno Unified School District. Established the district’s COVID-19 Call Center supporting over 40,000 families, students and communities with resources and services.

District 6: Deby Hergenrader – Co-Founder and Executive Director with Emeritus of Break the Barriers. Competed in national gymnastics until an ankle injury caused her to withdraw from the 1972 Olympic Trials. Co-Founded Break the Barriers to fill the overwhelming need for inclusion in sports, performing arts and education.

District 7: Christine Barker – Executive Director of Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries (FIRM). Has worked with refugees in three states and countries. FIRM’s central campus hosted over 8,000 vaccinations and nearly 16,000 free COVID-19 tests, and has 20 community health workers offering services in a number of languages.

During their time at the podium, each honoree gave insight into the work they do in Fresno and thanked family, friends and coworkers for their support and influence.

Several honorees also introduced family members, thanking them directly.

“I would be remiss if I said that this is my award,” said the Mayor’s honoree Dora Westerlund. “This is all of you. The people that have collaborated with me, that have assisted me, the many organizations that we collaborate with; this is all our collaboration.”

Women’s History Month has been recognized nationally since 1987.


e-Newsletter Signup

Our Weekly Poll

Do you think Valley Children's Hospital will lose financial support due to CEO pay revelations?
120 votes

Central Valley Biz Blogs

. . .