Beatriz Gonzalez Named 2019 Woman of the Year

SACRAMENTO – Indio resident and community leader, Beatriz “Bea” Gonzalez on Monday, March 4, was named the 56th Assembly District’s 2019 Woman of the Year recipient.

The coveted honor comes courtesy of Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, D-Coachella,

“It is my great privilege to be able to bestow this honor on such a well deserving recipient as Beatriz Gonzalez,” Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia said in a prepared statement. “Bea is a spectacular person, much beloved and well known in our community for her big personality and even bigger heart. She is a fierce advocate and consummate volunteer. She has dedicated her career growing Coachella Valley Unified School District’s Expanded Learning After School Programs where she has gone above and beyond, building partnerships, and leveraging resources to ensure that her students have every possible opportunity to succeed,” shared .

For nearly two decades, Gonzalez has served as the Coachella Valley Unified School District’s District Coordinator of Expanded Learning After School Programs. In this capacity, she ensures the quality programming for twenty-one school sites. Often these efforts intersect with Assemblymember Garcia’s policy initiatives, for example, his work with the National Compadres/Comadres Network to help deter the schools to prison pipeline through cultural healing and mentorship. In partnership with the National Compadres/Comadres Network, Beatriz has been able to utilize Prop 47 dollars to implement La Cultura Cura model programming such as the Joven Noble and Xinachtli in our local schools.

Last year, the Riverside County Latino Commission dedicated “Bea’s House” Girl’s Youth Treatment Facility; in recognition of her work to promote mental wellness and healing. This is the first and only local facility of its nature proving service to girls ages 13 to 17 1/2 half who are suffering from mental health and substance youth disorders.

Gonzalez currently serves on the following boards; Riverside University Health Care Systems Behavioral Health Commission; Riverside County Desert Behavioral Health Advisory Board; Riverside County Latino Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Inc.; American Cancer Society- Relay For Life Committee; Valley Missionary Program; and the Regional Access Program Foundation.

Above all else, Gonzalez considers being a mother to be her greatest accomplishment, and she feels very blessed to have the love and full support of her two children, Monique and Matthew.

“I am truly humbled and honored to be recognized by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, someone who I greatly respect and admire. All I want to do is see our community to grow and flourish,” Gonzalez said in a prepared statement. “This is why I am constantly looking for avenues to invest in our students and their capacity as leaders. I truly appreciate my parents for instilling in me the importance of serving others and thank my children, Monique, and Matthew, for always being by my side.  I am appreciative of everyone who donates their time and works tirelessly to make our community a better place.”

Every year as part of Women’s History Month, the California Legislative Women’s Caucus sponsors the Woman of the Year awards to recognize women who have made a positive impact in our lives and our communities. Monday afternoon, Gonzalez joined other distinguished honorees from across the state.

Garcia serves as the chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife.  He represents the 56th district, which comprises the cities and communities of Blythe, Brawley, Bermuda Dunes, Calexico, Calipatria, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Indio, Mecca, Oasis, North Shore, Salton Sea, Thermal, Thousand Palms, and Westmorland.