Four Lynwood women were honored at the annual Women History Month celebration Saturday at the Lucy Avalos Community Center.
The event—called Women “Her Story” Month—focused on the themes of healing and hope, appropriately so as we emerge from a two-year pandemic.
The honorees were:
- Audrey Casas and Angela Baber, two Lynwood school teachers, who founded a non-profit called Mastering Hope which was launched in 2020 and has provided food and other services to people in need during the pandemic.
- Lynwood High School teacher, Vivian Vargas, whose 25-year career was praised by Councilmember Rita Soto who said that Vargas has “inspired students to reach their life goals” and helped make Lynwood stronger.
- Marcella Gomez, a nurse who would make candles as a form of therapy from the seriousness of health care. This breast cancer survivor decided to leave nursing to open a company called “Oh Comadre Candles” which is a great success today.
Nearly 200 people heard welcomes from California State Senator Lena Gonzalez, who urged those in the audience to help “get more women elected,” Lynwood City Treasurer Gabriela Camacho and several Lynwood Councilmembers. In addition, Eriana Moreno, read Amanda Moreno’s inspirational poem, “The Hill We Climb.”
It was a great day—reminded all of us the role that women in Lynwood have played and continue to play to make Lynwood a great place to live.