Assemblyman Honors Mayor as “Woman of the Year”

She’s a professor, a former Redwood City School Board member, a board member for seven non-profits, and Redwood City’s first Latina mayor. Alicia Aguirre has served the community with the dedication and stamina of a dozen women combined, earning her the State Assembly 21st District’s “Woman of the Year” Award, given by Assemblymember Rich Gordon (D-Menlo Park).

Each of the 80 State Assemblymembers selected one outstanding woman from their district to travel to Sacramento on Monday to be recognized for her service and impact.

Last year’s distinction was given to Audrey Rust, then president of the Peninsula Open Space Trust who has since retired.

“The Bay Area at-large has benefited from Alicia’s tireless involvement in all dimensions of Redwood City,” said Assemblyman Rich Gordon.  “Her wit, intelligence, and sincere nature make her a stand-out public servant and community member.”

“I was in shock and I was giddy with excitement,” said Aguirre of Gordon’s . “It’s one of the biggest honors I’ve ever received.”

Aguirre said that being a female, and a Latina does have some added pressure to the job, but that it doesn’t affect how she executes her many roles in the community.

“With being a female, there’s the knowledge that what I do is always watched, but you just remember who you serve and who you represent,” Aguirre said.

Gordon added, “There is no denying that Alicia has helped pave the way for Latina women seeking public office.”

With this additional recognition, Aguirre said she felt strengthened in her role as a councilmember and Mayor.

“I used to be a Girl Scout, and I see this as another badge,” she said. “I feel more motivated to live up to this honor.”

After the long drive to Sacramento, Aguirre said she plans to return to her work as usual… that same night.

Pending traffic, she hopes to attend a Reclassification Ceremony for 800 students at the Redwood City School District, who tested as proficient in both English and Spanish.

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