Paula Mejia, Cecilia Neuman named women of the year
Paula Mejia, left, and Cecilia Neuman were among Women of the Year honorees by Assemblymember Cristina Garcia.
DOWNEY – Two Downey women – Paula Mejia and Cecilia Neuman – were chosen as Women of the Year by Assemblymember Cristina Garcia.
Garcia selected 11 women in total to honor, representing the 58th Assembly District.
In addition to Mejia and Neuman, other honorees included Judge Laura Walton, Sasha Leonardo of Artesia, Rosa Carrero LVN of Bellflower, Jocelyn Del Real of Bell Gardens, Payal Sawhney of Cerritos, Makayla Rice of Commerce, Lorraine Richards of Montebello, Victoria Johnson of Norwalk, and Maria A. Rios of Pico Rivera.
“It is exciting to honor deserving women, who do extraordinary work in their hometown communities,” said Garcia, chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus. “They are our unsung heroes who work tirelessly; expecting nothing in return. They deserve to be recognized for their efforts and service.
“I encourage everyone to take part in and recognize the achievements of women in your own communities.”
Cecilia Neuman is a first time immigrant and the eldest of six siblings. She came to the United States with a “luggage full of dreams” in search for a better future for her family.
She used that as motivation to earn her GED and finish Cosmetology School—all while working full-time. Despite facing adversity like homelessness, she took up two jobs, became a cosmetology teacher, and a proud owner of The Academy by Studio 18 Beauty Salon.
Through the Ready to Succeed organization, she has been able to provide scholarships to Downey High School students that they can use for advanced education tuition.
Paula Mejia has been a “pillar in the Downey community for over three decades,” according to a biography provided by Garcia’s office. She emigrated from Mexico to the United States at the age of 18 and started taking ESL classes at the Lynwood Community Adult School. Later, she transferred to Norwalk’s Adult School, and attended Cerritos College.
After becoming a U.S. citizen, Mejia began helping others obtain their citizenship. She has participated in marches supporting immigrant rights and the Black Lives Matter movement. In addition, she has volunteered during the elections of local, state, and national campaigns.
Her recent achievements include serving as vice president for the Chico State University Parent Association, treasurer for the CA Democratic Council, president-elect and cofounder of the Kiwanis 605 Club, co-vice president of the Hubert H. Humphrey Democratic Club, member of the Cerritos College Task Force/Ambassador for Area 2, and a board member of the Downey Chamber of Commerce serving as the co-chair the first virtual Downey Christmas parade in 2020, and Volunteer of the Year awards for the Downey Chamber of Commerce (2016) and Downey Sister Cities (2009).
“I want to honor all of my honorees and encourage everyone to do what they can to make our community better every day,” said Garcia.