Press Release

Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil Honors Merita Callaway as Senate District 4’s 2024 Woman of the Year

CALAVERAS COUNTY – Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson) is proud to announce Calaveras County Supervisor Emeritus, Merita Callaway, as the recipient of Senate District 4’s 2024 Woman of the Year award. Merita's unwavering dedication to improving our community and her exceptional leadership have earned her this prestigious recognition on a state level.

Merita was nominated by Calaveras County District 3 Supervisor, Martin Huberty, who stated she has exemplified the spirit of public service, leaving an indelible mark on her community and beyond.

“As the longest-running female county supervisor in California, Merita has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to her role. Her tireless efforts have addressed critical issues such as education, healthcare, and environmental conservation, making her a true advocate for her constituents,” Supervisor Huberty added.

Even after retiring from her position, Merita's commitment to helping others never wavered. Her recent missions to Ukraine, where she delivered much-needed relief supplies to those affected by conflict, highlight her selflessness and desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Merita's involvement with Hands On Global further exemplifies her dedication to humanitarian causes.

“Merita Callaway's boundless energy and passion for serving others truly embody the core values of the 2024 Woman of the Year. Her compassionate nature and pledge to making a difference serve as an inspiration to all people,” Senator Alvarado-Gil emphasized.

“Thank you Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil for recognizing me, my family, my friends, and my colleagues,” said Calloway. “Thank you to everyone who has inspired and supported me along the way,” Calloway added.

Merita’s leadership and contributions to her community over the past 25 years have been invaluable. This recognition of her recent endeavors underscores her continued dedication to creating a better place for all, both locally and globally.

Senator Alvarado-Gil is additionally celebrating the following women making HERstory in their home communities across Senate District 4, where they will be honored in the coming weeks:

 

Adriana Garcia, City of Modesto

Amy Caroll, Stanislaus County 

Christa Campbell, El Dorado County

Cristina Magana, City of Oakdale

Irene Ortiz, City of Ceres

Janet Titus, Mono County

Jennifer Simmons, Madera County 

Mary Anne Schmidt, Tuolumne County

Melissa Eads, Calaveras County

Sheriff Stephanie Rennie, Inyo County

Susan Peters, City of Jackson

 

Senator Alvarado-Gil represents the 4th Senate District including the Counties of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne.

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