CHICO – At a special luncheon at the Sicilian Café in Chico, Assemblyman James Gallagher celebrated the exceptional contributions of seven distinguished women from Assembly District 3 with his annual Woman of the Year awards.
“Today we honor women who don’t seek recognition but absolutely deserve it,” said Gallagher. “Their dedication and leadership have helped shape a better future for the North State.”
The 2025 honorees, each a beacon of leadership and community service in their respective fields, include:
Carol Ramirez
A fourth-generation Sutter County resident, Carol Ramirez has dedicated her career and volunteer service to advancing health care, education, and the arts. At Adventist Health and Rideout, she coordinates programs and volunteers to support patients and families. Carol also helped found the Yuba Sutter Arts Council and California Prune Festival, launched school-based health clinics, and was instrumental in forming the Sutter North Medical Foundation. Her deep civic legacy has earned her multiple awards, including the Athena Award and a 25-Year Service Award from Adventist Health.
Desiree Hastey
Desiree Hastey is a business owner, housing advocate, and community event organizer who has helped shape the growth and spirit of Plumas Lake. She founded Rental Property Professionals, co-owns Plumas Lake Properties, and actively advocates on housing issues statewide. Desiree organizes cherished events like the Plumas Lake Block Party and Trunk-or-Treat, Santa on the Fire Truck, Easter Eggstravaganza, and serves as a Yuba County Board of Education Trustee and South Yuba Sunrise Rotary member. In 2024, she was honored with the Dottie Neubauer Volunteer of the Year Award for Yuba and Sutter Counties.
Janice Walker
Janice Walker leads Chico Project SAVE, a nonprofit that redistributes medical supplies to those in need locally and abroad. Since 2004, she has grown the program into a vital community resource that supports wildfire victims, underserved residents, and international clinics. Janice also coordinated donations of protective gear during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to provide mobility aids and other critical equipment to Butte County families every week.
Margit Sands
Margit Sands is a retired educator and devoted conservationist whose decades of service span the classroom, the arts, and land preservation. She is actively involved with the Sutter County Museum, Sutter County Historical Society, Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust, Yuba-Sutter Cattlemen’s Association, and Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau. Margit contributes to Quilts of Valor and performs with several local ensembles, including the MARKs Quartet, Yuba-Sutter Community Orchestra, and Buttes Family Orchestra. For more than 20 years, she has opened her family ranch in the Sutter Buttes to university researchers, museum docents, and hiking guides as a way to support education and conservation of the region’s unique natural resources.
Shelley Macdonald
Shelley Macdonald is a dedicated advocate for agriculture, youth, and education in Tehama County. As Vice President and Agricultural Loan Officer at Cornerstone Community Bank, she supports local farmers and ranchers through her professional expertise. Her passion for agriculture and education is reflected in her leadership with 4-H and FFA, as well as her service as a Red Bluff Joint Union High School District Board Member, Director of the Tehama County Education Foundation, Board Member of Tehama County Cattlewomen, and President of the Tehama County Farm Bureau. Shelley helped launch Tehama’s first Farm Day, led Earth Day classroom outreach, and volunteers at local events such as the Red Bluff Round-Up and the Tehama County Cattlemen’s Golf Tournament. Her leadership has earned her numerous honors, including Tehama County’s Woman of the Year and Common Threads North Honoree.
Tracy Leighton
Tracy Leighton is a civic and cultural leader who revived the Yuba Sutter Master Chorale after the pandemic, expanding its reach and impact through grant funding and musical excellence. She also led fundraising efforts at St. Isidore Catholic School and helped reinvigorate the Sutter County Republican Central Committee. Known for her energy and dedication, Tracy continues to uplift her community through music, mentorship, and public service.
Yasmin Caro
Yasmin Caro is a social worker with Glenn County Adult Protective Services and a steadfast volunteer dedicated to supporting seniors and veterans. She helps lead the Glenn County Senior Resource Expo and Veterans Stand Down, coordinating public agencies and volunteers with care and precision. Known for her humility and work ethic, Yasmin is often the first to arrive and last to leave, quietly ensuring others receive the support they need.
###