Inland Empire Women Named “Women of Distinction”

Over 70 Inland Empire women from the 23rd State Senate District were honored for their community work and service by state Sen. Mike Morrell, R-Rancho Cucamonga, in the 10th Annual Women of Distinction Ceremony and Dinner June 20 at the National Orange Show, where they received their accolades to a group of over 350 guests. This year’s awardees joined the ranks of over 500 of Inland Empire women recognized over the last decade for their service and demonstration of commitment to their communities and have been named a “Woman of Distinction.” Awardees are nominated by business leaders, past winners, members of the public and fellow volunteers. Sen. Morrell shared, “These women are making a huge difference in our region. I admire them for their selfless service and humility. They don’t ask for much in return and don’t seek recognition for their work. However, we can always say ‘Thank you.’ This award is one small way we can do that.” Loma Linda’s Susan Zador, founder of the nonprofit organization “Visiting the Lonely Ones,” which serves nursing home residents, was highlighted during this year’s ceremony. The Friday evening ceremony also honored Highland resident Christina Milian, a breast cancer survivor, with the creation of the “Christina Milian Inspirational Scholarship,” which will benefit female trade school students whose families have been affected by cancer. So far, this fund has raised $6,000, money which will be used to award scholarships at future Women of Distinction events. “I’m trying to put out there what won’t die, something that will live on, and now I think it will, because (the scholarship) is annual,” Milian told the City News. Milian, who in June 2008 was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form of the disease, said that through her fight, she has made it a point to create lasting memories. “You have to live your life, because if you don’t then you’re not really living at all,” she said. Sen. Morrell closed the event with this sentiment: “Year after year, I find it incredibly encouraging and moving to see the accomplishments of the women we honor. America’s greatness comes from her people, those that go out of their way to better their community and help their neighbor. These women not only live up to that ideal, they exceed it. They set extraordinary examples for all of us to follow.” Honorees from the cities of Loma Linda, Redlands and San Bernardino are as follows: * Susan Zador, Loma Linda * Tonja Blankenship, Redlands * Teresa Frausto, Redlands * Elizabeth Locke‐Thomas, Redlands * Christina Milian, Redlands * Rose Palmer, Redlands * Melanie Sherif, Redlands * Deirdre Thomas, Redlands * Tera Bisbee San Bernardino * Lizzy Brown, San Bernardino * Claudia Estrada, San Bernardino * Deborah Flores, San Bernardino * Kimberly Foglio‐Walden, San Bernardino * Eva Kirsch, San Bernardino * Tammy Martin-Ryles, San Bernardino * Michelle A. Rainer, San Bernardino * Donna Rantz, San Bernardino * Roseanna Ruiz, San Bernardino * Pat Van Dam, San Bernardino * Tracy Wise, San Bernardino The honorees also included Highland resident Cheryl Meis, a registered nurse who works at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) in Colton.