Wolk names Irma Rodriguez her "Woman of the Year"

Woodland resident is honored for her longtime advocacy in Yolo County

WOODLAND- Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) today named Woodland resident Irma Rodriguez as the 8th Assembly District “Woman of the Year” for 2006. The California Assembly will honor Rodriguez, a social worker and community advocate, in a ceremony on the Floor of the State Legislature on Monday, March 20th, alongside outstanding women from each California Assembly District.

“Irma gives her heart and soul to her job,” said Assemblywoman Wolk. “She loves her work. She loves helping children. It’s her passion, her calling. She deserves this recognition.”

A licensed clinical social worker for more than 15 years, Rodriguez has dedicated herself to the tireless effort of providing mental health treatment to adults, children and families in Yolo County.

In addition to her job as the Deputy Director of Clinical Programs for Yolo County Department of Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health services, Rodriguez teaches classes on early childhood development at the UC Davis Extension. Rodriguez is bilingual and approaches her work with a bicultural view, offering classes in both English and Spanish to community members.

“Social work is a demanding field, and Irma meets that demand head-on,” said Wolk. “She’s committed to providing our society’s most vulnerable citizens access with care and support. This is more than a job to her.”

Rodriguez is a member of the First 5 Yolo Children and Families Commission and also serves as an Adjunct Faculty Counselor at Sacramento City College, working with students that are in academic risk and in need of additional support and guidance. Rodriguez and her husband are currently raising two children in Yolo County.

The Assembly’s Floor ceremony is just one of several events that will occur on March 20th. The day begins with a breakfast reception hosted by Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante. Later Wolk and Rodriguez will be special guests at a reception with First Lady Maria Shriver, who will unveil a new exhibit at the California State Museum featuring all of California’s Women of the Year.

Assemblywoman Wolk’s past Women of the Year include Debby McGuire of Vacaville and Mary Stephens of Woodland. Wolk chooses honorees alternately from Yolo and Solano Counties each year.