SACRAMENTO - Assemblymember Nicole M. Parra (D-Hanford) announced Patricia Cowles as her selection for the 2008 Woman of the Year for the 30th Assembly District.

"Patricia Cowles embodies the wonderful spirit of community and giving that is so prevalent throughout the 30th Assembly District. She has been a teacher, a mentor, and a friend to so many individuals throughout her life," said Assemblymember Nicole Parra. "Pat is devoted to improving the lives of those around her and to making this world a much better place. This honor is just a small token of appreciation for the many terrific things Pat has done for our community."

Patricia Cowles taught English as a Second Language (ESL) for almost two decades with the Bakersfield Adult School, including terms as ESL Department Chair and as a mentor teacher. She helped establish and run a "Conversation Café" for students on weekends that paired English language learners with volunteers from the Kern County community so students could gain greater confidence in speaking English. Ms. Cowles has been given a number of educational awards based on her commitment to her students and the school district. She is married to Jim Cowles and they are proud parents of two children and equally proud of their four grandchildren.

Ms. Cowles is a former Peace Corps volunteer, along with husband Jim, in Malawi, Africa where she trained young African women to be teachers. Belonging to one of the very first Peace Corps projects launched by the United States helped shape her desire to teach and give to others. She has been a long-time volunteer with the local Habitat for Humanity and volunteered for a week in New Orleans to help with the recovery effort there after Hurricane Katrina. Currently, she tutors two second-grade classes every week in Bakersfield.

"Every individual makes a difference in the lives of those around them. I feel humbled to receive this honor from Assemblymember Parra, and I would like to share it with the thousands of people who contribute so much to our community every day," said Patricia Cowles. "I am grateful for family, friends, colleagues and students who have inspired me with their courage, strength and wisdom. I've been blessed with wonderful life teachers."

The Woman of the Year event is held annually to commemorate extraordinary women in California actively working toward making a difference in their respective communities. On Monday, March 10, 2008 honorees convened in Sacramento for a special ceremony held on the floor of the State Assembly.

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