San Diego city leaders honored ten women for their leadership and service to the community Tuesday morning, including a woman who played a crucial role in the recovery process of the January 22 floods.
The ceremony took place in council chambers at city hall on March 19.
This year's city-wide honoree is Liz Ramirez, CEO of the Chicano Federation. She helped families pick up the pieces after the big storm in January.
"For me, it's about connecting and giving back," said Ramirez during an interview with CBS 8 before the ceremony. "I'm a first-generation migrant, first-generation college student. I grew up low-income, and so for me, any time I connect with community I feel like I'm helping my own family."
The Chicano Federation owns some of the buildings hit hard during the January flooding, including an apartment complex on Delta Street, which suffered a lot of damage.
More than 70 people are still living in hotels, waiting to return home.
Ramirez and her team got to work, they brought in volunteers who helped clean up the mess. They donated food and supplies. Mayor Todd Gloria said her group played a crucial role in making sure the city and the county were kept up to date on what was happening and helping people get the resources they needed.
Other recipients:
Margaret Leinen - Oceanographer and leader in global climate and environmental issues
Kim Becker - President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority
Teresa Smith - Founder of Dreams for Change
Denise Matthis - Owner / broker of DEM Financial Services & Real Estate
Cynthia Collins - Leader of the Scripps Ranch Service Unit
Carol Kim - Business manager of the San Diego County Building and Construction Trades Council and CEO of the San Diego County Building Trades Council Family Housing Corporation
Amy Zink - Bayside Environmental Learning Center program manager
Dotty Gifeen - President of the Otay Mesa Advisory Board
Neo Kabashima - Co-founder and executive director of Karen Organization of San Diego