By Alba Ibarra
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation congratulates its Chief Deputy Director Norma E. Garcia for her recognition as Woman of the Year for the 22nd Senate District. Garcia made history in the department as she is the first woman to serve as Chief Deputy Director since the Department was created on July 1, 1944.
Before her appointment, she held the position of Deputy Director of the Department’s Planning and Development Agency. In her nine-year career with the Department, García held responsibilities in the areas of planning, acquisition, development, and asset management.
García is a passionate believer of building better communities throughout the County, and works tirelessly to achieve this through her active participation in many civic and professional organizations. She currently serves on the Board of New Economics for Women, an affordable housing and social services provider for women-led families.
She also serves as the President of the Governing Board of Trustees for Rio Hondo College, and she co-founded and serves on the Board of the El Monte Promise Foundation, which is an organization that helps create a seamless cradle-to-college pathway in the greater El Monte and South El Monte region.
García has formerly served on the El Monte City Planning Commission, the Watershed Conservation Authority, the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and the California Community Foundation’s Community Building Initiative.
“I am honored to recognize Norma Edith Garcia as the Woman of the Year for the 22nd Senate District,” said Sen. Ed Hernandez. “Her tenacity and determination to fight for communities in California has helped enrich countless lives. Due to her activism and local involvement, she is paving the way for future generations to have better access to green space, educational opportunities and economic empowerment. Thank you for all you do, Norma.”
García was presented a resolution in recognition of her achievements at an annual ceremony, sponsored by the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, on the California State Senate on Monday, March 12, 2018.
“I am humbled and honored to be recognized by Sen. Hernandez and to stand alongside courageous trailblazing women from throughout this great state that engage every day in building an inclusive and resilient California,” said García, 2018 Woman of the Year.
