Accomplished Local Women Celebrated at Senator Anthony Portantino’s 25th Senate District Women in Business Luncheon

California State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (La Cañada Flintridge) honored women from Pasadena and Altadena with the Women in Business Awards, during the annual 25th State Senate District Women in Business Legislative Update and Awards Luncheon December 4 at The Castaway in Burbank.

The Women in Business Award, initiated by former Assemblymember Jack Scott over two decades ago, recognizes local women who have contributed to the economic vitality and diversity of the 25th Senate District.

The awards also celebrate women who have contributed to the greater good of the community.

The Women in Business awardees included Meredith Miller from Altadena (for Small Business), Dr. Srpouhi Gasparyan (Medicine), Michelle Kim and Vickie Reinhardt (Non-Profit), Cantor Ruth Berman (Inspirational), and Dominique Hargreaves (Environment and Sustainability), all of Pasadena.

This year’s luncheon featured Dr. Lucy Jones as keynote speaker.

Jones founded the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society and is a Research Associate at the Seismological Laboratory of Caltech. She has been at the forefront of all seismic movement experienced in California and nationwide.

The awards event included live music performed by the Pasadena Conservatory of Music and Cantor Ruth Berman Harris.

“It is a pleasure to honor successful women in the 25th State Senate District,” Portantino said. “Having a wonderful spouse who is a thriving business executive gives me a unique window into the challenges, opportunities, and successes of women business leaders throughout my district. The women we honored this year are impressive and humble servants for their non-profits, businesses, and professions. It is important to pause and to thank our deserving honorees for their successful service that touches all of us in such a positive way.”

Senator Portantino is the Chair of the California State Senate Select Committee on California Armenia, Artsakh Trade Art and Cultural Exchange. He recently returned from his third trip to Armenia and New York City where he helped launch the historic trade MOU signed by Governor Newsom and the Government of Armenian.

The award’s main objective is to celebrate exceptional women whose professional skills and commitment to their community have made them leaders and trailblazers in the 25th Senate District. Honorees come from a varied spectrum of professions, including science and technology, corporate and small business, environmental protection, as well as non-profit organizations, according to a statement from Portantino’s office.