Rep. Chu Honors Local Women for Community Service in San Gabriel Valley

On Saturday, April 13, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) hosted her 14th annual Congressional Women of the Year Awards Ceremony to honor women from the San Gabriel Valley who have contributed to their communities through service, organizing and leadership. Among this year’s honorees were Mo Hyman and Arpi Krikorian from Pasadena, and Katy Townsend from Altadena.

The ceremony recognized women who were nominated by people in their own cities and communities.  Chu represents the 28th Congressional District, which encompasses cities in the San Gabriel Valley region of Southern California.

“The annual Women of the Year Awards Ceremony is among the highlights of my year,”  Chu said in a statement. “The honorees have stood out in our communities because of their commitment to give back to the San Gabriel Valley.”

Mo Hyman, a founding member of College Access Plan, a Pasadena nonprofit that helps students pursue higher education, was recognized for her work promoting educational equity. Arpi Krikorian, a proud Armenian artist residing in Pasadena, was honored for her efforts to celebrate and preserve Armenian culture. Katy Townsend, a prominent figure in Altadena, was recognized for her 29-year career in the cosmetics and beauty industry, where she is renowned as both a service provider and educator.

Hyman is deeply committed to College Access Plan’s mission and finds immense fulfillment in working with students daily. She earned a BA in English from Michigan State University, an MA in English from the University of New Mexico, and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Southern California. Beyond her role at College Access Plan, she contributes her expertise to Collaborate PASadena’s Leadership Council. One of Hyman’s proudest professional achievements was College Access Plan’s involvement in the civil rights action that contributed to ending the University of California’s use of entrance exams for admissions and scholarships.

Krikorian, who was born in Beirut, Lebanon, founded her creative enterprise in 2015 after her journey to embrace her heritage. Her collection was featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art during the ARMENIA! exhibition from 2018 to 2019. Currently,  Krikorian is collaborating with Twiddle Productions Inc. on an animated series entitled “Stories of Armenian Hope,” which endeavors to sensitively introduce children to the Armenian Genocide.

Townsend’s salon has garnered recognition from notable figures like Congressmembers Adam Schiff and Judy Chu. She has been inducted into the International Educator Hall of Fame and is the newly-elected President of the California Cosmetology Association Inc. With a focus on unity and professional development, she aims to elevate the beauty industry.

The other honorees at Saturday’s ceremony included women from Alhambra, Arcadia, Claremont, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, San Marino and South Pasadena, who were selected for their outstanding contributions to their respective communities.

“Every single honoree has been selected through an exhaustive process that begins with a nomination from their neighbors, friends, or family—the people in their communities who know them best and see their service up close,”  Chu said.