Mayor Gloria Honors Immigration Attorney Maria Chavez, Other Local Women as ‘Women of Distinction’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 10, 2026

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SAN DIEGO - In celebration of Women's History Month, Mayor Todd Gloria named Maria C. Chavez, immigration legal director at Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA), as this year's citywide "Woman of Distinction." Chavez and nine other women, nominated by their City Councilmembers, were honored during Tuesday's City Council meeting for their leadership, accomplishments, and service to San Diego.

With more than 17 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and immigration policy, Chavez has made significant contributions to the San Diego region, advocating for policies and programs that support immigrant communities and promote equitable access to resources.

"When we tell the story of San Diego - how we grow, how we solve problems, how we take care of each other - women are not a chapter in that story. Women are authors of it," Mayor Todd Gloria said. "Our honorees represent the best of San Diego - and their impact isn't abstract. It's visible in lives improved, doors opened, neighborhoods protected, and families strengthened."

The City's "Women of Distinction" ceremony was initiated by Mayor Gloria five years ago to recognize exceptional women in San Diego and to thank them for what they do to make the City a better place for all of us. It is a tradition that dates back to the Mayor's time in the state Legislature.

Maria C. Chavez (Citywide Honoree): Maria C. Chavez is the immigration legal director at the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) in San Diego and the owner of Maria Chavez Law. She represents clients in a wide range of immigration matters including removal defense, family-based petitions, and humanitarian relief. Maria regularly presents on immigration topics and volunteers with immigrant rights organizations across San Diego, including the Community Law Project and the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Lawyers Club of San Diego, and the San Diego County Bar Association, and earned her law degree from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.

"At a time when the national rhetoric around immigration is so divisive and inflammatory, Maria's leadership is especially meaningful," said Mayor Todd Gloria his selection for the citywide honoree. "For the people Maria serves, this work is personal: a family trying to stay together, a parent trying to keep working and providing, a young person trying to stay in school and build a future. She is bringing clarity, compassion, and expertise to communities that too often face fear and misinformation."

Caryn Blanton (Honoree of Council President Joe LaCava, District 1): Caryn Blanton is the executive director of Shoreline Community Services in Pacific Beach, where she works to address the community's most urgent needs through compassion, equity, and strong partnerships. She oversees programs including The Compass Station, the Volunteer Community Outreach Program, the Medical Respite Hotel Program, and the Community Care Crew. With more than 20 years of experience, Caryn has dedicated her career to community building, workforce development, and advocacy for marginalized populations. She is widely recognized for bringing people together to strengthen services and support vulnerable community members.

Lynn Carol Haims (Honoree of Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, District 2): Lynn Carol Haims is the vice president of the Clairemont Town Council and president of the Clairemont Town Council Foundation, where she has served the community for nearly a decade. A resident of District 2 for almost 20 years, Lynn has led numerous initiatives including the annual Clairemont Garden Tour, the Morena Boulevard Banner Program, and the Transformer Box Beautification Project. She also helped organize Clairemont's 75th anniversary celebration. Lynn's dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on the Clairemont community.

Ruth-Ann Thorn (Honoree of Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, District 3): Ruth-Ann Thorn is a pioneering Native American entrepreneur and certified WMBE business leader who amplifies the voices of Native American communities within the San Diego business sector and across the United States. A registered tribal member of the Rincon Band of Luiseño / Payómkawichum Indians, she is dedicated to preserving and honoring Native American culture and heritage. Through her work, she advocates for greater recognition of Indigenous history and leadership. Ruth-Ann's resilience and commitment continue to inspire and uplift Native communities.

LaRaza Webb (Honoree of Councilmember Henry Foster, District 4): LaRaza Webb is the chief operations officer of Raimo Residence and a dedicated community advocate in southeastern San Diego. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Clark Atlanta University and a master's certificate in industrial / organizational psychology. In 2024, she served as an artist representative for the Art for Planetary Health initiative and was recognized as a "40 Under 40" Emerging Leader by the San Diego County Black Chamber of Commerce. In 2025, she co-founded The Block Club, a community initiative focused on preserving and promoting Black art and culture.

Diane Wavrik (Honoree of Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert, District 5): Diane Wavrik is the Rancho YMCA and Escondido gymnastics program director and head coach, with more than 34 years of service to the YMCA of San Diego County. A respected leader in the gymnastics community, she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from USA Gymnastics-Southern California. Diane serves more than 700 youth participants each month and leads a competitive team of over 130 athletes. Her dedication to youth development and excellence in athletics continues to make a lasting impact across the region.

Jemma Samala (Honoree of Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee, District 6): Jemma Samala is serving her second term as president of the University City Community Association and has been a dedicated community leader since moving to the area in 1999. She has led numerous organizations supporting local schools and youth, including the University City Little League and the UC High School Centurion Foundation. Jemma founded several community initiatives including the UC Fire Safe Council, the Holiday Adopt-A-Family program, and the revitalized UC Garden Club. Through her leadership, she continues to strengthen neighborhood connections and community engagement.

Allison Garner (Honoree of Councilmember Raul Campillo, District 7): Allison Garner is the director of strategic partnerships and military relations at the Armed Services YMCA, where she works to improve the lives of military families through impactful programs and partnerships. As a military spouse, Allison's advocacy is deeply personal and informed by firsthand experience. She has also served as president of the Family Readiness Group for the Mobile Bay and NSW communities, supporting resilience among military families. Allison holds a certificate in fundraising and development from UC San Diego Extension and is a member of the 2025 LEAD Impact San Diego cohort.

Xochitl Alvarez (Honoree of Councilmember Vivian Moreno, District 8): Xochitl Alvarez is the director of graduate support at Nativity Prep in San Diego, where she has led the school's college access and success program since 2009. For more than 15 years, she has guided hundreds of first-generation students and their families on the path from middle school through college graduation. The daughter of immigrant parents and a first-generation college graduate herself, Xochitl earned degrees from UC San Diego and the University of San Diego. She remains deeply committed to advancing educational opportunity and equity for young scholars.

Rahmo Abdi (Honoree of Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, District 9): Rahmo Abdi is the director of campaigns and organizing at the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, where she leads community organizing efforts and supports immigrant and refugee communities. Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, she came to the United States as a refugee and has dedicated her career to empowering immigrant youth and families. Rahmo founded the International Refugee Girls Association and previously served as executive director of Somali Youth United. A longtime City Heights resident, she is also a strong advocate for education, healthcare access, and S.T.E.A.M. opportunities for women and girls.

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