10:01am | Fourteen women who have helped to shape the city of Long Beach were feted this past Sunday during the NAACP Long Beach Branch’s 2011 Women’s History Celebration and Recognition event.
The honorees, all members of the local branch, are well-respected, devoted women who interact in a positive manner on a family, spiritual, community and civic basis, said Naomi Rainey, president of the NAACP Long Beach Branch.
“This multi-group of selected women has changed the face of Long Beach,” Rainey said. “The honorees have not only been there for their friends and family, but for the community of Long Beach, as well. These women are all individually great role models.”
Rainey added that the women honored Sunday spend countless hours working hard to improve their communities — work for which they rarely receive recognition.
The honorees and why they were selected for recognition are:
Milia Islam-Majeed, religion and interfaith unity
Pamela Hale Burns, journalist and author
Jennifer Asenas Ph.D., higher education and community service
Tonya Martin, civil service and equality
Mary Carhee, education and volunteerism
Cmdr. Laura Farinella, public service and safety
Sarah Pol-Lim, diversity and community service
Constance Turner, corporate and community service
The Rev. Karyn Packard, hospital chaplain
Erma Varnado, gospel musician
Janice Filer Ed.D., public education
Gopi Saravati, music and cultural diversity
Ashley Ventri, music and cultural diversity
Kija Manhare, music and cultural diversity
March is Women’s History Month, and the Long Beach Branch NAACP annually recognizes significant women from the city of Long Beach who are making a difference in the community.