San Bernardino League of Women Voters award Citizens of Achievement

Nine individuals and an Inland Empire nonprofit were named the San Bernardino Area League of Women Voters ‘2017 Citizens of Achievement.’ Each were recognized May 7.

Annually, the group honors locals for their active participation and contributions toward enriching the quality of life in Inland communities.

The 2017 honorees are:

Judith Ashton

Ashton was recognized for her leadership of the Citizens Climate Lobby, a grassroots advocacy organization on climate change policy. She serves on the Redlands Human relations Commission and actively volunteers in Smiley Library’s Adult Literacy Program. Ashton also was involved locally with the Redlands Hunger Walk, Family Services Summer Nutrition Program and Food Pantry.

Cesar Caballero

Caballero was honored for his leadership in establishing the Cal State University San Bernardino Library as a significant educational and social hub not only for the university, but also in the community. In the last four years, Caballero has helped make resources including laptops and video equipment available for student checkout, has implemented several programs that reach out to the community including poetry readings, guests artists and cultural exhibits.

Gwen Dowdy-Rogers

Dowdy-Rogers was recognized for mentoring teenage girls in San Bernardino and Rialto through her nonprofit, Young Women Empowerment. The group helps young women build and boost their self-esteem and prepares them for a better quality of life.

Dianne Landeros

Landeros was honored for her lifetime of community involvement and activism. She’s a board member of Planned Parenthood; founder of Step by Step, a re-entry coalition for parolees; founder and organizer of the Redlands Good Neighbor Coalition and the Citizens Climate Lobby.

Nellie Moore

Moore was recognized for her advocacy for the underrepresented and underserved through organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha and the National Council of Negro Women. She volunteers helping to provide clothing, holiday meals and toys to Option House and helps feed the homeless at Orange Valley Lodge in Riverside.

Ramona Ramos

Ramos was recognized for her outstanding community service. She is a staff member at School of Hope and is president of Kiwanis of Greater San Bernardino. She’s played a vital role in revitalizing the school’s campus and teaches students to make cards and crafts for veterans at the VA Hospital of Loma Linda.

Renee Richmond

Richmond was honored for her years of contribution to the Women’s Club of San Bernardino. She has served on the San Bernardino and Grand Terrace Women’s Club boards, spent countless hours as chair of the San Bernardino Club’s Shoe Sales, and helps at several other Club fundraisers. She’s volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley and the Guthrie Music Library. She’s an active member of the San Bernardino Symphony Guild and Red Hats.

Jamie Rios

Rios was recognized for his role as an outreach worker at San Bernardino High School. In addition to the work he does in helping meet the social and emotional needs of students, he has been involved in the Mr. & Ms. Cardinal City pageant. He guides students in volunteer work for the community including being ushers at the California Theater, visiting and reading to elementary school students and volunteering at homeless centers.

Betsy Starbuck

Starbuck is a board member of the San Bernardino Area League of Women Voters and was honored for her leadership on the successful campaign to pass a San Bernardino City Charter. Starbuck coordinated the campaign, reached out to potential supporters and organized fundraising.

The Swans Club

The Club was recognized for its debutante program and its almost 60 years of improving the lives of young women in the San Bernardino area. The Club has presented more than 600 young ladies in high school to society and has awarded more than $900,000 in scholarships through the program. The debutante program involves community service, public speaking and written and communication development, cultural enrichment and etiquette classes. It provides an opportunity for young ladies to strive for academic achievement, self-development, leadership and to help those in need.