Assemblymember Cervantes Announces Priscilla Grijalva of Eastvale as 2023 Assembly District 58 Woman of the Year

(SACRAMENTO, CA)--Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D – Riverside) announced Priscilla Grijalva as the 2023 Assembly District 58 Woman of the Year.

Priscilla Grijalva is a student advocate and school counselor within Corona-Norco Unified School District. For nearly two decades, Ms. Grijalva has provided mentorship and increased awareness of educational opportunities to students in our Inland Empire region, from organizing FAFSA Nights and College Signing Day to her continuous advocacy in her role as a school counselor. Ms. Grijalva’s tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, and have garnered recognition by Forbes, the U.S. Air Force, and former first lady Michelle Obama.

Ms. Grijalva’s dedication to her profession extends beyond school, as she also serves on local, state, and national school counselor committees to lend a voice in decisions affecting our students. In her advocacy, she implemented College Signing Days, Beating the Odds Summits, Reach Higher initiatives, as well as a podcast with college and financial aid tips.

“Through her work as a school counselor and as a student advocate, Priscilla Grijalva has gone above and beyond to expand access to educational opportunities and provide mentorship to ensure the success of her students. Her dedication and passion to uplifting youth in our communities is truly inspirational and serves as an example for others to follow,” said Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes. “For these reasons and more, I am so proud to honor Priscilla with this well-deserved recognition as 58th Assembly District Woman of the Year! Congratulations and thank you for your outstanding commitment to the students and future leaders of California!”

“I am extremely grateful, humbled, and honored to be recognized by Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes. No recognition can be accomplished alone. I would like to thank God for blessing me with amazing people in my life who have supported me: My parents, sister, nieces, family, friends, and my administrators at Citrus Hills Intermediate School—Dr.  Stuart Payne, Allison Hawkins, Heidi White—as well as all my administrators at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, in particular, Anita Shirley who was my counseling administrator, my mentors, the staff, students, and community members I have worked with over the years. And to one of the best school counselors I have worked with in my career, Rob Yoshida.  My dream is that all students would have access to a comprehensive school counseling program with equitable outcomes,” said Priscilla Grijalva.

During the annual Woman of the Year celebration, a woman from each Assembly District is honored in the State Capitol. Each honoree was introduced on the Assembly Floor and received a resolution honoring her accomplishments. The annual event has been a Capitol tradition since 1987 as a way to highlight the achievements of outstanding women throughout the state during Women's History Month in March.

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Sabrina Cervantes is a wife and mother of triplets who proudly represents the 58th District of the California State Assembly, which encompasses the Inland Empire cities of Grand Terrace and Jurupa Valley; portions of the cities of Corona, Eastvale, and Riverside; and the unincorporated communities of Coronita, El Cerrito, Highgrove, and Home Gardens. Cervantes also serves as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus.