What Being Named Woman of the Year Means

Being named Woman of the Year is one of the most impacting acknowledgments to receive. It is much more than embodying a strong woman who makes a difference in our community. It is recognizing the difference we can make in multiple people's lives. What does being named Woman of the Year mean to District 78?

It means in a world of high homelessness, poverty, and hopelessness that we choose to stand tall with incredible mental strength. It means to promote a better life for those around us, and to empower our community to do the same.

A humbling experience, Steph Johnson was named Woman of the Year 2020 by District 78 Assemblyman Todd Gloria.

Johnson was honored next to many phenomenal women who live, work, volunteer, or attend school in the 78th Assembly District. These are the women we see on the front lines of issues in our community, the women who dedicate their time to bettering District 78. The ones who help watch their district prosper and grow.

The soulful Jazz musician saw a way to combine two passions close to her heart: music and humanitarianism.

"Through the Voices of Our City Choir, I have found my purpose," Johnson says. "Combining my love of music and compassion for people, I formed Voices of Our City 3 1/2 years ago -- a choir for people experiencing homelessness. Voices of Our City is more than a singing group that offers fellowship and a respite from life on the streets. The choir is a 501(c)(3) with more than 250 members. During and after weekly choir practice, members are counseled and directed to locally available services".

Johnson notes, "I am allowed the daily freedom to love and empower the people around me to heal, recover and thrive. It is a dream come true for my staff, volunteers, board of directors and I that we can TRULY help an individual suffering homelessness. When hope returns, anything is possible."

Steph Johnson is humble, loving, shows perseverance, and is our Woman of the Year for District 78.