Six Community Leaders Honored by Senator Cervantes at the 2026 Women of Distinction Ceremony
Senator Sabrina Cervantes honored six outstanding women from the 31st Senate District – Leslie Altamirano, Kayla Booker, Dr. Micki Grayson, Danny McCarns, Mary Helen Ybarra - as 2026 Women of Distinction, and the 2026 Woman of the Year, Yolanda Esquivel, who was also recognized in March at the State Capitol.
Honorees
Leslie Altamirano – Leslie is currently serving as Vice President of the Rubidoux Community Services District. Previously a councilmember for the City of Jurupa Valley, she was the first Latina elected to represent her majority-Hispanic district, and she spearheaded much-needed infrastructure projects and homeless outreach. Through her role with the Jurupa District Lions Club and as Division Coordinator for the Jurupa AYSO, Leslie continues to empower Jurupa families and uplift the youth.
“I'm deeply honored to have received this recognition, especially as someone who's looked up to Senator Cervantes – I work alongside her and see her passion and continued leadership. I'm grateful and humbled to be here and thank you for this honor.”
Kayla Booker – Kayla is an empowerment advocate, community leader, and business owner based in Riverside’s Ward 1. Since 2016, Kayla has been the CEO of the nonprofit The Black Collective, spearheading initiatives that promote mentorship, career development, and entrepreneurial growth. As the daughter of an immigrant mother from Trinidad, Kayla draws strength from her diverse background and is dedicated to creating a brighter future for the community.
“It is truly an honor to be selected as the Rising Star for the Women of Distinction 2026. I’m incredibly grateful to be seen and appreciated for the work I pour into my community. I don’t do this work for recognition—I do it because I genuinely love serving my community and helping others. Being recognized is a reminder that the work matters, and for that, I am deeply thankful.”
Dr. Micki Grayson – Micki has worked for Riverside Community College District since 2013 and, in each of her roles, has been instrumental in guiding first-generation college students along the path to higher education. As Director of the Office of TRIO Programs at Moreno Valley College, Dr. Grayson has helped grow the program from a few hundred to nearly 1,000 students annually. In 2023, Dr. Grayson received the Dr. Margaret Hill Service Award for her steadfast advocacy for students and education.
“As I reflect on this incredible honor, I am reminded that none of us does this work alone. While I am deeply grateful for this recognition, it also belongs to the many colleagues, students, families, community partners, and friends who walk alongside me each day…together, we strive to create opportunities, remove barriers, and help students discover that they are, indeed, destined to succeed and purposed for greatness.”
Danny McCarns - For more than four decades, Danny has been a standout leader in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors. Since 2015, she has served as Executive Director of Peppermint Ridge, where her work has been transforming and truly life-changing for the Ridgers. She serves her community as a board member of the Corona Police and Community Partnership, as the Past President of the Circle City Rotary Club, and as the former Chair of the Corona Executive Leadership Roundtable.
“There are so many who give so much to our community, and to be recognized by Senator Cervantes as one of them is truly an honor.”
Mary Helen Ybarra – For the past 12 years, Mary has served with diligence on the board of the Corona-Norco Unified School District, including this year as President of the Board. She has also served her community in many roles – President of the CNUSD PTA Council, Vice President of the California Latino School Boards Association, and Past President of the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) Riverside Chapter. Mary, who also serves on the Corona Firefighters Association Board, has been a strong and steadfast advocate for bilingual education in the classroom, fair pay for teachers, and inclusivity in area schools.
“I’m thrilled and inspired to have achieved such a prestigious recognition. Thank you, Senator Cervantes.”
Yolanda Esquivel – 2026 Woman of the Year, Yolanda is a longtime advocate committed to enhancing the quality of life for our communities and future generations. A former teacher, Yolanda brought that leadership and passion for education to her role as a founding member of LULAC Riverside. Previously serving as President of the organization, Yolanda has worked to connect our neighbors with critical resources through health fairs, housing initiatives, student scholarships, and citizenship drives.
“Whenever my husband and I hear of problems within my community, I immediately start to think, how can we help?” said Ms. Esquivel. “As a teacher, you have to be a leader in your classroom. But the most important thing is to educate, to nurture, to love, and to defend our children.”