San Diego Celebrates Women of Distinction, Honoring Immigration Attorney Maria Chavez

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Mayor Todd Gloria and the San Diego City Council honored ten “Women of Distinction” at Tuesday’s council meeting, March 10, 2026. Among those recognized was Maria C. Chavez, immigration legal director at Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA), named as the citywide “Woman of Distinction.”

Recognizing Leadership and Service

The annual “Women of Distinction” ceremony, initiated by Mayor Gloria five years ago, acknowledges the exceptional contributions of women in San Diego. The tradition began during his time in the state Legislature and aims to thank women for their dedication to improving the city. This year’s honorees were nominated by their respective City Councilmembers.

Maria Chavez: Champion for Immigrant Communities

Maria C. Chavez was selected for her more than 17 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and immigration policy. Mayor Gloria highlighted her significant contributions to the San Diego region, particularly her advocacy for policies and programs that support immigrant communities and promote equitable access to resources. Chavez also serves as the owner of Maria Chavez Law, representing clients in a wide range of immigration matters, including removal defense, family-based petitions, and humanitarian relief. She regularly presents on immigration topics and volunteers with organizations like the Community Law Project and the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Lawyers Club of San Diego, and the San Diego County Bar Association, and earned her law degree from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.

“At a time when the national rhetoric around immigration is so divisive and inflammatory, Maria’s leadership is especially meaningful,” said Mayor Gloria. “For the people Maria serves, this work is personal: a family trying to stay together, a parent trying to keep working and providing, a young person trying to stay in school and build a future. She is bringing clarity, compassion, and expertise to communities that too often face fear and misinformation.”

Other Honorees

In addition to Chavez, nine other women were honored for their leadership and service:

• Caryn Blanton (District 1, nominated by Council President Joe LaCava): Executive director of Shoreline Community Services, addressing urgent community needs through compassion and partnerships.
• Lynn Carol Haims (District 2, nominated by Councilmember Jennifer Campbell): Vice president of the Clairemont Town Council and president of the Clairemont Town Council Foundation, serving the community for nearly a decade.
• Ruth-Ann Thorn (District 3, nominated by Councilmember Stephen Whitburn): A pioneering Native American entrepreneur and business leader advocating for Indigenous communities.
• LaRaza Webb (District 4, nominated by Councilmember Henry Foster): Chief operations officer of Raimo Residence and a dedicated community advocate in southeastern San Diego.
• Diane Wavrik (District 5, nominated by Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert): Rancho YMCA and Escondido gymnastics program director and head coach, with over 34 years of service.
• Jemma Samala (District 6, nominated by Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee): President of the University City Community Association and a long-time community leader.
• Allison Garner (District 7, nominated by Councilmember Raul Campillo): Director of strategic partnerships and military relations at the Armed Services YMCA.
• Xochitl Alvarez (District 8, nominated by Councilmember Vivian Moreno): Director of graduate support at Nativity Prep, guiding students through college access and success.
• Rahmo Abdi (District 9, nominated by Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera): Director of campaigns and organizing at the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, empowering immigrant and refugee communities.

A Celebration of Impact

Mayor Gloria emphasized the vital role women play in shaping San Diego’s growth and progress. “When we advise the story of San Diego — how we grow, how we solve problems, how we take care of each other — women are not a chapter in that story. Women are authors of it,” he stated. “Our honorees represent the best of San Diego — and their impact isn’t abstract. It’s visible in lives improved, doors opened, neighborhoods protected, and families strengthened.”