download print version
send page to a friend

Menifee Teacher Honored in Washington

WASHINGTON, DC –– Beatriz Valenzuela, teacher from Menifee, CA, has been named a
Woman of Triumph by Women Work! The National Network for Women’s Employment. She
will be honored in Washington on April 23 at the Women Work! National Conference for the
strength and determination she displayed in overcoming enormous obstacles and achieving
economic independence for herself and her children.

Each year, successful graduates of Women Work!’s nationwide network of job training and
education programs are honored at the National Conference. Valenzuela—a graduate of Women
Work! member the Women’s Resource Center at Southwestern College in Chula Vista, CA—
was forced to support her three children after the death of her husband. With no work history andlittle confidence in her English speaking and writing skills, the Women’s Resource Center’s 18-week College Success Skills course prepared Valenzuela to pursue an education.

“Beatriz’s story is shining example of why Women Work! takes a holistic approach to helping
women gain economic security for themselves and their families,” explained Jill Miller, Women
Work! President & CEO. “Across the country, Women Work! member organizations provide the
education and job training women need to launch their careers, as well as the support services
that enable them to complete training and succeed at work.”

“Like so many of the women who come through Women’s Resource Center, Beatriz had to deal
with financial strain, housing transition, a lengthy commute and arduous care-giving
responsibilities in addition to her schoolwork.” said Diana Avila, Coordinator of the Women's
Resource Center. “But, Beatriz was determined to succeed and used every resource our program had available to help her build a better life for her family.”

Valenzuela completed her Associate’s Degree with a 3.5 GPA. She earned a Master’s Degree in
Education and today is a Bilingual Resource Teacher at Bell Mountain Middle School. As the
developer of the Menifee School District’s first bilingual curriculum, Valenzuela is helping
others avoid the barriers to employment she faced as a young woman.

Women Work! The National Network for Women’s Employment is a nonprofit, nonpartisan
organization that advances economic justice and equality for women through education,
advocacy and organizing. Since 1978, the Network has assisted more than 10 million women to
successfully enter, re-enter and advance in the workforce. Through supporting, advocating and
increasing women’s economic self-sufficiency, Women Work! members strengthen families and
communities. For more information, visit www.womenwork.org or call (202) 467-6346.

# # #