Solano Commission for Women and Girls names new representatives

The Solano Commission for Women and Girls has announced new representatives.

Edith Thomas, executive director of Connections for Life in Vacaville, will represent the city. Connections is a nonprofit serving significantly disabled adults who receive supported and independent living services throughout Solano County.

She previously worked with the California Department of Rehabilitation in Sacramento as a community resources development specialist facilitating federal grants and establishing new services. Her 30 years of experience working with a diverse group of disabled people included being a vocational rehabilitation counselor.

Dr. Andrea Lemos, deputy superintendent of Educational Services and Student Programs at the Solano County Of fice of Education, will represent that agency. She has worked in preschool through 12th grade schools and programs as a special education teacher, school administrator and district leader.

In 2019, Lemos was the statewide chair of Special Education Administrators of County Offices. Her focus is partnering to create high quality, equitable and inclusive learning environments with an emphasis on student voice and culturally responsive practices.

The Solano Commission for Women and Girls was established in 2018 to improve the economic status, health, social welfare and overall quality of life for women and girls by providing community education and recommendations to the Solano County Board of Supervisors.

The commission is comprised of representatives from each of the Solano County Supervisors, each of the seven cities in Solano County, and a representative from the Solano County Board of Education.

For the last two years the Commission has been deeply involved creating a “report card” on the status of Women and Girls which was presented to the Solano County Board of Supervisors in June.

New officers for SCWG were also recently elected. They include:

• Laura Petty, Chair;

• Jennifer Hamilton, ViceChair;

• Gayle Vaughan, Secretary; and

• Sakina Ali, Treasurer. The Solano Commission for Women and Girls meets from 6-8 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month (except July) in the multipurpose room of the County Administration Building, at 675 Texas Street, Fairfield, or virtually on zoom.

The public is welcome to attend.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/SolanoCommissionforWomenandGirls or https//www. solanocommissionwomengirls.com.