DAWN LEGACY VOLUNTEER AWARD
MERI MABEN
Meri is a longtime DAWN member and supporter whose dedication to public service reflects the values of our organization. Through her leadership, advocacy, and volunteerism, she has made a lasting difference in the lives of women, children, and families throughout our community.
Meri served as District Director for Congressman Mike Honda during his 14 years in Congress. Her extensive public service has been recognized with “Woman of the Year” honors for Assembly District 26 and the City of Campbell.
A tireless advocate for equity, Meri served as a Santa Clara County Women’s Commissioner and as Board Chair of the Healthier Kids Foundation, helping children access support for vision, dental, hearing, and emotional health needs. She currently serves as Board Chair of the San Jose Library Foundation, continuing her commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening our community.
Meri has also devoted countless hours to supporting progressive candidates and helping elect leaders who share her commitment to equality and justice. Her work has touched many lives, and her longstanding support of DAWN and its mission to elevate feminist champions reflects the spirit of the Legacy Volunteer Award.
Meri’s generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service make her a deserving nominee for this recognition.
EQUITY AND JUSTICE AWARD
REBECA ARNENDARIZ
Rebeca Armendariz’s community advocacy began in high school, when she organized for Hispanic instruction at Gilroy High School and walked precincts to register voters. Her work has continued through campaigns for agricultural workers, immigrant communities, and other underrepresented groups.
As a founding board member of CARAS, the Community Agency for Resources, Advocacy and Service, Rebeca has helped build a lasting organization dedicated to advocacy, services, and cultural events for underserved Gilroy residents.
Today, she is actively leading the organization against the proposed ICE detention facility in Gilroy, helping residents understand the proposal and participate in public opposition. She has also worked to advance AB 1633, legislation on taxing private detention facilities, which is on Governor Newsom’s desk.
Rebeca’s approach combines education, organizing, and public participation. She encourages community members to speak for themselves, brings people together around shared concerns, and continues working on issues that affect South County residents. Her decades of involvement reflect a sustained commitment to community representation and civic engagement.
RISING ORGANIZER
MADDY CHANG
Maddy Chang is a senior at Lynbrook High School whose commitment to community service and civic engagement is reflected in the many ways she contributes her time and leadership. She regularly volunteers at community events, attends City Council and school board meetings, and participates in local and countywide initiatives.
Maddy serves as the youth representative for the Santa Clara County Democratic Party and Chief of Staff of the California High School Democrats.
She is also the sole youth member of the Sunnyvale Sustainability Commission, where she advocates for youth engagement in local government and environmental policy.
Her involvement extends to the Sunnyvale Literacy Intervention Program, Youth Advisory, Youth-on-Commissions Campaign, Senior Center, FUHSD Climate Collective, and InterDistrict Council, which represents five high schools. She has also served as an intern manager and helped lead two Youth Takeover Meetings, demonstrating how students can participate in civic decision-making.
Through these roles, Maddy has worked on climate issues, school curriculum, youth representation, civic education, and voter engagement. She balances these commitments with her schoolwork while continuing to show up for her community.
Maddy’s example demonstrates the meaningful contributions young people can make when they are given opportunities to participate, lead, and be heard.
GEM AWARD
HON. PATRICK AHERNS
Patrick Ahrens has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to supporting women, families, and communities through both his leadership and public service. As an Assemblymember, he has made women’s leadership a priority, including appointing the first Hmong woman to serve as his Chief of Staff.
Patrick has also used his position to advocate for programs that directly affect women and families. When federal funding for Head Start was threatened under the “Big Ugly Bill” he organized an extraordinary bipartisan effort, bringing together more than three-quarters of California legislators to urge Congress to protect the program. Head Start remained fundedWorking with Dianna Zamora-Marroquin at Planned Parenthood, Patrick helped secure millions of dollars in funding and supported Planned Parenthood workers during their efforts to unionize with SEIU Local 521.
Patrick has also been a longtime supporter of DAWN and its work to elevate and elect women. Across these efforts, he has consistently used his position to open doors, amplify women’s voices, and create opportunities for women to lead.
His commitment extends to education and economic opportunity. Patrick has helped childcare providers access Spanish-language certification programs at Foothill College and other locations throughout the community, helping remove barriers to professional advancement.