Hemet Resident Honored as Assembly District's 'Woman of the Year'

The following is a press release from the office of Brian Nestande: 

Assemblyman Brian Nestande, R-Palm Desert, Monday honored Darleana McHenry as the 2014 Woman of the Year for the 42nd Assembly District during a special Assembly ceremony at the State Capitol.  McHenry has committed her life’s work to education and has been key to bringing STEM educational programs to her community in Hemet. 

“Darleana’s passion for students has led her around the world and now back to her hometown of Hemet. Through her work she is educating students from some of the lowest income areas to grow their interest in science and ensure they make education a priority in their lives. She is an exemplary leader that shows us all the importance of finding creative solutions to community issues,” said Assemblyman Nestande. 

McHenry has a PHD in Exceptional Education with a focus on Children and Youth from Nova Southwestern University. In 2013, she started the St. Carrie’s Center SMART Academy in Hemet which provides after school education STEM programs for underserved students. The program has been very successful and has given students hands-on lessons to enhance their learning. Prior to this, she conducted research on education techniques that has spanned five continents on topics ranging from how to keep marginalized children out of the criminal justice system to how the brain acquires a second language. She also serves as CEO of the St. Carrie’s Center for Human Development which provides training for teachers, parents and school districts on the best strategies for providing an effective education.

“I am honored to receive this award and am thankful for all of the support I have received from my community, staff and volunteers. We believe that all children have the right to receive a quality education and are doing our part every day to meet that goal,” said Darleana McHenry.

Held annually, the Woman of the Year ceremony celebrates California’s extraordinary women. Started in 1987 to help commemorate Women’s History Month, the event has become an annual Capitol tradition to salute community service. Honorees are presented with a framed certificate from the State Assembly recognizing their outstanding contributions during a special ceremony in the Assembly chambers.