By Voice & Viewpoint Staff
Each year, Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber highlights the beauty and diversity of the 79th Assembly District by providing the opportunity for constituents to submit nominations for honorees in a wide range of categories. This year The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint, along with other community leaders and small businesses throughout the 79th Assembly District were recognized in a culminating ceremony for their contributions and recognitions throughout 2023.
Awards and Honorees included: Small Business of the Year, The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint, Woman of the Year, California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber; Nonprofit of the Year, Elementary institute of Science; Senior of the Year, Chris Heiserman; Black History Month Awardees Carla Crudup and M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records; Women’s History Month Awardees Sarajevo Petty and Natalie Borchardt, Dr. Likaa Mohamad, and Jennie Hamilton; AAPI History Month Awardees Reverend Benson Mauga and Island Life Food; LGBTQ+ Pride Month Awardees Ben Mendoza and Visionary Dance Theatre; Latino Heritage Month Awardee Gustavo Vega; Filipino History Month Awardees Nelida Davis and Soul Sarap; and a very special Youth Leader of the Year award presented to Lincoln High School senior, Blessyn Lavender Williams.
YOUTH LEADER OF THE YEAR
Blessyn Lavender Williams is a senior honor roll student at Lincoln High School. Her journey is defined by her commitment to making a positive impact in underserved communities and empowering young women of color.
Blessyn is a youth leader within the Young And Prosperous Foundation, an organization with a mission to provide resources for youth and promote social justice, equality, personal growth, and educational development. As the President of Black Girls United, a student-led group under the foundation’s umbrella, Blessyn focuses on uplifting and empowering young women of color.
Her unwavering dedication to community service has led her to accumulate over 500 service hours through her involvement with the Young And Prosperous Foundation. Her commitment to making a difference is evident in her active participation in extracurricular activities. Blessyn is a valued member of the Lincoln High School varsity cheer, lacrosse, and tennis teams, displaying her versatility and leadership qualities.
In addition to her role as Class President and her participation in the Aaron Price Fellowship, Blessyn was elected by her peers to serve as a Student Board Member for the 2023-24 term with the San Diego Unified School District. Blessyn was also nominated as the 79th Assembly district Youth leader of the year. Her academic achievements are equally impressive, as she maintains a remarkable 4.1 GPA.
Blessyn’s journey is a testament to her ambition and dedication, as she aspires to attend a Historically Black College and University in the fall of 2024. Her ultimate goal is to become an Obstetrics and Gynecology physician, reflecting her commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of others through healthcare. Blessyn Lavender Williams is a shining example of leadership and academic excellence, with a promising future ahead.
