Warm Holiday Wishes & Celebrating Our 2025 Community Honorees
Dear Neighbor,
As the year comes to a close, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. The holiday season offers a chance to reflect, recharge, and appreciate the strength and connection of our community. I am deeply grateful for your continued engagement, partnership, and support throughout 2025.
One of the highlights of this year has been recognizing the incredible individuals, organizations, and small businesses who uplift our district through service, leadership, and dedication. Each month, our Community Recognition Program has allowed us to spotlight those making meaningful, positive impacts across our neighborhoods.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Your nominations help showcase the heart of our community and the people who make it truly special.
Celebrating Our 2025 Community Recognition Award Recipients
FEBRUARY
Unsung Hero Honoree: Tasha Williamson
Tasha is the co-founder of the San Diego Compassion Project, a community first-responder initiative that assisted over 80,000 individuals from 2008 to 2019. The program mobilized organizations and community members to respond to scenes of violence, offering immediate support to victims and families of homicide survivors. Tasha has worked directly with law enforcement at crime scenes to provide critical victim support while simultaneously pushing for policy changes to reduce over-criminalization. She co-developed community-police engagement training, bringing together law enforcement, probation officials, and marginalized communities to foster dialogue and accountability.
Black Business Honoree: Coop’s BBQ
Coop's BBQ has become a beloved staple in San Diego's barbecue scene since its opening in 2010. Founded by Brad Cooper, affectionately known as "Mr. Coop," the restaurant quickly gained a loyal following by blending the low-and-slow cooking techniques of Texas BBQ with the rich, flavorful elements of soul food. In 2023, after a difficult financial year, the Coopers made the difficult decision to close their doors. However, the support from community was overwhelming, with lines stretching down the street, as the community rallied around their favorite BBQ joint. Touched by the tremendous outpouring of love, Brad and his wife, Tara, decided to keep Coop's BBQ open, opening the doors on weekends so they could continue to serve the San Diego community.
MARCH
Woman of the Year Honoree: Caroline “Cara” Dessert
Caroline Dessert was selected as Woman of the Year in recognition of her outstanding leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to community engagement. Through her work with the San Diego LGBTQ Community Center, Cara has demonstrated an exemplary role in advancing California’s progress by fostering inclusion, equity, and meaningful support for underserved communities. Her dedication to empowering individuals and strengthening community connections reflects the very spirit of service and innovation that drives positive change across our state.
APRIL
Senior of the Year Honoree: Evelyn Smith
Evelyn Smith has shown lifelong dedication to family, community, and civic engagement. Born in Greensboro, Alabama, she moved to San Diego, where she and her late husband raised two daughters and stayed active in their education. Her volunteer work spans the PTA, Girl Scouts, high school booster clubs, and the Elementary Institute of Science. She later worked with the Convention and Visitors Bureau to share her love of the city.
After her husband’s passing, Evelyn deepened her community involvement, serving multiple terms as President of the Emerald Hills Neighborhood Council and advocating for local improvements. She also serves on the City of San Diego’s Park and Recreation Board and volunteers regularly at a local food pantry, including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dedication continues to make a lasting impact on those around her.
Senior of the Year Honoree: Stephanie Mahan
Stephanie Mahan was selected for recognition for over 40 years of service to education and the 39th Senate District community. During her 34-year career with San Diego City Schools, she served as a teacher, mentor, program director, assistant principal, and principal, helping to shape California’s educational standards and curriculum.
Beyond her career, she co-founded a nonprofit supporting local churches and has led workshops at the district, state, and national levels. An active member of Maker’s Church and the Delta Upsilon Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., she has held leadership roles and mentored others, exemplifying authentic relationships, strong communication, and lifelong learning. Her contributions to education and community empowerment make her a truly deserving honoree.
Senior of the Year Honoree: Robert “Cactus Bob” Walter
Robert Walters, affectionately known as “Cactus Bob,” has been a dedicated volunteer and community leader in the Azalea Park neighborhood of City Heights for many years. He has played a key role in neighborhood cleanups and has led the maintenance of the Azalea Water Conservation Garden since its installation in 2010. He also captains Creek to Bay and Coastal Cleanup Day events in Parque Linda, helping transform unused land into vibrant community spaces.
A Vietnam veteran who served as a medic and later worked as a registered nurse in San Diego, Bob brings a lifetime of service to all he does. Now nearing 79, he remains active through volunteer work, long walks, and caring for his own impressive garden. His unwavering commitment to beautifying public spaces and uplifting his neighborhood makes him truly deserving of recognition.
MAY
AANHPI Community Leader Honoree: Debbie Justeson
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board President Debbie Justeson was honored with this award for her long-standing service to the community. A resident of La Mesa, she has been an educator in East County for more than three decades, teaching at institutions from the preschool to university levels. She is currently serving her fourth term as President of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board, overseeing East County’s largest institution of higher education. She is the first Asian American to serve as Board President and has been pivotal in the District’s ability to serve nearly 20,000 students each year.
Small Business of The Year Honoree: Speech Tree
Speech Tree exemplifies what it means to be a Small Business of the Year. Their commitment to family-centered care goes far beyond therapy sessions, ensuring that every family they serve feels supported, informed, and empowered. They actively advocate for families by working with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, insurance providers, and local representatives to help ensure access to essential services. In addition to exceptional clinical care, Speech Tree provides educational workshops for parents, creating opportunities for learning and support outside of regular appointments.
JUNE
LGBTQ+ Community Leader Honoree: Edwin Lohr
Mr. Edwin Lohr was selected as LGBTQ+ Leader of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and his unwavering commitment to advancing equality and justice. His dedication, leadership, and advocacy have made a meaningful impact and exemplify the values and spirit of this recognition.
AUGUST
Youth Leader of The Year Honoree: Nyema Curtis
Nyema Curtis embodies academic excellence, leadership, and service. With a 4.2 GPA and over 400 community service hours, she has made a strong impact in her school and community. Nyema is not only the captain of Lincoln High School’s varsity cheer team but also a member of the girls’ softball team, helping lead the team to its first League and CIF Championships.
Nyema serves as Class President for the Young and Prosperous Class of 2026, Vice President of the Student Senate, and is a graduate of the Delta G.E.M.S. program. She has represented Lincoln in several leadership programs, including California Legislative Black Caucus African American Leaders for Tomorrow, the Aaron Price Fellows Program, and the California Youth Think Tank, where she received a USC Leadership Award. Her dedication and ability to inspire others make her a deserving Youth Leader of the Year honoree.
Youth Leader of the Year Honoree: Stelios Ortega
At 15, Stelios Ortega is already making a significant impact at the School of Entrepreneurship & Technology in San Diego. He founded the Heritage Club to celebrate cultural identity and launched Set for SET to support student success. As 10th-grade class president, he created an online safety program for incoming freshmen.
A legislative intern invited to the U.S. Naval Academy’s STEM Program, Stelios inspires others through leadership, volunteerism, and service, making him a strong Youth Leader of the Year candidate.
OCTOBER
Filipino American Community Leader Honoree: Arielle Cook
Arielle was selected for her dedication to improving the well-being of communities of color in Southeast San Diego. As the daughter of Filipino immigrants and a community leader, she expands access to mental health and occupational therapy services, particularly in neighborhoods facing isolation and loneliness, through community-based therapeutic and engagement programs.
She also serves diverse populations with compassion and care by supporting people experiencing homelessness, empowering adults with developmental disabilities, and contributing to LGBTQ+ and student communities through volunteerism, mentorship, and leadership. Her service and advocacy make her a standout leader in Southeast San Diego and a model of Filipino American excellence.
Filipino Small Business Leader Honoree: Aaron Wellman
Aaron Wellman was selected for his outstanding leadership, professional excellence, and contributions to the Filipino American community. With over 17 years of experience leading operations and strategy for global hospitality and entertainment brands, he is known for visionary leadership, scalable systems, and building strong teams.
As a Filipino American business leader, Aaron serves as a mentor and role model, creating opportunities for others and championing inclusion. Beyond his professional work, he is deeply committed to community advocacy and ensuring all voices are valued.
Reflecting the spirit of Filipino American Heritage Month, Aaron represents the intersection of professional success, cultural identity, and community uplift, making him a true trailblazer in the Filipino American business community and beyond.
NOVEMBER
Native American Community Leader Honoree: Barona Band of Mission Indians
The Barona Band of Mission Indians was selected as Senator Weber Pierson’s Native American Community Leader of the Year in recognition of their longstanding commitment to uplifting families throughout our region. Their continued support of the Senator’s Annual Turkey Giveaway and Health Fair, along with their generous educational grants and contributions to the Annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway, has made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless children and families. Their dedication to service, education, and community partnership exemplifies true leadership and embodies the spirit of giving that strengthens our community.
I am truly grateful for all of this year’s honorees. Their accomplishments and dedication to the community are truly admirable and deserving of recognition.
As we look ahead to a new year, I remain committed to uplifting our neighborhoods, supporting local voices, and continuing to honor the people who make our district strong. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright beginning to 2026.
My office is here to assist you with state government services and other legislative business. Please contact my Capitol Office at (916) 651-4039 or my District Office at (619) 688-6700.