Burbank Women Named 25th Senate District's Women Heroes of the Pandemic

Burbank, CA (May 24, 2021) – California State Senator Anthony Portantino has announced the 28 honorees for the Women Heroes of the Pandemic Recognition Ceremony. This award recognizes woman  leaders for going above and beyond the call of duty to protect, serve, and heal the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the honorees are four Burbank women, including, Sharon Springer, Burbank Councilmember, who served as Mayor of Burbank during the COVID-19 pandemic and played an instrumental part in navigating the City’s pandemic response, like implementing urgency orders for face coverings, and eviction ordinances to protect renters and businesses impacted by COVID-19. Simone McFarland, City of Burbank Assistant Community Development Director of Housing and Economic Development, and Public Information Officer also earned recognition for her response during the pandemic. Through her leadership the City developed the City’s Economic Recovery Plan and created rental and small business assistance programs utilizing federal funding which led to the assistance of approximately 22 small businesses and 150 households to date.

Burbank Registered Nurses, Joyce Powell and Cynthia Triola of Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center were also among the honorees for serving at the frontlines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Their collective 67 years of medical experience provided them with the necessary expertise to adapt quickly to the pandemic and deliver quality services to all the patients in need.

Each of these honorees were nominated by their peers, supervisors, community advocates, family, or friends for demonstrating a kind of strength, compassion and leadership that helped guide the community over the course of the pandemic. The recognition ceremony will take place virtually on Wednesday, May 26 at 5:00 p.m. Please visit the following link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89837774233.

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