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March 24, 2009

Joylene Wagner Named a "Woman of the Year" in the 29th Congressional District

Official Seal of the US House of Representatives

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Contact: Sean Oblack (202) 225-4176

Joylene Wagner Named a “Woman of the Year” in the 29th Congressional District

Washington, D.C. – On Saturday at a reception in Pasadena, Representative Adam Schiff honored Joylene Wagner for her commitment and service to Glendale by naming her a “Woman of the Year.” 

“Joylene has made a tremendous difference in improving the education of our kids,” said Schiff.  “Her dedication to our schools and her selfless service to the Glendale community make her well deserving of being named a Woman of the Year.”

Joylene and her husband Robert moved to Glendale in 1981, where they both became active in the Adams Hill Homeowners Association.  They are very proud of their 3 children, who all attended Glendale schools.  Their daughter Meg now teaches children with autism in Fairfax County, Virginia, son Will serves on the staff of Senator Arlen Specter, and son Nick will graduate from Glendale High School this year.

Since 1985, in addition to singing in the First United Methodist Church choir, Joylene has split her time between volunteering in the schools and community and working part-time teaching children’s choral music either at church, in Glendale elementary schools, or at the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus. Her community involvement has included serving on the boards of Glendale Healthy Kids, Verdugo Workforce Investment, Los Angeles County School Trustees Association, and the League of Women Voters, as well as on the Glendale Arts and Culture Commission.

Before her election to the Glendale Unified School District Board of Education in 2005, Joylene worked locally as a substitute teacher and completed graduate work in education. She has since served as the Board’s President, working to find ways to enrich and increase student learning through arts instruction and career-technical education opportunities. In the face of drastic state funding cuts and in an effort to ensure budgetary support for educational priorities, Joylene has facilitated creative, courageous, and cooperative community conversations about what is most essential for student success.

Every March, during Women’s History Month, Rep. Schiff honors one outstanding woman from each of the communities in the 29th Congressional District.  These women come from all walks of life and represent the thousands of women who make a positive impact in our region.  While there are no specific criteria for nomination, Rep. Schiff looks for women who — through their work or volunteerism — have improved the quality of life for our community.

Rep. Schiff represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.