Two Long Beach women recognized in Sacramento as 'Woman of the Year'

Two Long Beach woman were recognized on the floor of the State Assembly today as “2016 Woman of the Year” in their district as part of Women’s History Month.

Assemblyman Patrick O’Doell, D-Long Beach, honored longtime community advocate Chan Hopson, who was forced to flee Cambodia’s Killing Fields; Assemblyman Anthony Rendon, D-Paramount, recognized Sabrina Sanders, who works at the Cal State University Chancellor’s office supporting student academic programs at 23 campuses across the CSU system.

“Women like Dr. Sanders are the backbone of our communities,” Rendon said in a statement.

Sanders’ community involvement includes serving as president of the Hamilton Neighborhood Association, commissioner on the Long Beach Community Investment Company and member of the North Long Beach Whole Village Initiative.

Hopson was a high school teacher when she left Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge regime. Having survived the work camps, she arrived in America where she pledged to help as many Khmer children, women and families as possible, according to O’Doell’s office.

In 1995 she co-founded the Khmer Parent Association and served as its volunteer executive director for 20 years. KPA encourages young Cambodians to pursue higher education by coecting high-risk youth with mentorship opportunities.

“Ms. Chan’s courageous spirit and generosity have touched the lives of countless young people in our community,” O’Doell said in a statement. “Whether it is her advocacy on behalf of public health or her work with Khmer high school youth, her passion and tireless efforts are truly deserving of this recognition.”