HONORING JAMELA SMITH-FOLDS AS ONE OF CALIFORNIA'S 8TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT'S WOMEN OF THE YEAR

On 2026-10-01, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-8) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING JAMELA SMITH-FOLDS AS ONE OF CALIFORNIA'S 8TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT'S WOMEN OF THE YEAR" in the House.

HONORING JAMELA SMITH-FOLDS AS ONE OF CALIFORNIA'S 8TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT'S WOMEN OF THE YEAR

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 156 (Thursday, October 1, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 156 (Thursday, October 1, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1001-E1002] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JAMELA SMITH-FOLDS AS ONE OF CALIFORNIA'S 8TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT'S WOMEN OF THE YEAR ______ HON. JOHN GARAMENDI of california in the house of representatives Thursday, October 1, 2026 Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Jamela Smith-Folds as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Jamela Smith-Folds is an exceptional member of the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) Board of Trustees, and she has proven herself an extraordinary leader in her 15-year career in education. A pillar of our community, her deep commitment to student success is rooted in her own remarkable journey. As a child, Jamela Smith-Folds struggled with reading until a single teacher recognized her potential and invested time in her igniting her lifelong passion for learning, This experience shaped her core philosophy every child deserves to be seen, taught, and championed. She has served as a WCCUSD classroom teacher, homeschool educator, devoted parent [[Page E1002]] volunteer, and leader of numerous school organizations. From coaching at Hercules Middle School to advocating for families, she has always focused on uplifting others. In 2020, her dedication culminated in her election to the WCCUSD School Board, where she has found one of her greatest joys serving the community as Trustee. Since taking office, Trustee Smith-Folds has distinguished herself by an unwavering, uncompromising commitment to equity and justice. She played a pivotal role in establishing the school district's equity policies, leading with both heart and backbone to ensure education systems serve all students equitably. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Jamela Smith-Folds for her positive contributions to our community. ____________________