Worker center director woman of year Worker center director woman of year (March 28, 2003)

Lieber commends other day laborers for emergency response training

Maria Marroquin, director of the St. Joseph the Worker Center, was named Woman of the Year by Assembly member Sally Lieber.

"We thought of a lot of folks but the name that always came to the top was Maria's," said Lieber.

Marroquin was recognized for her activism and involvement as a community leader and for her commitment to ensuring fair pay and safe working conditions for day workers at the center.

Marroquin, a former day worker herself, also helped to unite the workers with legal advocates at the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund.

"I've been really impressed by her taking such a leadership role in the community," added Lieber, who first met her during city council meetings where Lieber was on the council.

Marroquin traveled along with her family and 16 day workers, many of whom were making their first trip to Sacramento, earlier this week for the honor.

Women from other Assembly districts in the state were recognized along with Marroquin at a reception hosted by Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante.

Lieber also congratulated 26 day workers who completed the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Program. Expanded since 9/11, the CERT program trains people in skills including CPR, first aid, fire suppression, search and rescue, and disaster psychology.

The workers began their courses in Spanish last year and graduated last Saturday.

-- Candice Shih