President Soraya M. Coley was honored as California Senator Connie M. Leyva's (D-Chino) 2022 pick for "Woman of the Year" in celebration of her advocacy for both Cal Poly Pomona students and the success of the greater Inland Empire.

The event, held on April 16, brought together outstanding women leaders across the region and formally recognized Coley as Leyva's 2022 Woman of the Year honoree. Each year, members of the California State Senate acknowledge a Woman of the Year from their respective districts as part of Women's History Month.

"Since President Coley arrived at Cal Poly Pomona, she has certainly been an unrelenting and passionate advocate for students, staff, faculty and the community," Leyva said. "My office has worked closely with her and the polytechnic university throughout her tenure and we have built a strong relationship that I know has served the Cal Poly Pomona community and my entire Senate district and region well during all these years."

Coley has a long history of working with Leyva, having previously been a keynote speaker and host of her Young Women's Leadership Conferences, as well as bringing in the university as a partner for events such as the California Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and "Career Day with Connie," hosted at various elementary schools across the district.

"Whenever my office calls upon President Coley to partner on one of our many projects and efforts, she is always there," Leyva shared. "I can think of no more deserving person than President Soraya Coley to recognize as 'Woman of the Year' for 2022."

In her prepared remarks, Coley said that her own achievements were possible only because of the path blazed by other women, specifically acknowledging the influence of her mother, grandmother, mentors and prominent educators.

"As an educator and university scholar, my own journey could not have been possible without the sacrifices and commitment of countless women who came before me," Coley said.

The event concluded with a Q&A discussion moderated by CPP student and ASI Secretary of External Affairs Raisa Majid.