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

“For more than 25 years, Juanita has worked tirelessly on behalf of students providing our children a brighter future,” explained Schiff. “Her expansive efforts in educating and mentoring children demonstrate the potential just one dedicated individual can have on her community.”

Juanita has been a resident of Pasadena and Altadena for fifty-five years.  For the past 26 years, she has taught in the Los Angeles Archdiocese and Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD). During her career at PUSD, Juanita served on School Leadership Teams, School Site Councils, School Library Grant Writing Committees, the Pasadena Historical Society Curriculum Committee, and in a Professional Development Academy and Literacy Academy. 

Her focus on improving the lives of African American youth continues to be a central tenet of her efforts. She is an advisor and active supporter of the Mentoring & Partnership for Youth Development (MPYD), a male mentoring program at John Muir High School. She is a co-founder of Entering the College Zone, a National Black Child Development program; and a founding member and past president of the Pasadena Delta Foundation, which is the first African American Organization in the Pasadena area to establish a six-figure scholarship endowment fund. As chairperson of the Education Committee of the Pasadena NAACP Branch, Juanita has utilized the resources of a national organization to spearhead local education initiatives.

Today, Juanita can be found at the Pasadena Playhouse where she is a member and volunteers as an usher; or at the First AME Church where she serves as a Class Leader providing encouragement and service to her class members.  In addition to mentoring and advising children, Juanita has been a leading organizer in getting citizens registered to vote and out to the polls.

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.