UKIAH, CA., 3/13/25 – Former schoolteacher turned climate activist Eileen Mitro, of Ukiah, was named Woman of the Year for California State Assembly’s 2nd District this week.
The annual award is bestowed upon women for their contributions to their respective districts. Assemblymember Chris Rogers, D-Santa Rosa, selected Mitro for co-founding Climate Action Mendocino.
Founded in 2017, the group promotes responses to climate change throughout Mendocino County, including to the Board of Supervisors and through educational programs for the public.
Mitro is also an active member of the Sanhedrin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society and the GrassRoots Institute, a Mendocino-based nonprofit dedicated to “progressive solutions for the common good.” She sits on its Climate Crisis Working Group.
“The work that Eileen has done, and continues to do, as an advocate and educator has touched the lives of thousands in our district,” Rogers said.
“We’re fortunate to have a fierce leader like her advocating for solutions to climate change, especially at a time when California is going to be the tip of the spear in resisting federal policies that could be disastrous for our environment,” he said.
Prior to becoming a climate activist, Mitro was a schoolteacher, administrator and English as a second language specialist in Santa Rosa. She retired in Ukiah.
In addition to her volunteer work with Climate Action Mendocino, she has volunteered on two county commissions, the Child Care Planning Council and the Healthcare Planning Council of Mendocino County.
Women from across the state gathered at the California State Capitol in Sacramento on Monday to receive their awards, according to Rogers.
Mitro said it was an honor to be recognized with the award.
“For those of us working hard every day on climate action, it helps a lot to be acknowledged for our continuing efforts. We work hard locally because we care about the climate and the future survival of those of us who live here. All of us on the North Coast deeply appreciate the beauty and bounty of our land, the friendliness of our people, and the ocean that influences our lives and nurtures us. We work to protect that,” she said.