Sen. Blakespear Announces Woman of the Year

Vista resident Jennifer Ianoale to be honored at March 20 ceremony

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, announced today that she has selected Jennifer Ianoale of Vista as the Senate District 38 Woman of the Year.

Ianoale, who is director of Unicorn Homes in Oceanside and serves on the Vista Public Arts Commission, has worked for many years to support the LGBTQ community and has devoted endless hours to community activism and public service.

“Jennifer’s commitment to serving her community is admirable and inspiring,” Blakespear said. “She has been a tremendous resource to the North San Diego County LGBTQ community, providing support and education to all who need it, and housing and counseling to at-risk youth. I am delighted to recognize Jennifer Ianoale as District 38’s Woman of the Year.”

In celebration of Women's History Month, each year members of the state Legislature recognize a woman from the district they represent for their outstanding accomplishments and service to their communities. The 2023 Woman of the Year designees will be honored in a special ceremony at the state Capitol on Monday.

Unicorn Homes is located at Oceanside's North County LGBTQ Resource Center and provides housing and resources to youth who often have been kicked out of their homes after coming out and face mental, physical, and emotional trauma. While providing a safe place to live, Unicorn Homes aims to reunite families whenever possible and helps youth reach their goals by providing mental health resources, job training and independent living skills.

In addition to her work at Unicorn Homes, Ianoale has been a community leader for decades, working as an activist and on many pro-equity political campaigns, educating others about LGBTQ issues and engaging with, and supporting, at-risk youth. She is also currently a member of the MiraCosta College LGBTQ Advisory Board and vice president of the Democratic Club of Vista.

Blakespear represents Senate District 38, which covers northern coastal San Diego County and part of Orange County and includes the communities of Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside and Mission Viejo.

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Jennifer Ianoale