Senator Portantino Selects Rose Queen Louise Deser Siskel as Woman of the Year for Her "Trailblazing Leadership"

State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge) has selected Rose Queen Louise Deser Siskel to represent the 25th State Senate District, which includes Pasadena, in the 2019 California Legislative Women’s Caucus Woman of the Year recognition awards.
Every year, the California State Legislature honors one woman from each district and invites them to a recognition ceremony in Sacramento. Senator Portantino said he is honored that Siskel has agreed to represent the 25th Senate District.
“She has distinguished herself as an amazing leader, not just displaying poise while the entire world watched her in the Rose Parade but through her trailblazing leadership,” Portantino said. “She embraced the responsibility of being selected Rose Queen with a bold civic agenda, impressed everyone who has encountered her during this past year and exemplified intelligence, confidence and maturity.”
Siskel thanked Portantino for recognizing her leadership in the Royal Court, and in promoting the causes of young women in the LGBTQ and Jewish communities.
“I feel lucky to be honored among a group of truly dedicated women who make the world a more kind and welcoming place,” Siskel said. “This year, as the 101st Rose Queen, I had the opportunity to promote scientific thinking, education, and inclusion. This recognition encourages me, and I hope will encourage others, to advocate for these values.”
The California State Legislature first recognized March as Women is History Month in 1987 and has continued the tradition. Each year, members of the State Legislature recognize the exceptional women in their districts with a celebration commemorating their accomplishments and positive impact on our communities.
This year’s Women of the Year ceremony is set for March 4. Siskel and her parents will fly to Sacramento for the event.
Siskel is currently a high school senior at Sequoia School and resides in San Marino.