Dr. Katrina B. Mitchell, third from left, with State Sen. Brian Jones, left, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, State Sen. Monique Limón, and Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Mike McGuire. (California State Senate photo)
Dr. Katrina B. Mitchell, third from left, with State Sen. Brian Jones, left, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, State Sen. Monique Limón, and Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Mike McGuire. (California State Senate)

Dr. Katrina B. Mitchell, a breast surgeon, lactation consultant and perinatal mental health provider at Sansum Clinic, has been honored by the California State Legislature as one of its Women of the Year, presented in recognition of Women’s History Month.

Dr. Mitchell was selected by State Sen. Monique Limón as one of the women who is making an impact on the Central Coast.

“It is my honor to celebrate the work of Katrina B. Mitchell, MD., as one of my Women of the Year honorees,” said Limón. “She is doing critical work providing care to women and mothers throughout Santa Barbara County.

“Through her advocacy she has made a tremendous impact on women’s health throughout the Central Coast and I am grateful for her continued service to thousands of women in Senate District 21.”

“It was a great honor to receive this award from Senator Limón, particularly in her role as vice-chair of the bipartisan California Legislative Women’s Caucus,” Dr. Mitchell said.

“Her commitment to women’s health and initiatives that support our communities is commendable. This award will continue to inspire me in my clinical practice, research, and advocacy for improving women’s health locally, nationally, and internationally,” Limón said.

The origins of the Woman of the Year ceremony go back to1987 when Assemblymembers Bev Hansen and Sally Tanner organized the first celebration to uplift the remarkable women throughout California.

Since its inception, state legislators have honored some 2,000 California women. The yearly event is now organized by the California Legislative Women’s Caucus.