Dr. Sylvia Ulmer recognized at Susan B. Anthony Awards

By Mayra Barrios

The 2012 Susan B. Anthony awards recognized the talent and dedication of ten women in San Joaquin County in a ceremony held at the Stockton Golf and Country Club on Thursday February, 16.

The San Joaquin County Commission on the Status of Women created the Susan B. Anthony Women Awards 36 years ago to honor women’s achievements.

Dr. Silvia Ulmer,Director of Elementary Education at Stockton Unified School District.

Among the recipients of the 2012 award is Dr. Sylvia Ulmer, Director of Elementary Education at Stockton Unified School District (SUSD).  Born in El Salvador, Ulmer came to the United State at the age16 years old and worked alongside her family, harvesting the crops of the region.

“While working in the fields, Sylvia began what was to become a life calling to mentor and courage and to communicate to others the importance of education,” said Carl Toliver, SUSD Superintendent, while presenting the award.

“I feel honored to receive this award,” said Ulmer. “I want to thank my mother and my father for modeling for us the true meaning of services to others, they taught us to appreciate education and to set our goals and fight for our dreams.”

“I have known and worked with Sylvia for over 20 years,” said Toliver, “she is a remarkable woman; her life is filled with humility and determination.”

This year also includes awards recipients Lisa Marie Cooper, Barbara Daly, Bette Floyd-Okanlawon, Lori Gilbert, Amour Gonzales, Kathy Grant, Karen Munro, Della Richardson, and Van Ha To-Cowell.